Summary This position is with the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) Wildlife Services Program (WS). Works as a research grade biologist to define, lead, plan, coordinate, conduct, analyze, and report on field and laboratory research dealing with wildlife damage conflicts. Responsibilities The duties may include, but are not limited to: Determines the character, distribution, and economics of wildlife damage problems in agricultural, forest, insular, and other settings. Develops methods of detecting and estimating or indexing wildlife populations and the magnitude of resource damage and economic loss. Develops integrated management techniques and strategies for reducing wildlife damage problems and/or eradicating invasive animal populations. Develops control technologies, such as toxicants, repellents, attractants, capture devices, mechanical control devices, habitat manipulation strategies, and/or reproductive inhibition technologies. Provides a general knowledge of wildlife ecology, behavior, physiology, and types of damage and control options to individuals responsible for management decisions. Performs non-research duties as assigned, such as serving on various WS or NWRC committees or representing the Agency or Program with other government entities or outside interests. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR; Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to the above, applicants must also have: 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: Built an applied research program focused on resolving human-wildlife conflict with avian predators (waterbirds) which may include: population ecology, animal behavior, and/or quantitative ecology Developed innovative approaches to address human-wildlife conflict with avian predators (waterbirds), including the development of both lethal and non-lethal tools and techniques for reducing conflict. Designed and conducted research projects in both field and captive settings to address human-wildlife conflict with avian predators, including trapping, handling, marking, etc. (waterbirds). Worked collaboratively across disciplines at local, regional, national, and international scales with state, federal, and university research scientists to address human-wildlife conflict with avian predators (eagles, ravens, caracaras). Brought in external resources/funding (either via grants or via leveraging partnerships) to support research. OR; Qualification on the basis of education--Applicants for such research positions can be considered qualified for GS-12 if they possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree directly related to the position. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. 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 qualification requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP 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/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. This position is subject to a Research Grade Evaluation Panel Review to determine eligibility to be promoted to the next grade level. Research scientists have open-ended promotion potential. Research accomplishments and their impact on the duties and responsibilities of positions are evaluated periodically. The grade level is limited only by the individual's demonstrated ability to perform research of recognized important to science and technology. Worksite Information: This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Additional information regarding ad hoc, occasional, or reoccurring telework may be obtained at a later time from the hiring manager or program during the hiring process.