Employer USDA, Wildlife Sciences Job Description, Responsibilities and Required Qualifications or Skills DUTIESResponsible for planning, 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. 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. Correctly identifies current, and forecasts future, damage problems and relates 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. May independently negotiate small cooperative service field agreements. 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 others in preparing and submitting routine and special reports regarding daily, weekly or monthly activities, observations, 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.Demonstrates a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devices and materials, and equipment.Performs other duties, as required Minimum eligibility requirements:To qualify, applicants MUST meet all minimum qualification requirements, except Medical Requirements, by the closing date of the announcementQUALIFICATIONS REQUIREDBasic requirement:Degree:Biological science that included: At least 9 semester hours in such wildlife subjects as mammalogy, ornithology,animal ecology, wildlife management, or research courses in the field of wildlife biology; andAt least 12 semester hours in zoology in such subjects as general zoology, invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, cellular biology, parasitology, entomology, or research courses in such subjects (Excess courses in wildlife biology may be used to meet the zoology requirements where appropriate.); andAt least 9 semester hours in botany or the related plant sciences. ORCombination of education and experience: Equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), with at least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester hours in zoology, and 9 semester hours in botany or related plant science, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to the above, applicants must have: FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 level) that demonstrates: Identifying North American wildlife species and assess their abundance, behavior, and habitats. Dealing with human-wildlife conflicts, principles of wildlife damage management. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act. The Skilled use of firearms, traps, snares, pesticides, immobilizing drugs,pyrotechnics, electronic harassment devices, and other non-lethal control tools. Using computers for word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications. OR1 year of graduate-level education (18 semester hours) in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife Management.OR Superior Academic Achievement: To qualify based on superior academic achievement, you must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution AND must meet certain GPA requirements. FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level) that demonstrates: All requirements of the GS-07 level and the following: Designing a wildlife survey program that detects spatial and temporal differences in wildlife abundance and provides a suitable index of conflicts with wildlife. Interpreting and applying policies, regulations, laws, and ordinances that affect wildlife damage management operations and working within those guidelines. Using GPS, GIS technologies, and web-based systems for data entry and administrative processes. OR 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master’s degree in wildlife biology, wildlife management, wildlife ecology or masters or equivalent graduate degree in one of the above mentioned fields.Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: • This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. • You are qualifying for the position based on education. • You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. • You are qualifying for this position based on Superior Academic Achievement. • This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-07/09 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. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience Job Field: Wildlife Job Type: Full Time Location Detail: Norfolk, VA Salary: GS 7 = $51,210 - $66,574 GS 9 = $62,640 - $81,436 Job Benefits: REQUIRED DOCUMENTSResume that includes:1) Personal information such as name, address, contact information2) Education3) Detailed work experience related to this position as described in the announcement including Work schedule including hours per weekDates of employment; Title, series, grade (if applicable)4) All supervisors' phone numbers and if they may be contacted5) Other qualificationsTranscripts (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 submittedHOW 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 (cannot exceed two pages), transcripts, veteran documentation (if applicable) to the address listed here:CONTACT OFFICE:James R. Powell, SE District SupervisorUSDA Wildlife Services - Virginia 1548A Holland Rd., Ste. 100 Suffolk, VA 23434757-925-4391james.r.powell@usda.gov Application Deadline: Mon, 01/19/2026 - 12:00pm
