Deadline: Tue, 03/19/2024 - 12:00pm Employer: USDA Job Field: Wildlife Job Type: Full Time Location: Virginia Location Detail: Manassas, Virginia Job Description: This position is located with the Wildlife Services (WS) Program, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Manassas, Virginia. The assignment involves the performance of duties relating to wildlife management and use of control techniques aimed at controlling wildlife damage, when it conflicts with man’s economic interest, health or safety. The incumbent will assist with the implementation of an integrated bird (gulls, vultures, crows, starlings) harassment program to reduce damage and conflicts associated with large concentrations of birds using the Prince William County Landfill. The incumbent will be required to independently conduct integrated bird harassment and lethal removal activities at the Prince William County Landfill with input and guidance from the Assistant District Supervisor and District Supervisor. Work environment may include weather extremes and dirt/mud and dust associated with a landfill facility. DUTIES: 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 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. 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. Modifies or adapts established damage control techniques as necessary to meet local conditions and address specific environmental, economic or political considerations. 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. 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. 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. Conducts all operations using approved safety procedures and in accordance with local, State and Federal laws and regulations, and USDA, APHIS, and WS policies Assists in conducting demonstrations and training for others, including other cooperators or other interested groups, on WDM methods, procedures, and program objectives. Performs other duties, as required. Qualifications: To qualify, applicants MUST meet all minimum qualification requirements, except Medical Requirements, by the closing date of the announcement. 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 Salary: $45,146 - 65,425 per year How to Apply: Must be a U.S. Citizen • Must be 18 years old • If you are a male born after December 31, 1959 and are at least 18 years of age, civil service employment law (5 U.S.C. 3328) requires that you must be registered with the Selective Service System, unless you meet certain exemptions (proof of registration and/or exemption required). Website: http://www.sss.gov. 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. 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.
