AMVETS Jobs

Summary This position is a Wildlife Refuge Specialist, GS- 0485-11/12 working in Alamo, TX for the R2-South Texas Refuges Complex. Responsibilities The major duties listed represent the grade level of GS-12. At lower grade level, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. As a Wildlife Refuge Specialist your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Oversees, reviews and approves land and aquatic conservation activities, habitat creation, restoration, and contaminant projects, research studies, population studies, wildlife inventory, and monitoring activities to include species lifecycle requirements and management at assigned Refuge/WMD(s). Ensures all projects comply with national, regional, and Refuge/WMD policies, regulations, and mandates. Develops long-range plans, annual work plans, budgets and work schedules. Implements short, medium, and long-range operation plans based on existing or approved plans, and coordinates work schedules for equipment and resources with other Refuges/WMDs within the Complex. Oversees, administers and/or develops required National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation including Environmental Assessments (EAs ), Environmental Impact Statements (EISs ), Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSis), Categorical Exclusions (CEs), Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 consultations, archeological resource clearances, etc. (or major portions thereof). Coordinates with Refuge Complex senior management in the development of required NEPA documentation. Oversees and administers Comprehensive Conservation Plans, Habitat Management Plans, Land Acquisition and Protection Plans, etc. Plans and administers the Refuge/WMD's public relations/public use program including off-refuge programs, interpretive and educational programs, hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and other recreational management activities. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Only experience and education obtained by 05/24/2024 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification. Basic Requirement: Degree: zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate field of biology that included at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; and 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology. NOTE: Transcripts required. OR Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in one of the fields described above that included at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; and 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology, plus appropriate experience or additional education. NOTE: Transcripts required, and your resume must contain sufficient detail describing this level of experience to meet this standard. OR Previously occupied a position in the GS-0485 series prior to December 3, 2010, and meet the basic education requirement of the previous qualification standard. Previous standard: bachelor or higher degree with major in zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate field of biology, that includes 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in wildlife; and 9 semester hours in botany. NOTE: To qualify under this option, you must submit a copy of your SF-50 (Personnel Action), dated prior to Dec 3, 2010, showing that you held a position in the GS-0485 series. Minimum Qualification [GS-11] Possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service that equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position and that is typically in or related to the work of this position to be filled. Specialized experience may include: 1) planning, administering, evaluating, managing, and/or operating some programs, activities and projects associated with conserving and managing fish and/or wildlife resources for a large program; 2) managing fish and/or wildlife resources on public or private lands for the purpose of providing critical habitat for fish and wildlife. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient detail at this level of work, e.g., begin/end dates, hours worked per week, duties performed, etc. for each timeframe for consideration. OR Possess 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. NOTE: Transcripts required. OR Possess a combination of specialized experience and graduate education as described above that, when combined, equals 100% of the total requirement. Only graduate education beyond the second full year (36 semester hours) is creditable using this method. NOTE: Transcripts required, and your resume must contain sufficient detail describing this level of experience to meet this standard. Minimum Qualification [GS-12] Possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service that equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position and that is typically in or related to the work of this position to be filled. Specialized experience may include: 1) planning and directing a broad variety of management operations in a natural resource setting; 2) planning, directing, and evaluating all aspects of a wildlife management program; 3) developing long and short-term management plans; 4) leading a staff of professional and nonprofessional personnel. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient detail at this level of work, e.g., begin/end dates, hours worked per week, duties performed, etc. for each timeframe for consideration. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Time In Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet both eligibility and qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the JOA. Specifically, i. Area of Consideration. ii. Time-in-grade (TIG) requirements as specified in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. iii. Time after competitive appointment as specified in 5 CFR 330.502. iv. Qualification requirements outlined in OPM's Qualifications Standards for General Schedule Positions or for Federal Wage System (FWS), wage grade positions, applicants are evaluated using the OPM Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations and the job element examining method Your SF-50 will be used to confirm you meet all requirements Education PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts. PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society. GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study. FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov) Additional Information PCS INFORMATION: -Yes, entitlements for payment of basic moving expenses, as required and to the extent allowed by the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) 302-3.101, are authorized for eligible applicants changing duty station when the change meets the distance tests as provided in FTR 302-1.1 and 302-2.6. All moving expenses are taxable. -Discretionary entitlements are not authorized for this position Telework: This position is suitable for telework and may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval. Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP):Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. CTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP, applicants must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), score at least 85 on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/" The Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA),P.L. 114-47, allows certain individuals who currently or formerly were under time-limited competitive appointments at certain land management agencies to compete under merit promotion procedures. Note: You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment that qualifies for LMWFA. Performance documentation can be obtained by contacting the supervisors for the positions you served in during your 24 months. If they did not complete performance appraisals ask them to provide a statement of performance for each period of service. The statement must specify the dates for each employment period and your level of performance (dates should match the dates on the SF-50s). Current appointees: Must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited appointment with a land management agency; Must have served under 1 or more time limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years; AND Must have performed at an acceptable level. Former appointees: Must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited appointment with a land management agency; Must have served under 1 or more time limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years; Must apply for position within 2 years after separation; Must have been separated for reasons other than misconduct or performance; AND Must have performed at an acceptable level.