Spatial Waterfowl Ecologist (Wildlife Biologist).

Responsibilities

• Develops and applies spatially-explicit and statistical models that link biological parameters with landscape characteristics to create decision-support tools and prioritization metrics that guide conservation delivery.
• Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work; uses machines, tools, instruments, or equipment effectively.
• Conceives, designs, plans, and oversees complex field-based and data aggregation projects that collect new or use existing data to address natural resource issues, with an emphasis on waterfowl and wetlands.
• Communicates effectively through written, visual, and verbal methods with peers and cooperators to relay information pertinent to projects, analysis, modeling outcomes, and spatial information systems.
• Provides leadership by representing the USFWS in meetings with managers and biologists from various federal, state, and non-government organizations; serving on the technical committee of various Joint Ventures and other groups; participating in regional and national teams, working groups, and other initiatives to further the missions of the USFWS.

Requirements

• Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct Deposit participation required.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• May be required to have and maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment.
• Required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• Must serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.

You must be at least 18 years old or at least 16 years old and meet one of the following criteria:

• Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or
• Have completed a formal vocational training program; or
• Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with your preference for employment rather than continuing education; or
• Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement (08/27/2026).

Basic Educational Requirements

In addition to the specialized experience requirements, you must meet at least one of the following:

• Degree: Successfully completed a bachelor’s or higher in biological science that included:
  • At least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects such as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, or research courses in wildlife biology; and
  • At least 12 semester hours in zoology in subjects such 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.
  Note: Transcripts required. Your resume must contain sufficient detail of this level of work (e.g., complete begin/end dates, hours worked per week, duties performed) for consideration.
• Combination of education and experience: Course work as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Note: Transcripts required. Your resume must contain sufficient detail of this level of work (e.g., complete begin/end dates, hours worked per week, duties performed) for consideration.

Specialized Experience

GS-12 grade level: One year of full-time specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level (obtained in either the public or private sectors) demonstrating the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Examples include:

• Experience working with migratory bird data or conducting studies on birds.
• Experience creating biological models relating ecological data to species abundance, energetics, distribution, or demographic data.
• Experience using statistical and GIS software (e.g., R, Python, ArcGIS Pro) to manipulate data and create models.
• Working with natural resource agencies or partner organizations to address research or monitoring needs.

GS-13 grade level: One year of full-time specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level (obtained in either the public or private sectors) demonstrating the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Examples include:

• Experience creating biological models relating ecological data to species abundance, energetics, distribution, or demographic data.
• Experience working with migratory bird data or conducting studies on birds.
• Experience using statistical and GIS software (e.g., R, Python, ArcGIS Pro) to manipulate data and create models.
• Experience in advanced communication methods, including publishing in peer-reviewed journals and delivering presentations at conferences or other technical venues.

Volunteer Experience: 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

This position has a mandatory education requirement. You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if selected, you must provide official transcripts before beginning work.

For foreign education, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization specializing in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education.

Pay

The salary range at the GS-12 level for Bismarck, North Dakota is $89,508 (Step 1) - $116,362 (Step 10) per year. The salary range at the GS-13 level for Bismarck, North Dakota is $106,437 (Step 1) - $138,370 (Step 10) per year. First-time hires to the Federal government normally start at the Step 1 rate.

Additional Information

• Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
• Promotion to the full performance level is neither guaranteed nor implied and will be based solely on your ability to satisfactorily perform the work of the position, existing work at the higher grade level, and recommendation by the position’s supervisor.
• You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 5 nights per month.
• You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• The work requires some physical exertion such as standing, walking over rough terrain, wading in shallow water, or walking through snow.
• Expected to bend, crouch, stoop, and carry or lift moderately heavy (up to 50 pounds) gear.
• Some work involves regular exposure to moderate risks such as travel in approved small aircraft or watercraft.
• During certain periods, work will be conducted outdoors and may involve exposure to discomforts such as wind, rain, snow, and insect pests.