Biologist

Duties

The Ecological Research Laboratory, located within the Bureau of Reclamation's Technical Service Center in Lakewood, Colorado, applies cutting-edge science and emerging technology to solve complex biological and ecological problems and develop innovative solutions for critical water issues in the western United States. Scientists manage an indoor laboratory facility and conduct short- and long-term field studies.

Scientists study the control, management, and identification of aquatic and terrestrial pest species. Scientists focus on the early detection and monitoring of invasive species which includes collecting samples in the field and analyzing samples in the laboratory by microscopy and genetic analysis (qPCR). Scientists also conduct habitat restoration projects that include revegetation studies, ecological surveys, and the application of integrated pest management.

Each employee is given the opportunity to develop their skills through formal training, on-the-job mentorship, and professional engagement and is encouraged to bring their unique expertise to enhance the group's capabilities.

Duties:

• Develops and conducts biological and ecological studies in the field and laboratory, collects data, and completes data analyses related to invasive species, integrated pest management, and habitat restoration.
• Frequently travels to field locations to perform studies at reservoirs, rivers, and in riparian habitat under variable weather conditions, with extended travel durations during field seasons. Operates and maintains specialized equipment including boats and large machinery and is responsible for troubleshooting and problem solving in the field.
• Performs research studies in support Reclamation's mission, including laboratory and field investigations to identify new methods for detection and control of invasive species, environmental monitoring, and habitat restoration.
• Prepares written technical documentation such as technical reports, biological study analyses and results, peer-reviewed research publications, and technical proposals. Makes oral presentations of technical work to internal team members and external technical briefings to clients and collaborators.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• You must be suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation.
• You must submit a resume and supporting documentation (see Required Documents).
• You must meet any minimum education and/or experience requirements (see Qualifications).
• You must submit transcript(s) to verify education requirements (see Qualifications/Education).
• You must maintain a valid State Driver's License at all times as the position requires operation of government vehicles on government and public roads. Failure to maintain a valid State Driver's License at all times will result in removal from the position.
• You will be required to obtain a successful pre-employment physical examination by a licensed physician certifying your ability to perform the duties of this position. A physical exam may not be required if a comparable agency approved examination was performed within the last 12 months. The cost of the exam will be reimbursed by the agency.
• Incumbent must obtain Motorboat Operator Certification within one year of Entry on Duty.

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Benefits

  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  Review our benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Required Documents

  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

  Please submit the supporting documents outlined below applicable to your claimed eligibility status and the position and grade to which you are applying. Failing to submit required documents will result in non-consideration due to an incomplete application package.
  
  RESUME: You must submit a resume that demonstrates how skills and experiences through job duties meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the job announcement to be considered for the job. Each job experience must include dates of employment including start and end dates (month and year), work schedule (full-time or part-time), and hours worked per week. For more information, click here.
  
  TRANSCRIPTS: Required for candidates using education as a basis for qualifications.
  
  CAREER TRANSITION PROGRAMS: Permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. You must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including selective factors, education and experience requirements) and score at least 85.0 on the assessment questionnaire as established, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For more information, click here.
  

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• How to Apply

  Applications (resume, application questionnaire, and supporting documentation) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, DC time) on 08/14/2023. To apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the top of the page.
  
  Do not submit photographs with the application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - applicant must remove any images from badges, licenses, etc.

  Agency contact information

  Jennifer Smith

  Phone

  303-445-2948

  Email

  jjsmith@usbr.gov

  Address

  Technical Service Center
  Bureau of Reclamation
  Denver Federal Center
  P.O. BOX 25007
  Denver, CO 80225-0007
  US

  Next steps

  Upon successful submission of the application packet, applicants will receive a confirmation email from USAJOBS. If this email confirmation is not received by the applicant, the application has not yet been accepted by the system.
  
  After all application packages have been received, resumes and supporting document(s) will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Each applicant who meets the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the resume, application questionnaire, and other assessment criteria identified in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section above. Best-qualified applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation by regularly checking their public status notifications in the USAJOBS profile.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Clarification from the agency

This position will be filled under the Office of Personnel Management's Direct-Hire Authority and is open to All United States Citizens and U.S. Nationals. Veterans' Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applications do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.