Wildlife Biologist

In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the qualification requirements - please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience.

This position has a Basic Education 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; and at 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.); and at least 9 semester hours in botany or the related plant sciences; OR a combination 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 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

For the GS-07: Meet the Basic Education Requirement AND one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05) in the Federal service. At this level, work is entry-level with close supervision. Examples of specialized experience include assisting higher level professionals with the collection of field data on wildlife habitats and vegetation including identifying vegetation types; vegetative management for riparian habitat maintenance and enhancement; determine habitat conditions and identify needed improvements; contribute to completing wildlife management planning documents; OR meet the Basic Education Requirement AND one (1) full year of graduate education in wildlife biology or a directly related field OR meet the Basic Education Requirement and meet the requirements for Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A) OR meet the Basic Education Requirement AND an equivalent combination of the type and level of experience and education described above. Only directly related graduate level education in excess of the first six months may be combined with experience.

For the GS-09: Meet the Basic Education Requirement AND one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) in the Federal service. At this level assignments require the application of expanded professional knowledge. Examples of specialized experience include: plan and conduct wildlife field inventories and monitoring studies; conduct surveys, interpret data, and draft professional opinions to assist in determining wildlife resource needs and remedies; assist in carrying out a range of analytical/scientific assignments in the wildlife biology profession that include researching and analyzing data, issues, and information that support wildlife project recommendations OR meet the Basic Education Requirement AND completed 2 full years of graduate education leading to a master's degree in wildlife biology or directly related field OR meet the Basic Education Requirement AND an equivalent combination of the type and level of experience and education described above. Only directly related graduate level education in excess of the first year may be combined with experience.

For the GS-11: Meet the Basic Education Requirement AND one (1) year of professional wildlife biologist experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) in the Federal service. Work is moderately difficult and requires considerable additional professional training. Examples of specialized experience include: plan and conduct wildlife field inventories and monitoring studies; provided input in the wildlife management program by gathering, compiling, and analyzing data to determine environmental conditions, characteristics, and values, and the interrelationship of wildlife resources with other resources; provide input in the preparation, maintenance, and revision of wildlife plans that involve interpretation of data obtained from studies and field surveys and recommend solutions to problems found OR meet Basic Education Requirement AND completed 3 full years of graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in wildlife biology or a directly related field OR meet the Basic Education Requirement AND an equivalent combination of the type and level of experience and education described above. Only directly related graduate level education in excess of the first two years may be combined with experience.

Combination of Education and Experience: You may meet qualifications requirement for this position with an equivalent combination of specialized experience and appropriate undergraduate/ graduate education. Graduate level education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position.

Superior Academic Achievement (See OPM's General Policies, Application of Qualification Standards Section 4.f.) S.A.A. must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled.

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.

You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Physical Demands: The individual works in an office setting at this level, however, in order to gather samples and complete monitoring activities, the individual frequently may be required to walk or ride vehicles over rough terrain, perform duties that require recurring bending, crouching, stooping, reaching or lifting. Work may also include lifting of moderately heavy items, such as equipment and samples.

Work Environment: Much of the work is performed in an office setting. However, frequent field work is necessary to complete the work involving outdoor exposure. Outdoor exposure involves some discomfort in extremes of temperature or inclement weather. The incumbent may be subjected to hostile wildlife, chemical and physical hazards.