Research Ecologist

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at:http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS: This position requires applicants to meet a Basic Education Requirement in addition to at least one year of specialized experience or a substitution of education for experience in order to be found minimally qualified. You MUST meet the following basic education requirements:

Degree: Biology, or a related field of science underlying ecological research that included at least 30 semester hours in basic and applied biological sciences. These hours must have included at least 9 semester hours in ecology, and 12 semester hours in physical and mathematical sciences.

This experience need not have been in the federal government. 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; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

To qualify at the ZP-3 or GS-11 level:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirement above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZP-2 or GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

• Analyzing data on marine turtle population dynamics, biology, and ecology for the purpose of species specific conservation and recovery; and
• Conducting original assessment research and designing models to evaluate trends in abundance, survival, and reproduction rates as they relate to natural and anthropogenic impacts.

OR

EDUCATION: A master’s degree or equivalent graduate degree in a related discipline or successful completion of two (2) years of higher level graduate education leading to such a degree. 

OR

COMBINATION: A combination of education and experience as described above.

Note: Only graduate education in excess of one year is qualifying for combination.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Incumbent must possess a valid driver’s license as movement of small trailered boats, responding to nearshore turtle activities, and transport of gear and personnel in the field are a requirement. The incumbent will camp in remote locations throughout the Central Pacific for more than 3 weeks at a time.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Incumbent must be able to be in the field for up to 2 months per year, must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted, and be able to work directly with large marine wildlife. Incumbent will regularly work outdoors, on sea-going vessels, and in potentially harsh weather conditions.

College Transcript: If you are qualifying based on education, submit a copy of your college transcript that lists college courses detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., bio 101, math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours and grade earned. You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. education standards with your resume. You may submit an unofficial copy of the transcript at the initial phase of the application process. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.

Note: Your college transcript is used to verify successful completion of degree, or college course work. An official college transcript will be required before you can report to duty.