About this role
Job SummaryThis position is located at Virgin Islands National Park, in the Resource Management Division Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) rate of 11.88% is authorized.
QualificationsAll qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-08/28/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. All candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements. 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. This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. If you do not provide evidence that you possess the following selective factor(s) will be rated not qualified. Applicants must have an Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) or higher level (Rescue Diver, Dive Master, Instructor) of recreational dive certification . Applicant must possess a dive log with at least 20 documented scientific dives Applicant must possess Boat Operation experience - This position requires demonstrated training and experience operating and crewing small vessels (up to 28' in length) with twin outboard engines in open ocean conditions. Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications: To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level: Specialized Experience Requirement: you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: Assists professional staff in conducting and implementing field research and resource monitoring programs; Implements and conducts a wide variety of field activities in support of such programs as the control of non-native and invasive plant species and enhancement of native plant populations. Provides logistic support and area orientation for contract or cooperating scientists. Utilizes databases to enter and organize collected field data and uses standard statistical methods in the preparation of reports; enters and retrieves data from a geographic information system (GIS) and other information management systems; uses a variety of computer software programs to develop graphs, charts, and illustrations for reports and technical publications. You must include hours per week worked. -OR- Education: Successful completion of at least a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as those shown above for GS-3. At least 6 semester hours of courses must have been directly related to the position to be filled. The successful completion of a full course of study of at least 12 months in a school for clinical laboratory technicians may be substituted for the 1 year of specialized experience required at the GS-5 level for positions involving microbiology and biochemistry technician work. You must include transcripts. -OR- Combination of education and experience: 6 months of the specialized experience described above (50% of the experience requirement), and 3 years of college study from an accredited institution (75% of the qualifying education) as specified in B above, equals greater than 100% of the total requirement. You must include transcripts indicating number of credit hours in order to qualify based on the combination option. To qualify for this position at the GS-06 grade level: Specialized Experience Requirement: you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: implementing established natural resource management projects; following instructions and standardized procedures; collecting and organizing field data; ensuring quality control of data collected; performing routine and recurring testing of collected samples; recording data collected and providing preliminary assessment and classification of the information; assisting in the preparation of resource management reports, plans, and guidelines. Duties are supportive of professional specialists in resource management; relevant to research, conservation, and management of natural resources such but not limited to wildlife (land or aquatic) monitoring or control; field studies on plant or forest ecology, inventorying, monitoring, and/or control of invasive plants, or making other field observations on the state of natural resource conditions. You must include hours per week worked. -OR- Education: Successful completion of at least 1 full year of graduate education in an accredited educational institution (18 semester hour or 27 quarter hours) directly related to this position. Examples of directly related education are biology, botany, range science, forestry, ecology, environmental science, zoology, fisheries, animal husbandry, natural resource management or other directly related fields. You must include transcripts. To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level: Specialized Experience Requirement: you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: following instructions and standardized procedures; collecting and organizing field data; ensuring quality control of data collected; performing routine and recurring testing of collected samples; recording data collected and providing preliminary assessment and classification of the information; assisting in the preparation of resource management reports, plans, and guidelines. Additionally, experience must demonstrate ability to execute established natural resource management projects by independently planning and carrying out steps using established techniques to resolve problems. For example, planning field projects, independently choosing from among several possible courses of action at different stages of the project (e.g., selects site locations, sampling techniques, appropriate equipment, logistics, etc.). Duties are supportive of professional specialists in resource management; relevant to research, conservation and management of natural resources such as but not limited to wildlife (land or aquatic) monitoring or control; field studies on plant or forest ecology, inventorying, monitoring, and/or control of invasive plants, or making other field observations on the state of natural resource conditions. You must include hours per week worked. -OR- Education: Successful completion of at least 1 full year of graduate education in an accredited educational institution (18 semester hour or 27 quarter hours) directly related to this position. Examples of directly related education are biology, botany, range science, forestry, ecology, environmental science, zoology, fisheries, animal husbandry, natural resource management or other directly related fields. You must include transcripts. -OR- Combination of education and experience: 6 months of the specialized experience described above (50% of the experience requirement), and and half a year of directly related graduate level education. QUALIFICATIONS CONTINUED IN EDUCATION SECTION BELOW.......
