Natural Resource Specialist

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Department of Agriculture

Job Summary

This position is being concurrently announced under Pathways Recent Graduate program as announcement number 20-NCH-MRS-401-57-RG. Current federal employees may apply to both announcements. This position may be filled at the GS-05 or GS-07 grade level with promotion potential to the GS-09.

Major Duties

  • As a trainee, performs duties which are designed to orient the employee in the application of academic theories and basic natural resources principles to a variety of work situations.
  • Assignments may be similar to those assigned to nonprofessional employees, but such tasks are primarily for training purposes, or to relieve higher grade specialists of routine work.
  • Receives formal and on-the-job instructions and training designed to familiarize the incumbent with functions and operations of the organization
  • Provide experience in the practical application of natural resources principles, theories, methods, techniques and practices
  • Assignments may include some or all of the following:
  • Inspects recreation sites and assists with the development of a wide range of recreation and trail plans and permits.
  • Participates in the development of environmental assessments and/or impact statements to formulate natural resource management recommendations and/or conclusions.
  • Applies geospatial technology to work performed in support of a natural resource management organization.
  • Collects and analyzes biological data pertaining to natural resources and environmental program activities.
  • Performs assigned phases of fire management, including serving as a member of a fire suppression crew.
  • Participates in assigned phases of unit administration such as assisting with budgeting and personnel management. Assists with drafting, reviewing, and publishing natural resource plans, reports, compliance documents, evaluations and inspections.

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 https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/general-natural-resources-management-and-biological-sciences-series-0401/You must possess the Basic Requirements identified below to be considered qualified for this position, which includes all positive education requirements if applicable. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. When using previous work experience to qualify for the position, your resume must clearly detail the appropriate experience requirements.

Basic Qualification Requirements for the GS-05 and GS-07: Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to the requirements described above, the following additional education and/or experience are required for the grade(s) specified. Specialized Experience Requirement:

For the GS-5 level: No specialized experience required. Applicants who meet the basic education requirements described above are fully qualified for the GS-05 entry grade. For the GS-07: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level; OR one full year of graduate level education; OR an appropriate combination of graduate level education and specialized experience; OR Superior Academic Achievement (to determine if you are eligible, go to: 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. Examples of specialized experience are: Performing a variety of computations to prepare and summarize standard biological and/or geographical data for charts, graphs, and/or reports; assisting experienced natural resources specialists and biological scientists with studies, such as following a procedural guidebook in performing experiments, inspections, or evaluations while under direct supervision; preparing or assisting with the preparation of documents and visual aids such as data tables, slides, posters, brochures, progress reports, summaries of field or laboratory work, or drafting portions of manuscripts; and participating in operational or planning meetings to discuss environmental program or project milestones or activities. 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. Please note that Superior Academic Achievement can only be applied if you have graduated or completed (or expect to complete within 9 months) all the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. TIME IN GRADE REQUIREMENT GS-7: 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

$34,916.00 - $56,222.00

More information...

End Date: 

Monday, April 20, 2020