Summary As a State Director for the Wildlife Services (WS) program, the incumbent's responsibility primarily will span a state or a combination of states. It would include managing a program and supervising a staff involved in wildlife damage management, providing operational and technical assistance activities associated with various mammal and migratory bird species. Responsibilities The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing WS activities for the assigned area. Responsible for planning, developing, and administering a WS program that provides assistance in the protection of a myriad of resources. Ensures that wildlife damage management objectives are accomplished according to Federal and State laws and regulations, multiple funding mandates, and sound conservation principles. Negotiates with other Federal agencies and State, county, and municipal governments, agricultural organizations, and individuals in regard to wildlife damage management needs. Formulates budget estimates and administers fund expenditures for complex, multi-funded programs consisting of Federal, State, county, and/or other cooperatively funded budgets. Executes Wildlife Service programs and projects to meet program goals and objectives by leading and directing a large workforce of Federal employees. Contacts cooperators, conservation organizations, and other agencies on a frequent basis to maintain good relations. Keeps cooperators informed of federal funding status. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: biological science that included: At least 9 semester hours in such wildlife subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, or research courses in the field of wildlife biology; and At least 12 semester hours in zoology in such subjects as general zoology, invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, cellular biology, parasitology, entomology, or research courses in such subjects (Excess courses in wildlife biology may be used to meet the zoology requirements where appropriate.); and At least 9 semester hours in botany or the related plant sciences. OR Combination of education and experience: equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), with at least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester hours in zoology, and 9 semester hours in botany or related plant science, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the basic requirement you will also need to meet the following: FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Consulting with superiors as needed for activities related to resolving wildlife damage conflicts to protect resources including agriculture, forestry, property, natural resources, and public health and safety. Establishing inter-agency/cooperative service agreements with federal agencies, state agencies, county agencies, and private entities to develop cooperative wildlife damage management programs. Assisting with the formulation of budget estimates and administering expenditures for federal, state, and/or other cooperative funded budgets. Oversight of a workforce of federal and cooperatively funded employees, including biologists, technicians, and administrative staff. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education Please see above for education requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Reemployment Priority List (RPL): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP or RPL eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Employees: Permanent County employees without prior Federal tenure who are selected for a Civil Service position under Public Law 105-277 will be given a career-conditional appointment and must serve a 1-year probationary period. Promotion Potential: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed.
