Natural Resource Specialist
What you'd do
This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Vacancies may be available in each listed location. Additional duty locations are listed for future vacancies and/or vacancies that may be filled at a later date. Please select locations for which you want to be considered.
Major duties
As a Natural Resource Specialist, you will perform the following duties: Conduct complex analysis and review of statutory or regulatory compliance, and support natural resource management actions related to the following: Endangered Species Act (ESA); National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), including Essential Fish Habitat (EFH); Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA); the National Aquaculture Act of 1980; or the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA). Evaluate the effectiveness of resource management actions and conservation and preservation programs and formulate strategic improvements. Lead complex biological studies, habitat assessments, and environmental monitoring and permitting programs to formulate solutions for intricate problems related to watershed, coastal and ocean resource management. Provide expert advice, assistance, products and services on watershed, coastal and ocean issues, scientific research, and policy. NOTE: These duties are described at the full performance level of the ZP-4; the ZP-3 is developmental leading to such performance. For more information about these positions, please visit the NOAA Fisheries is Hiring Webpage: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/careers-more/noaa-fisheries-hiring POSITION REQUIREMENTS: This position requires the operation of a Federal motor vehicle. The incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license to operate a government vehicle in completion of assigned tasks (e.g., site visits, field research, etc.). This position may require regular travel to research sites and/or performance of duties. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: These positions may have physical requirements. Some of these positions may require performance of duties on board a vessel, other platforms, or in the field for long periods of time. The incumbent may be required to stand for long periods of time, ascend and descend ladders, lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted or assisted, and work in potentially harsh weather conditions on uneven surfaces (i.e., vessels at sea).
What you need to qualify
Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/ BASIC REQUIREMENTS: This position requires applicants to meet a Basic Education Requirement in addition to at least one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience in order to be found minimally qualified. Transcripts must be submitted with your application package. You MUST meet one of the following basic education requirements: To qualify for the 0401 series: EDUCATION: A. Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR B. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. -AND- SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government. 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; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. To qualify at the ZP-3 or GS-11 level: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZP-2 or GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following: Participating in biological studies, habitat assessments, or environmental monitoring or permitting programs; Gathering, reviewing, or cataloging scientific data related to resource management, conservation, or preservation programs; and Drafting research summaries or regulatory reports pertaining to natural resource management. OR SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree. OR COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of successfully completed graduate-level education and specialized experience may be used to meet the total experience requirements. Note: Only graduate-level education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be combined with experience. To qualify at the ZP-4 or GS-13 level: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZP-3 or GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following: Leading biological studies, habitat assessments, or environmental monitoring or permitting programs; Developing guidance or evaluating plans related to the management of watershed, coastal or ocean resources; and Reviewing research summaries or regulatory reports pertaining to natural resource management prior to publication.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
Don't miss the next one.
Get an email the moment a similar federal job opens — postings can close in as little as 5 days.