BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST (ENVIRONMENTAL)

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as the primary environmental program management specialist to perform management, execution, and operations for assigned program element(s).

Duties

Plans, coordinates, and manages all aspects of assigned environmental program or programs through application of professional knowledge and skill in the practices, processes, and techniques of one or more of the following disciplines: Community Planner (0020); Biological Scientist (0401); Environmental Engineer (0819); and Physical Scientist (1301). Responsible for executing assigned program element(s), in-house and by contract, to comply with all applicable Federal, state, and local environmental laws and policies Provides advisory services on specific problems, projects, programs, and functions in assigned program area. Complies with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures and performs work that enhances the safety of the work environment.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the basic requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: GS-1301: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/general-physical-science-series-1301/ GS-0819: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf GS-0401: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/general-natural-resources-management-and-biological-sciences-series-0401/ GS-0020: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0000/community-planning-series-0020 In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes knowledge of a wide range of complex environmental science duties; and the skill to modify standard practices and adapt equipment or techniques to solve a variety of problems; adapt precedents or make significant departures from previous approaches to similar projects to provide for the specialized requirement of projects; and apply standard practices of related disciplines as they relate to environmental functions; knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local environmental laws, regulations, and other guidance to make decisions and recommendations concerning assigned restoration, compliance, conservation, pollution prevention, and/or integration principles and practices; knowledge of other environmental disciplines to be aware of ramifications of their findings and actions inherent in assigned environmental projects, studies, and programs. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1. Knowledge of professional environmental principles, practices, techniques, and procedures to effectively perform project development, execution, training, and advisory services in assigned program element. 2. Knowledge to troubleshoot environmental problems requiring investigation of unsanitary or questionable conditions in assigned program(s). 3. Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and other guidance to make decisions and recommendations concerning assigned restoration, compliance, conservation, pollution prevention, and/or integration principles and practices; and health, safety, and security practices. 4. Skill to integrate an interdisciplinary team of professionals to include attorneys, public health specialists, public affairs specialists, biological scientists, environmental engineers, physical scientists, general engineers, community planners, regulators, other governmental officials, and community groups. 5. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, clearly, concisely, with technical accuracy, and establish effective working relationships with others. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.