BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST (ENVIRONMENTAL)

Summary Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information. The primary purpose of this position is: Under the direct guidance of a higher grade environmental professional, to serve in a developmental capacity in biological science, performing management, execution, and operations for an assigned program element(s). This is a formal Air Force intern position, established under the PALACE Acquire (PAQ) program. Responsibilities GS-0401-07 (Biological Scientist/Environmental) - Uses prescribed methods to perform specific, and limited work assignments that are normally minor phases of a broader assignment of a higher-grade environmental professional. - Performs assignments meant to familiarize incumbent with execution of typically assigned projects, in-house and by contract, and with all applicable Federal, State, and local environmental laws and policies. - Assists with the coordination of curricula and training for assigned program areas on the installation. - Assists in providing advisory services on questions, issues, and projects in assigned program areas. - Complies with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures, and performs work that enhances the safety of the work environment. GS-0401-09 (Biological Scientist/Environmental) - Performs work assignments that are moderately difficult and complex including phases of a broader assignment of a higher-grade Environmental Professional. - Responsible for executing moderately difficult assigned projects, in-house and by contract, to comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local environmental laws and policies. - Assists with the coordination of curricula and training for assigned program areas on the installation. - Provides advisory services on questions, issues, and projects in assigned program areas. - Complies with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures, and performs work that enhances the safety of the work environment. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions. INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: A. Degree: Biological Sciences, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR B. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: GS-07 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-05, or equivalent in other pay systems. OR EDUCATION: 1 year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement GS-09 - SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-07, or equivalent in other pay systems. OR EDUCATION: 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 0401-07 (Biological Scientist/Environmental) Knowledge of professional environmental principles, practices, techniques, and procedures to effectively perform basic project development, execution, training, and minor advisory services in assigned projects. Knowledge to grasp troubleshooting techniques and methods to identify and solve routine environmental problems requiring straight foward investigation of unsanitary or questionable conditions in assigned projects or program(s). Ability to search technical reports, manufacturers' catalogs, and other guidelines and publications to obtain information. Ability to use relevant software programs and use data bases to gather information and prepare reports and communicate critical information. Ability to work cooperatively as a team member in the accomplishment of environmental projects. 0401-09 (Biological Scientist/Environmental) Knowledge of professional environmental principles, practices, techniques, and procedures to effectively perform moderately difficult project development, execution, training, and routine advisory services in assigned projects. Knowledge to troubleshoot routine environmental problems requiring investigation of unsanitary or questionable conditions in assigned projects or program(s). Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, integration principles and practices, and other guidance to make recommendations concerning assigned restoration, compliance, conservation, pollution prevention, and/or integration principles and practices; and health, safety, and security practices. Ability to use relevant software programs and use data bases to gather information and prepare reports and communicate critical information. Ability to work cooperatively as a team member in the accomplishment of environmental projects and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience; transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Additional Information For DHA Positions: These positions are being filled under Direct-Hire Authority for the Department of Defense for Post-Secondary Students and Recent Graduates. The Secretary of the Air Force has delegated authority by the Office of the Secretary of Defense to directly appoint qualified post-secondary students and recent graduates directly into competitive service positions; these positions may be professional or administrative occupations and are located Air Force-Wide. Positions may be filled as permanent or term with a full-time or part-time work schedule. Pay will vary by geographic location. *** The term "Current post-secondary student" means a person who is currently enrolled and in good academic standing at a full-time program at an institution of higher education; and is progressing toward a baccalaureate or graduate degree; and has completed at least 1 year of the program. *** The term "recent graduate" means a person awarded a degree by an institution of higher education not more than 2 years before the date of the appointment of such person, except in the case of a person who has completed a period of obligated service in a uniform service of more than 4 years. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated in the "Highly Qualified" or "Best Qualified" Category on the rating criteria for this vacancy. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here. Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional information.