About this role
Job SummaryIf selected, you will serve as the Minnesota State Director for the Eastern Region Wildlife Services (WS) program. You will be responsible for all aspects (scientific and administrative) of cooperative wildlife damage management (WDM) programs and related activities with other federal, state and local governments, tribes, private organizations and individuals in Minnesota (MN).
QualificationsApplicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: biological 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. OR Combination of education and experience: equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), with at least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester hours in zoology, and 9 semester hours in botany or related plant science, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. FOR THE GS-14 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-13 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Developing and maintaining long-term relationships with federal agencies, state agencies, county agencies and private entities to develop cooperative wildlife damage management programs and administering cooperative agreements and MOUs with such entities. Lead the formulation of budget estimates and administering expenditures for a large, multi-faceted program consisting of federal, state, and/or other cooperative funded budgets. Overseeing a workforce of federal and cooperatively funded employees, which includes biologists, technicians, and various administrative staff. Planning, coordinating, and compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Endangered Species Act, and Federal Aviation Regulations for wildlife damage management activities conducted within the State. Negotiating interagency/cooperative service agreements with federal agencies, state agencies, county agencies and private entities to develop cooperative wildlife damage management programs. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. 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.
Major DutiesThe duties may include, but are not limited to:Develops, implements and leads WDM strategic plans and programs for protection of public and private property, agricultural resources, natural resources and human health and safetyCommunicates program activities with national, regional, tribal, and local advocacy groups based in MN that may support or oppose WDM management activities and/or the WS programCoordinates and meets with state and federal agency directors and department heads to identify wildlife damage management needsServes as WDM technical expert for the MN Legislature and provides technical information, presentations, and demonstrations; communicates with advocacy group members and state agency personnelDevelops and initiates new, revised, or experimental techniques for wildlife damage management operations in the areas of responsibilityDevelops or obtains appropriate training for staff to successfully complete work and program objectivesInforms the public of program activities and accomplishments via the media, internet, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and other information outletsMeets and informs Congressional staffers, State Legislators, County Commissioners and cooperators about complex and often controversial WDM programsProvides services within limitations of budgets comprised of federal, state, county, municipal, local and private funds and Congressional Directives