Wildlife Biologist

US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Staff Wildlife Biologist position is with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, APHIS, Wildlife Services.

The role focuses on NEPA, ESA, and MBTA compliance, requiring a biological science degree and relevant coursework. Strong GIS/GPS skills and experience with data systems are essential for processing wildlife management activities.

Qualifications

• Requires biological science degree with wildlife/zoology/botany coursework.
• Experience with GIS, GPS, and web-based data systems is needed.
• Ability to interpret and apply NEPA, ESA and MBTA requirements.
• Combination of education and experience acceptable per policy.

Responsibilities

• Monitor program directives and applicable wildlife laws and regulations in management activities.
• Provide technical assistance to cooperators and agencies.
• Prepare, review, and edit NEPA-related documents and reports.
• Utilize GIS/GPS and web-based systems for data entry and administration.

Skills

GIS & GPS data systems

Regulatory compliance knowledge (NEPA/

Education

Biological science degree

Wildlife biology coursework

Botany coursework

Job description

This position is located in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Wildlife Services (WS) program. You will serve as a Staff Wildlife Biologist within the USDA, APHIS, WS and performs assignments involving National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), and Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) compliance.

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:

1. Degree: biological science that included:
   • At least 9 semester hours in such wildlife subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, or research courses in the field of wildlife biology; and
   • At least 12 semester hours in zoology in such subjects 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
   • At least 9 semester hours in botany or the related plant sciences.

   OR

2. Combination of education and experience: equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), with at least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester hours in zoology, and 9 semester hours in botany or related plant science, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL:

Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:

• - Experience monitoring program directives, and local, State, and Federal laws and regulations in wildlife damage management activities.
• - Experience providing technical assistance to a variety of cooperators.
• - Experience writing, reviewing, and editing administrative documents, such as NEPA documents.
• - Experience using Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technologies, and web-based systems for data entry and administrative processes.

OR

2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in one of the following degree fields: Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, or Wildlife Management or closely related field.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.

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.
• This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-09 GRADE LEVEL:

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.