Dec 05, 2019
Fish & Wildlife Biologist
Featured
$42,053 - $88,166 yearly
Fish and Wildlife Biologist (GS-7/9/11)
Lacey, Spokane, and Wenatchee, Washington
Overview
Email Rachel McCracken at rachel_f_mccracken@fws.gov for the full position description, qualifications, and instructions on how to apply for the GS-7/9/11 positions.
The primary purpose of this position is to provide biological support on a variety of issues relating to restoration, preservation and conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats. Responsibilities may include: conducting a wide variety of complex ecological investigations or inspections involving complex land and water resource development actions; assessing restoration impact for the involved area; and to assist or develop fish and/or wildlife mitigation or management plans to ensure preservation, protection, and enhancement of fish and/or wildlife and their habitat for a geographic area having a variety of habitat conditions.
Position Details
Work Schedule: Full-Time
Appointment Type: Permanent or Term
Pay Scale and Grade: GS-401-7
Salary: $45,823-$59,572 (Lacey, WA)
$42,053-$54,670 (Spokane, WA and Wenatchee, WA)
Environmental Impact Statements (25%)- Under the direction of the supervisory or designated senior staff, the incumbent receives a variety ofassignments designed to enhance the incumbent's knowledge of the myriad of Federal environmental and fish and wildlife protection laws and Executive Orders applicable to conducting environmental impact assessments (i.e., Endangered Species Act (ESA) - in particular Section 7, National Environment Policy Act (NEPA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Acts, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, Natural Resources Damage Assessment) as well as Service/Department and other Federal, Tribal and State rules and regulations to develop his/her expertise in relating and applying them to the conservation management activities of the ES Program to include endangered and threatened species, habitat conservation planning, energy development, permits and licenses, national environmental policy act, pesticide use, water quality, wetland and riparian habitat assessments, and partners program. Typically, the incumbent will independently perform routine, less complex studies or assessments or work with a senior biologist on larger more complex by assisting in planning, conducting, analyzing, and reporting on complex investigations/assessments in order to determine the impact of various land and water resource development projects, proposals and/or license applications/renewals on the fish and wildlife resources of an area. As exposure and experience is gained, the assignments will become progressively more challenging until they develop the skills and expertise to perform the full scope of duties and responsibilities described in the full performance GS-11 position description. Researches potential impacts of proposed Federal program or project operational data to determine the effects of those programs or actions on threatened and endangered species and prepares draft biological opinions as required under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Amendments for the supervisor's review and/or discussion. Participates in the review and/or preparation of biological portions of environment assessment/impact statements or comprehensive resource planning reports to evaluate environmental consequences of proposed actions on Federal fish and wildlife resources of concern. Accompanies supervisor or senior biologists conducting private land wetland impact restorations including, but not all inclusive, landowner contacts, mapping, surveying, staking, construction monitoring, and seeding; and assists with preparing management plans for restored areas.
Permit Processing (25%)- Following established procedures or instruction, independently reviews and processes routine research/recovery permits and other recovery/ESA-related documents to ensure correct form(s) are submitted and are accurately completed and signed; establishes due dates; and provides general technical information regarding the permit submission process to biologists in the Ecological Service's field offices. Notifies the supervisor or designated senior staff of complications and/or unique requests with regard to processing permits. Identifies improvements for improving or streamlining the permit review and processing procedures, as appropriate. Follows protocol for coordinating permit requests with Headquarters staff, Regional Solicitor, and field office staff to ensure that documents have appropriate reviews and follow Service regulations, policy, guidance, and procedures. Maintains and updates files on permits issued for activities associated with endangered, threatened, proposed, and candidate species and their habitats. As requested, provides (compiles, collates, coordinates) extracts or summaries of these data for inclusion in such things as project documents, listing or de-listing packages, and budget exercises.
Management Planning (25%)- Under the guidance of the supervisor and/or senior biologists, the incumbent will participate in a variety of development and management of comprehensive fish and/or wildlife mitigation or management plans to insure preservation, protection, and enhancement of fish and/or wildlife and their habitat for a geographic area having a variety of habitat conditions. Assists in the development, coordination, and review of plans that may encompass any and all Service programs that affect fish and/or wildlife and their habitat conditions including, but not limited to, fire management, moist soil management, cooperative farming, wetland management, water quantity/quality, timber/forestry, or grassland management and/or restoration. Plans, organizes, and conducts biological work and/or habitat preservation studies. Analyzes results and develops objective reports on progress and completion of studies, uses data to recommend improvements in current management practices. Develops, directs, and ensures 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 biological, ecological, pathological, public use, or other pertinent information to insure management plans are current. Assists with implementation of management plans, studies and investigations required for species propagation/production, resource protection, ecological factors, public information, and other aspects of natural resource management.
Communication/Representation/ Liaison (25%)- Accompanies supervisor and senior staff to various meetings, hearings, and events to discuss proposed or existing development projects in order to develop and foster effective partnerships and develop expertise if independently representing the Service at professional meetings and other meetings pertaining to species associated with the ESA. Interacts with biologists throughout the assigned Region and with other agencies (Federal, Tribal, and state) that have endangered species programs. Provides technical biological guidance to requestors implementing programs for the conservation and recovery of threatened and endangered species. Provides routine technical assistance and standard regulatory information to other Service Programs and agencies (Federal, Tribal, and state) to properly satisfy requirements of the ESA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and other Federal and state legislation/regulations. Prepares and delivers presentations on various aspects of the Ecological Services Program and the various rules and regulations enacted to protect fish and wildlife and their habitats to further strong collaborative relations with local, state, and Federal agencies and communities, and to inform and educate the general public with the goals of the ES Program and of the Service. Reviews new or proposed legislation or regulations, identifies their potential impact on natural resource management, and discusses with supervisor and/or senior biologists. Responds to written, telephone, and in-person inquiries from the public, obtaining and providing requested information within established guidelines of the office and in conformance with Service and Departmental policy. Prepares correspondence pertaining to technical aspects of work.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Lacey, Wenatchee, or Spokane, WA
Full-Time