Major DutiesGS-5 Implements established natural resource management projects using standardized procedures. Collects, organizes, and quality-controls field data; performs routine testing and preliminary assessments. Makes field observations, evaluates resource conditions, identifies issues, and shares findings with specialists. Assists in drafting reports, plans, and guidelines; conducts literature reviews and creates data visualizations. Provides logistical support and technical information for contract or partner scientists; resolves routine operational issues. Installs, operates, maintains, and inventories equipment; ensures quality assurance and orders supplies. Trains and supports students and volunteers in resource management or field research. Uses computer programs to manage, analyze, and report data; maintains digital databases and occasionally presents information. GS-6 Implements projects by following procedures; collects, organizes, tests, and quality-checks field data, adjusting methods as needed. Conducts field observations, evaluates conditions, identifies issues, and provides findings and recommendations to specialists. Assists in preparing reports, plans, and guidelines; performs literature reviews, method descriptions, and data visualization. Provides logistical support and site orientation for scientists; ensures quality control and resolves operational challenges. Installs, operates, maintains, inventories, and calibrates equipment; monitors quality assurance and orders supplies. Trains and assists students, conservation assistants, and volunteers. Uses computer programs to compile, analyze, store, and report data; maintains databases for research and monitoring. Shares program information with employees and visitors; may present interpretive programs. GS-7 Organizes, schedules, and carries out diverse projects, selecting sites, methods, equipment, and logistics. Collects, organizes, and quality-checks field data; performs analyses and records findings. Conducts field observations, evaluates conditions, interprets trends, and recommends management actions. Prepares draft reports, literature reviews, method descriptions, data analyses, charts, and recommendations; contributes to planning documents. Provides logistical support and technical information for scientists; ensures quality control and resolves challenges. Installs, operates, maintains, inventories, and calibrates monitoring and laboratory equipment. Offers training and guidance to students, assistants, and volunteers. Uses computer programs to manage, analyze, store, and report data; maintains databases and shares information. GS-8 Adapts, modifies, and develops techniques for research, inventory, monitoring, restoration, and management. Performs biological resource management studies using specialized equipment; installs, operates, maintains, inventories, and calibrates gear. Collaborates with managers, scientists, GIS specialists, and partners to integrate data into national databases. Participates in research phases, conducts complex technical tasks, and contributes to planning. Makes field observations, evaluates conditions, interprets trends and relationships among variables. Resolves technical issues, researches literature, collects and verifies samples, compiles data, and conducts statistical analyses. Maintains chemical inventories, prepares solutions, and ensures safe disposal of waste. Provides program information, maintains workspaces, and may serve as COR or ATR. GS-9 Designs and develops project components, selecting methods and procedures to meet objectives. Participates in planning, implementing, and interpreting research; assumes technical responsibility for experiments. Operates, maintains, calibrates, and modifies specialized equipment; designs sampling/testing procedures; manages inventories and procurement. Collects, prepares, verifies, and analyzes samples; keeps records; compiles and statistically analyzes data; manages monitoring datasets. Supports data management by designing GPS data dictionaries, organizing spatial inventories, and maintaining system compatibility. Prepares scientific manuscripts, reports, and publications; manages submissions and imagery; provides comments on planning documents. Works closely with managers, scientists, GIS specialists, and personnel to integrate information into national databases and support plans. Provides logistical and technical support for contractors and cooperators; assists with planning, schedules, cost estimates, and proposals; may serve as COR or ATR; shares program information.RequirementsMust 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. To learn more, visit www.dhs.gov/EVerify/. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment. You must have a current Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent) or higher level of recreational dive certification. You are required to wear a uniform and comply with the uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. You may be required to travel occasionally away from home. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes. You are required to obtain and maintain a Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority. Applicants 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.