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Biological Science Technician (Wildlife Specialist)

Deadline:
Employer:
United States Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Wildlife Services
Job Field:
Wildlife
Job Type:
Full Time
Location:
Oregon
Location Detail:
Oregon ANG Klamath County, Oregon (Relocation
expenses will not be paid).
Job Description:

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.

• Monitors wildlife behavior and abundance and evaluates hazards posed by various species

of wildlife on airports and surrounding properties.

• Monitors and ensures compliance with program directives, and local, State, and Federal

laws and regulations in wildlife damage management activities. Assists airports with

compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Endangered Species Act, Federal Air

Regulations and Department of Defense Regulations.

• Requires a competent understanding of Wildlife Damage Management (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 (requires passing state pesticide license test requirements);

pyrotechnics; noise cannons/exploders; drop nets; rocket/cannon nets; various other

scaring devices.

• Utilizes working knowledge of WDM methods and strategies to independently

identify target species, recommend appropriate WDM strategies which alleviate

wildlife damage for cooperators and the general public through technical assistance.

• May be required to use chemical immobilization and euthanasia drugs to capture and

handle wildlife under the general guidance of a higher-graded or more experienced

employee.

• 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.

• Maintain professional image and communication when interacting with the public.

• Appropriate recommendations require a general knowledge of Federal, State and

local wildlife and WDM specific regulations and policies.

• May recommend and facilitate the submission and receipt of depredation permits for

the general public through the appropriate U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)

Migratory Bird Office.

• 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.

• Maintains records of chemical control use to comply with State and Federal

regulatory requirements.

• 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.

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:

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.

GS-6: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE

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:

• Experience working within the requirements of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA),

Endangered Species Act (ESA), and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

• Experience with using and providing training on control methods, procedures, technical

aspects, and objectives used for wildlife damage control.

• Train on the control methods, procedures, technical aspects, and objectives used for

wildlife damage management.

• Contacting and developing working relationships with various parties, including but not

limited to farmers, businesses, landowners, airports, natural resources, pest management,

civil engineering, and other state/federal agencies.

OR

One year of directly related graduate education (18 semester hours in Wildlife, unless defined

differently by the school). 

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.

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:

• Must obtain or have a valid state driver’s license. Operation of Government-owned or leased

vehicles is required. (if this applies)

• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint

check.

• 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/.

• Must demonstrate a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor

vehicles, firearms, control devices, and equipment.

• Proficient with trapping and or shooting activities.

• 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).

Emergency Response – APHIS is an emergency response agency. This means that all Agency

employees may be asked or assigned to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments to support

emergency programs at some time during their careers with APHIS. It is difficult to predict the

frequency with which such emergency situations may occur – and could range from several

emergencies in a year to none over the course of many years. In the event that you are called upon

to support an emergency program, this may require irregular working hours, including overtime, and

may include duties other than those specified in your official position description. While some

emergency program support assignments may be able to be performed at the employee’s current duty

station, in other cases employees may be asked to go on-site to a temporary duty state location. In

addition, it may be necessary for employees to participate in multiple rotations to an emergency

program assignment. Attempts will be made to keep disruption to the employee to a minimum.

See this link: https://www.usajobs.gov//Help/working-in-government/fair-andtransparent/signature-false-statements/

Miscellaneous:

NOTE: APPLICANTS FOR THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT TO

URINALYSIS TO SCREEN FOR ILLEGAL DRUG USE PRIOR TO APPOINTMENT.

APPOINTMENT TO THE POSITION WILL BE CONTINGENT UPON A NEGATIVE

DRUG TEST RESULT. INCUMBENTS OF THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO

SUBMIT TO URINALYSIS TO SCREEN FOR ILLEGAL DRUG USE ON AN ONGOING

BASIS AFTER APPOINTMENT, AS DIRECTED.

Carrying a firearm is a condition of employment – In the passing of the Lautenberg Amendment,

Congress passed legislation which prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime

of domestic violence from possessing a firearm or ammunition. If selected you will be required to

sign the form, “Inquiry for Positions Requiring Possession of Firearms,” certifying that you meet this

criteria.

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race,

color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political

affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership

in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit

factor.

Reasonable Accommodation PolicyFederal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where

appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and

hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable

accommodation will be made on a Case-by-Case basis.

A reasonable accommodation is any change in the workplace, or the way things are customarily

done that provides an equal employment opportunity to an individual with a disability. Under the

Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) must provide

reasonable accommodations:

• An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to

apply for a job.

• An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties

or to gain access to the workplace.

• An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits,

such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.

Relocation costs will not be paid for this position.

More than one position may be selected from this announcement.

How to Apply:

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.

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:

 CONTACT OFFICE:

Paul Wolf, District Supervisor

USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services

3503 Old Highway 99 South, STE J

Roseburg, OR 97471

Tel: 541-679-1231

Cell: 503-593-1719

e-mail: paul.c.wolf@usda.gov

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