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Summary In this position you will serve as a Wildlife Biologist within the National Rabies Management Program (NRMP) of the Wildlife Services (WS) Program for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). As a member of the NRMP Coordinator's staff, work is largely focused on biological, ecological and wildlife management issues germane to assuring an effective rabies control program nationally. Responsibilities The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Selects and ships samples when appropriate for collaborative research and gathers all data associated with those samples. Monitors freezers for the safe and effective storage of samples and is responsible for coordinating maintenance on NRMP freezers. Takes the lead on maintaining and error checking the NRMP historic database (in Microsoft Access) and current animal database (in WS Management Information System [MIS]). May participate in raccoon density studies and field trials by live-trapping wildlife and collecting blood and tooth samples to assess raccoon population structure and dynamics. Helps establish and maintains cooperative relationships with other agencies, organizations, institutions and individuals in meeting program needs and objectives. Communicates safe and effective rabies control techniques to WS employees and the general public. May assist in rabies-related WS research efforts by participating in field tests of prospective methods and strategies. Participates in various training experiences, on-the-job developmental activities, and temporary details to various WS activities and locations for training purposes. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: bachelor's or higher degree in biological science that included at least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects such as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, or research courses in the field of wildlife biology; AND, 12 semester hours in zoology subjects such 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, 9 semester hours in botany or the related plant sciences OR Combination of education and experience: including post-high school education with courses equivalent to a major (at least 30 semester hours) in biological science that included at least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester hours in zoology subjects, and 9 semester hours in botany or the related plant sciences, as described above, PLUS experience or additional education that demonstrates the skills/abilities needed to perform the work of the position. FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 grade level) that demonstrates: An understanding of basic laboratory safety protocols; Collecting biological data on wildlife; Entering large quantities of data into a database to facilitate retrieving data for review and analysis; and Prioritizing assigned projects to meet short and long-term deadlines; OR one (1) full year of graduate level education in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife Management; OR Superior Academic Achievement: To qualify based on superior academic achievement, you must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution AND 1) have a class standing in the upper third of the graduating class, 2) membership in a national scholastic honor society (excluding Freshman honor societies), or 3) must meet certain GPA requirements. GPA requirements: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on official transcripts or as computed based on 4 years of education, or courses completed during the final 2 year of the curriculum; OR 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required course completed in the major field or courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum (GPA will be rounded to one decimal place, e.g., 2.95 rounds to 3.0 and 2.94 rounds to 2.9). FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 grade level) that demonstrates: An understanding of basic laboratory safety protocols and working in a laboratory environment. Collecting, organizing, cataloguing and shipping serum, tooth and brain tissue samples collected from a variety of wildlife species. Organizing, reviewing, error checking, querying, analyzing and reporting findings from metadata sets and databases. Developing work plans describing short and long term project goals and setting priorities among assigned projects. Building and maintaining coalitions and working to accomplish mutually agreed upon goals as part of an interdisciplinary team. OR a master's or equivalent graduate degree or two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife Management. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for the GS-07 and GS-09 grade levels. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. You are qualifying for this position based on Superior Academic Achievement. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-07 and GS-09 GRADE LEVELS: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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 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 Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. Promotion Potential: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed.