Environmental Scientist

Summary

General Information About This Role

This position is a term appointment not exceeding 13 months, with potential extensions up to a total of 4 years without further competition. This role does not confer permanent status within the Federal service.

Salary Range: $59,966 (Step 01) to $77,955 (Step 10); NOTE: First-time hires to the Federal Government are generally appointed at Step 01.

This position is available to

Responsibilities

As an Environmental Scientist within the Southwest Biological Science Center, your key responsibilities will include:

Ensuring that essential chemicals and laboratory materials are available to achieve research objectives in a molecular genetics laboratory. Implementing inventory and database management for field and laboratory samples, including extracted DNA. Mentoring less experienced staff in laboratory genetics techniques, data management, and analysis. Evaluating landscape genetic patterns utilizing Geographic Information Systems or other spatially explicit analytical tools. Conducting research on subjects such as modeling the spatial relationships between restoration treatment factors, ecosystem characteristics, climate, and biodiversity. Operating a government-owned or leased vehicle as an incidental driver. Physical Requirements
The role involves field studies across various locations, ranging from high to low elevations and extreme temperature conditions. Day and overnight hikes of 5-10 miles per day carrying heavy packs may be necessary. Extended periods of data manipulation, analysis, and manuscript preparation will require significant time spent at a desk and computer terminal.

Work Environment
Field conditions will vary widely in terms of climate, topography, and vegetation, with typical risks from hazardous plants, insects, pollen, dust, etc. The indoor workspace is adequately lit, heated, and ventilated.

Requirements

Employment Conditions

Key Requirements:

Applicants must be U.S. Citizens. Must be suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation. The selected candidate may be subject to a one-year trial period. A valid state driver's license and a safe driving record are required. Successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination is mandatory due to the physical demands of this role. Additional requirements are detailed under Qualifications and Other Information. Are There Any Special Conditions For This Role? This vacancy is limited to the first 50 applications received and will close at midnight Eastern Time once this application limit is reached, regardless of the specified closing date. Applications received prior to midnight Eastern Time on the day the application limit is reached will be accepted and considered. It is strongly advised to submit all required supporting documents at the time of application, as they will not be accepted once the vacancy announcement closes. A pre-employment medical examination at Federal expense is required due to the physical demands of this position. Since this role requires travel for official business, the selected candidate will need to apply for a charge card within 30 calendar days of appointment. Individuals with delinquent balances from a previous Government charge card must resolve their obligations before a new card can be issued. A background investigation will be necessary for this position. Continued employment will depend on the successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will result in termination. Throughout the recruitment and hiring process, communication will be conducted via email; therefore, it is crucial that the email address provided during the application process remains active. Should the email address change, please notify the designated contact as soon as possible to update our records.

Qualifications

BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT : Applicants must meet the following criteria to satisfy the basic education requirement for the Environmental Scientist position at all grade levels.

A. Successful completion of 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 relevant to ecological research, which included at least 30 semester hours or the equivalent in basic and applied biological sciences. These hours must have included at least 9 semester hours or the equivalent in ecology, and 12 semester hours or the equivalent in physical and mathematical sciences.

In addition to the basic education requirement, applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-09 level:

**Two full years of successfully completed progressively higher-level graduate education (36 semester hours, 54 quarter hours, or the equivalent) or a master's or equivalent graduate degree in ecology, biology, or another directly related field relevant to ecological research if it provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position.

**OR one year of appropriate specialized experience in ecology, biology, or a related field of science relevant to ecological research that is equivalent to at least the GS-7 level in the Federal service, equipping the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position.

Examples of GS-7 level work may include: 1) assisting in planning and organizing scientific investigations; 2) performing data analyses on segments of larger investigations; 3) participating in organizing and interpreting biological, ecological, pathological, public use, or other pertinent research information.

**OR a combination of successfully completed graduate-level education, as described above, that exceeds the first year of progressive graduate study, and professional experience, as described above. (CLICK FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE GRADUATE EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE)

You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.

Education

Experience includes both paid and unpaid work, including volunteer service through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work contributes to building critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. All qualifying experience, including volunteer experience, will be credited.

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