Deadline: Fri, 02/24/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: USDA Job Field: Wildlife Job Type: Full Time Location: Virginia Location Detail: Farmville Job Description: DUTIES: Responsible for organizing and conducting direct control operations to reduce wildlife damage within a geographical area or technical/subject area of program involvement. Inspects and surveys areas and, as necessary, will revise existing WDM programs in close consultation with higher-level management. Uses WDM tools/devices which may include some or all of the following depending on need in assigned area: firearms; foothold, body-grip, cage traps; foot snares; neck snares; chemical control methods; pyrotechnics; noise cannons/exploders; drop nets; rocket/cannon nets; various other scaring devices. Assists Wildlife Biologists by correctly identifying current, and forecasting future damage, problems and relating them to the damage-causing species. Independently determines and selects the most effective means of control for individual situations. Modifies or adapts established damage control techniques as necessary to meet local conditions and address specific environmental, economic or political considerations. Assists in the negotiation of cooperative service agreements with landowners, lessees, or administrators to accomplish the goals outlined for the WS program. Enters data into established WDM database/system of record. Uses data to prepare and submit routine reports regarding daily, weekly or monthly activities, observations, and events. Assists in conducting demonstrations and training for others, including other cooperators or other interested groups, on WDM methods, procedures, and program objectives. Complies with restrictions and mitigation measures established through consultation with relevant Federal and State agencies. Carries out duties in accordance with program decisions made in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) under guidance and oversight by supervisor. Performs other duties, as required. Qualifications: QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: For the GS-5 Grade Level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-4 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, federal) sectors which demonstrate experience in: Experience in wildlife damage mitigation methods and techniques. Experience using lethal and non-lethal animal control techniques. Conducting basic computer operations for record keeping, data analysis, report writing and correspondence. OR Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree with major study, or at least 24 semester hours, in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as biology, chemistry, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics, with at least 6 semester hours in wildlife. OR Combination of Education and Experience at the GS-5 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. For the GS-6 Grade Level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-5 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, federal) sectors which demonstrates experience in: Dealing with human-wildlife conflicts and principles of wildlife damage management. The requirements of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Endangered Species Act, and National Environment Policy Act. Conducting wildlife damage assessments, counts and abundance surveys. The use of firearms, traps, snares, pesticides, immobilizing drugs, pyrotechnics, electronic harassment devices, and other non-lethal control tools. Creating/maintaining public contacts to formulate assistance strategies that incorporate technical assistance and operational control techniques. OR Successfully completed 1 year of graduate education (18 semester hours) in wildlife. OR Combination of Education and Experience at the GS-6 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 Miscellaneous: REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Resume that includes: 1) Personal information such as name, address, contact information 2) Education 3) Detailed work experience related to this position as described in the announcement including Work schedule including hours per week Dates of employment; Title, series, grade (if applicable) 4) All supervisors' phone numbers and if they may be contacted 5) Other qualifications Transcripts (if qualifying on education, education must have been obtained from an accredited institution. Education completed in a foreign institution must include an evaluation by an organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs that it was deemed equivalent to an accredited U.S. education program, see: Foreign Education Evaluation. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.) DD-214 (Member 4 copy) VA letter required if claiming disabled Veteran’s Preference Current active-duty members must submit a certification that they are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Salary: GS-5 $36,118 - $46,953 GS-6 $40,262 - $52,341 How to Apply: HOW TO APPLY: Additional materials not listed above (i.e. position descriptions, training certificates, etc.) may not be considered. Applicants who do not submit the required items listed above may not be considered. Applications with all supporting documents must be submitted to the contact office and must be RECEIVED by the CLOSING DATE of this announcement. Interested individuals should send a resume, transcripts, veteran documentation (if applicable) to the address listed here: email preferred. CONTACT OFFICE: USDA APHIS Wildlife Services Chad Fox 105 B Ponderosa Drive Christiansburg, VA 24073 (540)381-7387 Chad.j.fox@usda.gov
