Deadline: Fri, 06/14/2024 - 12:00pm Employer: USDA Job Field: Wildlife Job Type: Full Time Location: South Carolina Location Detail: Calhoun County– 1 position Orangeburg County – 1 position (Relocation expenses will not be paid) Job Description: SUMMARY: Primary wildlife dealt with will be beavers that are causing damage to roads/bridges, property, agriculture, and natural resources. Incumbent will conduct wildlife damage management operations through trapping and lethal firearm removal operations. DUTIES: Responsible for conducting direct control operations planned and organized by others 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. Assists Wildlife Biologists or higher-graded staff by correctly identifying common, current or recent damage problems and relating them to the damage-causing species. Determines and selects the most effective means of control through consultation with supervisor or other higher-graded or more experienced employees. Provides appropriate technical assistance recommendations on typical wildlife and WDM issues on a limited basis. Appropriate recommendations require a general knowledge of Federal, State and local wildlife and WDM specific regulations and policies. 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, events. Responsible for reporting accomplishments, problems encountered, work locations, etc. to supervisor. On a limited basis, may assist in conducting basic demonstrations and training for cooperators or other interested groups on WDM methods, procedures, and program objectives. May assist in training others in certain aspects of the use of one or more WDM methods, under close supervision of a higher-graded employee or other recognized expert. 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 limited range of various threatened and endangered species, and their habitats, that are or may be affected by program activities within area of jurisdiction. Complies with restrictions and mitigation measures established through consultation with relevant Federal and State agencies. 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. Identifies safety-related opportunities and challenges and communicates them to the supervisor. Supports the WS safety program and procedures through participation in meetings, inspections, and implementation of safety requirements and protocols. May assist WS research efforts by participating in field tests of proposed damage control materials, devices or methods or providing biological or other specimens. Performs other duties, as required. Qualifications: WHO MAY 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. MINIMUM ELIGIBLITY REQUIREMENTS: To qualify, applicants MUST meet all minimum qualification requirements, except Medical Requirements, by the closing date of the announcement. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: FOR THE GENERALIZED EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-3 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants must have 6 months of work experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position or experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation. OR EDUCATION SUBSTITUTION AT THE GS-3 GRADE LEVEL: Successful completion of l year of study that included at least 6 semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-4 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants must have 6 months of general experience and 6 months of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-03 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: 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. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-5 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the next lower level (GS-4) in the Federal service. This experience may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates experience in: Using damage control techniques, including, but not limited to, predator, rodent and pest bird control techniques utilizing harassment devices, traps, and other migratory bird damage management techniques, including but not limited to, pyrotechnics, scare devices, and other various techniques as required. Using specialty equipment such as firearms, ATV’s, watercraft, trucks, etc. Preparing reports regarding activities, observations, events, and other relevant data collected. Input operations data into established and custom databases. Training on the control methods, procedures, technical aspects, and objectives used for wildlife damage management. Meeting and communicating with individuals or groups in order to mitigate wildlife conflicts. OR EDUCATION SUBSTITUTION AT THE GS-5 LEVEL: Successful completion full four-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree with major study or at least 24 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 have been in wildlife biology, ecology, or management. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-03/04/05 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. 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). Occasional travel may be required. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprintcheck. Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to havefederal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more aboutE- Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/. Must demonstrate a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devices, and equipment. 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: Announcement #: SC-013-2024 Salary: $35,499.00 – $51,446.00 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
