Spatial Waterfowl Ecologist (Wildlife Biologist)
What you'd do
This is a Spatial Waterfowl Ecologist (Wildlife Biologist), Career Ladder GS- 0486-12/13 position located in Bismarck, ND for the Habitat and Population Evaluation Team. The position may be filled at either the GS-12 or 13 Level with a Full Performance Level of GS-13. Pay will vary based on grade level and/or duty location for which you're selected. First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.
Major duties
At the full performance level (GS-13) some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: 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. 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. Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.
What you need to qualify
Requirements Continued... You must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) 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-08/20/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected. Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications: Basic Educational Requirement AND Specialized Experience for the series to which you are applying. Basic Educational Requirements: In addition to the specialized experience requirements for this position, you must meet at least one of the following: A. Degree: Successfully completed a bachelor's or higher in biological science 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. Note: Transcripts required and your resume must contain sufficient detail of this level of work, i.e., complete begin/end dates, hours worked per week, duties performed, etc. for each timeframe for consideration. -OR- B. Combination of education and experience: course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Note: Transcripts required and Your resume must contain sufficient detail of this level of work, i.e., complete begin/end dates, hours worked per week, duties performed, etc. for each timeframe for consideration. -AND- Specialized Experience To qualify for this position at the 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) that demonstrates the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Examples of specialized experience may include 1.) Experience working with migratory bird data or conducting studies on birds. 2.) Experience creating biological models relating ecological data to species abundance, energetics, distribution, or demographic data. 3.) Experience statistical and GIS software (e.g., R, Python, ArcGIS Pro) to manipulate data and create models. 4.) Working with natural resource agencies or partner organizations to address research or monitoring needs. To qualify for this position at the 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) that demonstrates the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Examples of specialized experience may include: 1.) Experience creating biological models relating ecological data to species abundance, energetics, distribution, or demographic data. 2.) Experience working with migratory bird data or conducting studies on birds. 3.) Experience statistical and GIS software (e.g., R, Python, ArcGIS Pro) to manipulate data and create models. 4.) 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). 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.
Before you apply
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