Botanist/Natural Resources Specialist (Botany).

About the role

This interdisciplinary position may be filled as a Botanist (0430) or Natural Resources Specialist (Botany) (0401). Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

Responsibilities

• Write Biological Assessments for Threatened and Endangered (TE) plant species.
• Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases to organize, collect, and maintain data.
• Provide input on vegetation management and plant ecology for oil and gas management.
• Initiate and complete all aspects of Section 7 consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as required by the Endangered Species Act and recommend mitigation and/or corrective actions.
• Participate in environmental planning actions and program development planning.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment.
• Must be at least 18 years old or, if at least 16 years old, meet one of the following:
  • Have graduated from high school or earned an equivalent certificate;
  • Have completed a formal vocational training program;
  • Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment; or
  • Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time under a formal student employment program.
• Must be at least 18 years of age to operate government vehicles.
• Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of the announcement unless otherwise stated.

Basic Educational Requirements

• Natural Resources Specialist (0401):
  • Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines; or
  • Combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major in one of the above disciplines plus appropriate experience.
• Botanist (0430):
  • Degree in botany or basic plant science that included at least 24 semester hours in botany; or
  • Combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major in botany or basic plant science that included at least 24 semester hours in botany plus appropriate experience.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

GS-09 Level

• Specialized Experience: One full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-07 level, including:
  • Participation in the planning and execution of plant studies;
  • Performing established tests and analyses on a broad range of plant samples;
  • Mapping and documenting botanical species; and
  • Preparing and/or reviewing reports on ecological investigations to determine project impacts on vegetation, including Threatened and Endangered plant species.
• Education: 36 semester hours of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master’s degree in a directly related field.
• Combination: Graduate-level education beyond 18 semester hours may be combined with experience.

GS-11 Level

• Specialized Experience: One full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-09 level, including:
  • Evaluating proposed projects or actions for impacts to vegetation, including Threatened and Endangered species;
  • Developing and implementing conservation methods for plant species and habitats;
  • Planning and executing botanical investigations under the Endangered Species Act and National Environmental Policy Act;
  • Recommending courses of action to solve botanical issues; and
  • Creating, evaluating, and reviewing vegetation GIS data.
• Education: 54 semester hours of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. in a directly related field.
• Combination: Graduate-level education beyond 36 semester hours may be combined with experience.

You must submit transcripts to verify education used to qualify. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application; if selected and education was used to qualify, official transcripts must be provided before starting work.

Conditions of Employment

• Direct Deposit participation required.
• May be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.
• Subject to a one-year probationary period; continued employment requires agency certification that it advances the public interest and meets organizational goals.
• Volunteer experience may be credited if it provided qualifying knowledge or skills.
• Foreign education must be evaluated by a recognized credentialing service to be deemed equivalent to U.S. education.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Work may be performed in the office or in isolated/remote locations.
• Fieldwork may involve arduous conditions, long distances over rough terrain, and varying temperatures.
• Fieldwork may require operating four-wheel-drive vehicles and UTVs over primitive roads; up to 50% fieldwork and 50% office work.
• Fieldwork involves exposure to moderate risks and discomforts, including variable and extreme climatic conditions; overnight stays may be required.
• Office work is performed in a standard office setting.
• Must adhere to all safety rules and regulations as prescribed by the designated Safety Officer.