Supervisory Research Biologist

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service • Starkville, MS

8h • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located at a National Wildlife Research Center field station in Starkville, Mississippi. The position provides research leadership and supervision for an assigned NWRC research project. The incumbent leads and advances research on reducing human-wildlife conflict, coordinates research conducted by scientists and support staff in support of the Wildlife Services mission, and maintains an active research facility.

At the full-performance level, the work involves discovering, evaluating, and developing methods, technologies, and delivery systems for managing overabundant or pest vertebrate species, with an emphasis on mammals and birds. The position coordinates research and development with NWRC scientific collaborators, regulatory units, and managers; field-tests control methods and technologies; and identifies ways to improve their efficacy, efficiency, and selectivity or reduce undesirable characteristics using knowledge of animal behavior and population processes. Assignments at developmental grade levels are more limited in scope, complexity, and independence.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship or U.S. national status.
• Selective Service registration or exemption for individuals born male after December 31, 1959.
• Satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of a one-year probationary period unless previously served.
• Successful completion of a one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable.
• New USDA supervisors must complete all components of the required training program before the end of the supervisory probationary period.
• Enrollment in direct deposit for federal payments.
• Successful completion of the E-Verify employment verification check.
• A valid state driver's license at the time of application.
• Enrollment in Continuous Vetting.
• A degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a related discipline appropriate to the position, or equivalent coursework plus appropriate experience or additional education.
• For the GS-13 level, at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12, including strategic direction of a research program and leadership of a research team, with management of staff, budgets, and equipment.
• For the GS-13 level, experience independently planning and conducting broad and complex research studies in captive and field settings, emphasizing wildlife biology and/or ecology of fish-eating birds.
• For the GS-13 level, experience conducting studies that provide tools, information, and solutions for integrated wildlife damage management to protect agriculture, natural resources, property, and human health and safety.
• For the GS-13 level, experience communicating research findings through peer-reviewed scientific publications, reports, and presentations to diverse stakeholders.
• Transcripts are required to document qualifying specific coursework or a degree from an accredited school, college, or university.
• Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the announcement closing date.

Responsibilities

• Provide research leadership and supervision for an assigned NWRC research project.
• Lead and advance research to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
• Lead and coordinate research conducted by scientists and support staff in support of the Wildlife Services mission.
• Maintain an active research facility.
• Discover, evaluate, and develop methods and technologies for managing overabundant or pest vertebrate species, especially mammals and birds.
• Develop effective and economical delivery systems for methods and technologies targeting vertebrate animals.
• Coordinate research and development with NWRC scientific collaborators, regulatory units, and managers.
• Field-test applications of control methods and technologies.
• Recommend improvements to control technologies, including improving efficacy, efficiency, and selectivity or reducing undesirable characteristics, informed by animal behavior and population processes.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior