Deadline: Sun, 02/19/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: USDA Job Field: Wildlife Job Type: Full Time Location: Illinois Location Detail: Zion Job Description: Responsible for organizing and conducting direct control operations to reduce wildlife damage within a geographical area, or technical/subject area of program involvement. • Uses WDM tools/devices which may include some or all 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. • Utilizes working knowledge of WDM methods and strategies to independently recommend appropriate WDM strategies which alleviate wildlife damage for cooperators and the general public through technical assistance. • Independently determines and selects the most effective means of control for individual situations. • Maintains inventories and compiles reports of government-provided equipment and supplies including locations, acquisitions, returns, losses, and reason therefore. • 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. • 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. • Must be familiar with a range of various threatened and endangered species, and their habitats, that are or may be affected by program activities within area of jurisdiction. • Demonstrates a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devices and materials, and equipment. • May assist WS research efforts by participating in field tests of proposed damage control materials, devices or methods or providing biological or other specimens. Qualifications: 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: • Managing human-wildlife conflicts and demonstrating knowledge of the 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: The incumbent serves as a Biological Science Technician within the Wildlife Services (WS) Program of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), responsible for developing and implementing a Wildlife Hazard Management Program to minimize wildlife hazards and enhance human safety. The incumbent coordinates project activities and performs assignments involving project management. The technician assists with other wildlife damage management projects and spends much of their time working independently and with other state/federal wildlife personnel. Salary: $44,766-$64,655 per year How to Apply: REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: • Resume (include days/months/years worked, work schedule, and grade level if federal) 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, Hours worked per week, Dates of employment; Title, series, grade (if applicable) 4) All supervisors' phone numbers and if they may be contacted 5) Other qualifications, such as transcripts (if qualifying on education) • Transcripts (if qualifying on education) • DD-214 (Member 4 copy), if applicable for Veteran’s Preference • 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. 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: Anthony Hoffman, Assistant District Supervisor USDA Wildlife Services 3430 Constitution Dr., Suite 121 Springfield, IL 62711 Anthony.M.Hoffman@usda.gov
