Deadline: Fri, 03/24/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: USDA Job Field: Wildlife Job Type: Full Time Location: South Carolina Location Detail: Orangeburg County 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. 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: MINIMUM ELIGIBLITY REQUIREMENTS: To qualify, applicants MUST meet all minimum qualification requirements, except Medical Requirements, by the closing date of the announcement. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Specialized experience at the GS-4 grade level: Applicant must have 6 months of general experience and 6 months of specialized experience (equivalent to GS-3 level) to perform the work of the position. Examples of qualifying experience include, but are not limited to: • Experience using damage control techniques, including, but not limited to, predator, rodent and bird control toxicants, techniques, traps, snares and formulating scents and baits. • Inspecting and surveying areas with the ability to recognize various wildlife species. • Meeting and communicating with individuals or groups. • Recognize habits, characteristics, and habitats occupied by a variety of avian and mammalian wildlife species. OR Education substitution at the GS-4 grade level: Successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must be directly related to the position to be filled. 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: • Identifying North American wildlife species. • Experience in the principles of wildlife ecology and management in support of a wildlife management program. • Experience in preparing baits and setting traps in accordance with standard procedures. • Experience keeping routine and basic records of daily activities and observations. 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. 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. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-04/05/06 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. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: • 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. MINIMUM ELIGIBLITY REQUIREMENTS: To qualify, applicants MUST meet all minimum qualification requirements, except Medical Requirements, by the closing date of the announcement. HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED Applicants who meet basic minimum qualifications may be referred to the hiring manager for selection. Qualified candidates eligible for veterans’ preference will receive referral and selection priority over non-veterans. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: (if applicable to your position) • Must obtain or have a valid state driver’s license. Operation of Government-owned or leased vehicles is required. (if this applies) • As a condition of employment, appropriate security clearance is required for this position. • Position is subject to random and applicant drug testing. • Must demonstrate a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devices, and equipment. • Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution. • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about EVerify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/. • In order to perform the essential duties of this position, you must have the legal and physical ability to possess and discharge firearms. You must be able to pass a government background check and meet any additional requirements to carry and use firearms. A background check will include answering questions about where you’ve lived, worked, went to school, and any military history or police records. Selection and retention in this position is contingent on a successfully adjudicated FBI National Criminal History Check (fingerprint check). 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 for applicable Veteran preference, if this applies. • 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: $34,584 - $54,625 per year 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: CONTACT OFFICE: Noel Myers, State Director 400 Northeast Drive, Suite L Columbia, SC 29203 (803) 786-9455 noel.e.myers@usda.gov
