PDF versionJob Summary
This position is located with the Pacific Southwest Research Station in Hilo, HI. This position is responsible for performing a variety of complex and recurring duties in support natural resource programs. For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Flint Hughes at 808-933-8121 fhughes@usda.gov.
Major Duties
- Duties listed are at the full performance level.
- Locate field sites using written directions, aerial photographs, topographic maps, compass and Global Positioning System (GPS).
- Promote and assure field crew safety by using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as directed, using safe practices during aviation operations, presenting safety briefings, etc.
- Collect and inspect data on: forest type; stand size and stand age; land-use and ownership; natural and anthropogenic treatments and disturbances; tree attributes; understory shrubs and herbaceous vegetation; insects and disease; and soil hydrology.
- Ensure data collection activities are consistent with regional and national guidelines.
- Provide feedback to questions regarding data collection protocols, contacting experts to ensure consistency in data collection methods.
- Use natural resource databases to identify errors in data collected.
- Implement cleanup of inventory data using logic checks, databases, and subject matter expertise to identify errors.
- Collect samples, establish test and control plots for research on natural resource questions.
- Utilize tools such as diameter tapes, range finders, soil augers, soil testing kits, etc. to collect and record data.
- Utilize laboratory techniques and tools to prepare field samples for analysis.
Qualifications
In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's Federal Wage System Qualifications Standards. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide university course descriptions as necessary. Basic Requirement
GS-0401:
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement as defined below. For more information on the qualifications for this position, go to: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/group-stds/gs-admin.asp Degree:
OR
Combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major described above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education in the amounts listed below. Specialized Experience Requirement: For the GS-07: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 in the Federal service. Specialized experience at this level is defined as all of the following: Utilizing topographic maps, photographs, and data that identify natural resource areas and conditions. Collecting forest inventory or forest ecology data in a field-based setting. Using standard procedures to ensure that forest inventory data is in compliance with established protocol. Communicating observations regarding natural resource habitat condition, injury, and disease with internal and external stakeholders. OR
One full year of graduate level education. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work in fields such as forestry, forest ecology, botany, biology, ecology. OR
An appropriate combination of graduate level education and specialized experience described above. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. OR
Superior Academic Achievement (go to this site determine if you are eligible: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-04.asp).The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. For the GS-9: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7 grade level. Specialized experience at this level is defined as all of the following: Utilizing field observations, aerial imagery, and historical site information to assign forest attributes. Interpreting standard procedures and ensuring that data is in compliance with established protocol. Leading field crews and assisting with training forest inventory personnel to follow established guidelines in order to obtain multi-resource information. Communicating observations and/or making land management recommendations regarding natural resource habitat condition, injury, and disease with internal and external stakeholders and members of the general public. OR
Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., in related fields described above for GS-7. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. OR
An appropriate combination of specialized experience and education (only graduate education in excess of 18 semester hours may be used to qualify applicants for this grade level). The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. 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. TIME IN GRADE REQUIREMENT: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. This requirement must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Pay Range
$44,597.00 - $70,918.00