Research Ecologist

We are seeking a highly qualified Research Ecologist to join our team at the U.S. Department of the Interior. As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for conducting research related to quantitative analysis of wildlife ecology, fisheries ecology, or human ecological interactions.

• Plan, conduct, and direct research related to quantitative analysis of wildlife ecology, fisheries ecology, or human ecological interactions.
• Conduct research that is cooperator driven and provides scientific basis for management and policy decisions.
• Serve as subject matter expert in fish and wildlife ecology, providing leadership and guidance to government and private agencies and university representatives through participation in meetings, conferences, and work groups.
• Disseminate research results via final reports, peer-reviewed scientific journals, online scientific journals, books, book chapters, or other outlets.
• Serve as graduate faculty member, contributing to the research, graduate student mentorship, and teaching mission of the university.
• Operate a government vehicle as an incidental driver.

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
• Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
• Selectee may be subject to serving a one-year probationary period.
• More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Other Information.
• Selectee must provide a valid state driver's license and safe driving record.

• You will be required to operate a government-owned or leased vehicle in the performance of your official duties.
• Applicants for this position must meet the following requirements: (1) possess a valid State license, and (2) possess a safe driving record.
• Because this position requires travel for official business, the selectee will be required to apply for a charge card within 30 calendar days of appointment.
• The selectee will be required to maintain a graduate faculty appointment in the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University, participate on university and graduate committees, and perform other tasks that are shared by departmental faculty as appropriate.
• If selected for this position, you may be required to file one or more financial statements upon reporting and annually, some of which may be subject to public disclosure.
• A background investigation will be required for this position. Continued employment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication.

Applicants must meet the basic education requirement for the position. The basic education requirement for Research Ecologist, GS-0408, is a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in biology or a related field of science underlying ecological research that included at least 30 semester hours or the equivalent in basic and applied biological sciences.

Applicants must also possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Ecology, Fish Biology, Fisheries Management, Wildlife Biology, or a closely related field of study appropriate for this position.

Possession of a Ph.D. that is directly related to conducting applied field research pertaining to dynamics of aquatic or terrestrial species, communities, and ecosystems across broad geographical areas is a quality ranking factor.

Applicants must also possess at least one year of appropriate professional experience that is in or directly related to the duties of the position to be filled and is equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in Federal service.