Supervisory Wildlife Biologist (District Supervisor)

Summary You will serve as a District Supervisor within the USDA, APHIS, WS. Primary duties involve assisting in the planning, developing, organizing, and administering of complex operational and technical assistance programs designed to efficiently, effectively, and safely reduce wildlife damage that adversely impacts agricultural interests, human health and safety, property, and natural resources. Responsibilities The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Through immediate supervisor, plans, organizes, coordinates, and executes complex WS programs within a work unit designed to efficiently, effectively, and safely reduce wildlife damage. Conducts continuing reviews and evaluations of projects and activities within the work unit to determine effectiveness and compliance with required operating procedures. Directs and oversees the work unit’s Federal and, where applicable, cooperative employees (collaborators), possibly including subordinate supervisors, administrative staff, wildlife biologists, etc. Plans work to be accomplished by subordinates, establishes and adjusts short-term and long-term priorities, and prepares schedules for completion of work. In consultation with the supervisor, determines required staffing levels and organizational structure in relation to budgets and project needs. Interviews, selects, and hires candidates for positions in coordination with the supervisor. Participates in required training sessions, on-the-job developmental activities, and temporary details. Assists with the development and implementation of long-term strategic plans based on WS Directives and program needs. Meets with and informs County Commissioners, city councils, and cooperators about complex and often controversial WDM programs. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: Biological science that included: At least 9 semester hours in such wildlife subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, or research courses in the field of wildlife biology; and At least 12 semester hours in zoology in such subjects as general zoology, invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, cellular biology, parasitology, entomology, or research courses in such subjects (Excess courses in wildlife biology may be used to meet the zoology requirements where appropriate.); and At least 9 semester hours in botany or the related plant sciences. OR Combination of education and experience: equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), with at least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester hours in zoology, and 9 semester hours in botany or related plant science, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the basic requirement you will also need to meet the following: FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Knowledge of wildlife damage management to solve complex human - wildlife conflicts. Experience with supervisory techniques to effectively oversee a workforce of federal and cooperatively funded employees to plan, develop, and administer a wildlife damage management program. Experience supervising or leading projects pertaining to the protection of livestock, focusing on large predators. Experience in ensuring direct reports comply with federal/state/local laws, regulations, ordinances, and policies, to include, but not limited to, the National Environmental Policy Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Endangered Species Act, and Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in one of the following degree fields: Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, or Wildlife Management. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Reemployment Priority List (RPL): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP or RPL eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. Promotion Potential: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. Worksite Information: This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Additional information regarding ad hoc, occasional, or reoccurring telework may be obtained at a later time from the hiring manager or program during the hiring process. RELOCATION INCENTIVE: A relocation incentive may be offered for this position. Incentives are subject to agency policy, the specifics of individual job offers, and will be considered at time of selection. An incentive is not guaranteed. A service agreement will be required.