Biologist

This position is located within the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 5, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum located in Philadelphia, PA. Rate of Pay GS-09 - $68,013-$88,421 GS-11 - $82,289-$106,982 Pay will vary based on grade level for which you're selected. First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.

At the full performance level (GS-11) the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following: Plans, develops, coordinates, and implements biological and habitat management projects, including invasive species control, habitat restoration, and wildlife management activities. Designs and conducts field investigations, monitoring, and assessments to evaluate invasive species distribution, treatment effectiveness, habitat conditions, and wildlife population or resource management needs. Develops and implements invasive plant management strategies, coordinates treatment and monitoring activities, and evaluates results to support habitat restoration and long-term resource management. Coordinates and implements the mentored archery hunt, including biological planning, participant and partner coordination, scheduling, logistics, data collection, public communication, and evaluation of hunt results. Collects, analyzes, and interprets biological, ecological, geospatial, and program data and prepares maps, databases, reports, and other products to support habitat and wildlife-management decisions. Coordinates biological and conservation activities with Federal, State, Tribal, local, nonprofit, and community partners, including collaborative invasive species, habitat restoration, and mentored hunting initiatives. Prepares work plans, technical reports, briefings, presentations, and recommendations concerning invasive species management, habitat restoration, wildlife management, and public-use programs. Represents the Service at professional, partner, and public meetings and provides technical biological guidance and outreach related to refuge habitat, wildlife, invasive species, and mentored archery hunt activities. Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level. Physical Demands: The work involves a substantial amount of field work. When engaged in field activities, the work is at times strenuous, requiring exertion such as walking over wet, rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities. The work requires average agility and dexterity. Travel to remote study sites may be required via boats, small aircraft, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and/or on foot. Extended periods of camping in tents or cabins in remote field camps may occur. Incumbent must be able to cope with the pressure of short time deadlines, responsibilities of logistics to remote areas, cultural conflicts, and adverse weather conditions. The incumbent may be required to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Work Environment: The work requires both office and outdoor work. The office is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated. Frequent travel by various means of surface and air transportation is required to attend meetings and to conduct field work. A variety of temperature and weather extremes may be encountered while in the field. The incumbent may be subject to large numbers of biting insects and may be required to work in close proximity to large animals such as deer, elk, bear and moose. He/she may need to carry a firearm for personal protection from wildlife. In addition, the incumbent may be exposed to work situations involving hazardous substances, and must comply with Service health and safety policies, including appropriate safety clothing and equipment. The incumbent is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow workers, or property.

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. Direct Deposit participation required. You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work. You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 5 nights per month. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit www.dhs.gov/EVerify/. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment. You are required to wear a uniform and comply with the uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. You may be required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority. You must be at least 18 years of age or older to operate government vehicles. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated. This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. *Additional Requirements located under qualifications*