Employer USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services Job Description, Responsibilities and Required Qualifications or Skills 13 Month Term Appointment with possibility for Benefits, Excepted Service, (may be extended up to 4 years))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 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.ORSuccessful 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.ORCombination 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.ORSuccessfully completed 1 year of graduate education (18 semester hours) in wildlife.ORCombination 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.MINIMUM ELIGIBLITY REQUIREMENTS: To qualify, applicants MUST meet all minimum qualification requirements, except Medical Requirements, by the closing date of the announcement.OTHER REQUIREMENTS:- 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.- 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 E- Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/- 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.- Occasional travel may be required- 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).- Initial trial period may be required. Job Field: Wildlife Job Type: Full Time Location Detail: Hampton, VA Salary: GS 5 $40,931 - $53,206 GS 6 $45,628 - $59,313 (Relocation expenses will not be paid) Job Benefits: HOW TO APPLY: Interested individuals should send a resume, transcripts, veteran documentation (if applicable) to the address listed here:CONTACT OFFICE:James R. Powell, SE District SupervisorUSDA Wildlife Services - Virginia1548A Holland Rd., Ste. 100 Suffolk, VA 23434 757-925-4391james.r.powell@usda.govAdditional 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 (5/27/2025). Application Deadline: Tue, 05/27/2025 - 12:00pm
