Biologist

Summary

You will serve as a Biologist working in Galloway, NJ for New Jersey Ecological Field Services Field Office. First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.

Duties

Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Participates in the planning and execution of complex studies and assessments or independently plans, organizes and implements limited studies concerning biological, chemical, and physical processes that affect ecosystems. Assists with implementation of restoration plans required for species propagation/production, resource protection, ecological factors, public information, and other aspects of natural resource management. As directed, conducts program analyses, and reviews results of studies or investigations. Assists in developing, directing, and ensuring completion of program objectives and associated documentation on a continuing basis in accordance with established program directives. Conducts on-going analysis of programs and analyzes results of special studies or investigations. Drafts or prepares reports with recommendations for changes, elimination or improvement of operations and program plans. Gathers, organizes, and interprets a wide variety of biological, ecological, pathological, public use data or other information pertinent to scientific studies.

Qualifications

Qualifications: In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification. Basic Requirement: 401 Series Successfully completed a full four-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a discipline related to this position. NOTE: Transcripts required. (OR) An appropriate combination of education and experience that included course work equivalent to a major (i.e. 24 semester hours) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a discipline related to this position; PLUS, appropriate experience or additional course work. The quality of the combination must demonstrate that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work of the position and is comparable to that normally acquired through the completion of a full four year course of study with a major as described above. NOTE: Transcripts required, and Your resume must contain sufficient detail of this level of work, i.e., complete begin/end dates, hours worked per week, duties performed, etc. for each timeframe for consideration. Minimum Qualification [GS-9] Specialized Experience: Possess at least one year of specialized experience comparable to the GS-7 level or higher in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience includes: 1) Conducting investigations to determine the impact of land and water development projects on fish and wildlife resources; 2) Assisting in the administration of Endangered Species Act requirements; 3) Assisting with the implementation of management plans and studies for species propagation/production, resource protection, ecological factors, public information and other aspects of natural resource management; 4) Preparing a variety of correspondence pertaining to technical aspects of work; 5) Conducting contaminant investigations or responses and related environmental laws, executive orders, regulations, and policies so as to ensure that legal standards are met; 6) Applying the processes and procedures used to initiate, plan, develop, and implement habitat restoration projects. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient detail at this level of work, e.g., begin/end dates, hours worked per week, duties performed, etc. for each timeframe for consideration. OR Education: Possess 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree discipline in a discipline directly related to the position. NOTE: Transcripts required. OR Combination of Education and Experience: Possess a combination of qualifying specialized experience and qualifying graduate education (both as described above) that, when computed as percentages of their respective requirements, equals at least 100% when combined. Only education beyond the first full year (18 semester hours or equivalent) is creditable using this method. NOTE: Transcripts required, and Your resume must contain sufficient detail of this level of work, i.e., complete begin/end dates, hours worked per week, duties performed, etc. for each timeframe for consideration. All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-09/30/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected. Volunteer Experience: 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.

Education

This position has a mandatory education requirement. You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work. Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualification