This position is a Biologist, GS- 0401-11/12 working in Alamo, TX for the R2-South Texas Refuges Complex.
Only experience and education obtained by 01/30/2026 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification. Basic Requirement: Possess a Bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited college or university in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position; OR Possess a combination of education and experience which includes courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Minimum Qualification [GS-11] One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-09 in the Federal service. Experience includes (1) Assisting in the implementation of theories, principles, practices, and methodologies of biology and ecological field sciences to support Refuge management and conservation programs; (2) Supporting the application of environmental laws, regulations, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements by contributing to biological assessments, Refuge use evaluations (e.g., Special Use Permits, Appropriate Use Evaluations, Compatibility Determinations), and compliance activities; (3) Participating in the development and maintenance of partnerships with Federal, State, and local agencies, private organizations, and other stakeholders to assist in advancing conservation objectives and program coordination; and (4) Assisting in the preparation, review, and editing of conservation management plans, issue papers, briefing statements, event memos, and Congressional inquiries/requests to ensure content accuracy, clarity, and consistency. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information in these areas to be found qualified; OR Completed 3 years of graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree in wildlife biology, ecology, or a directly related field appropriate to this position; OR A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement. Please note that only graduate education in excess of the first two years may be used in this calculation Minimum Qualification [GS-12] One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-11 in the Federal service. Experience includes: (1) Independently implementing theories, principles, practices, concepts, methodologies, and techniques of biology and related ecological field sciences to plan and execute Refuge and land management conservation programs; (2) Independently implementing environmental laws, regulations, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements to conduct biological assessments, manage Refuge use requirements, and oversee compliance for Refuge activities, including Special Use Permits, Appropriate Use Evaluations, Compatibility Determinations, and programmatic agreements; (3) Developing and fostering partnerships with Federal, State, and local agencies, and private organizations, including stakeholders with opposing views, to resolve conflicts and achieve conservation objectives; (4) Leading the development of conservation management plans, issue papers, briefing statements, event memos, and Congressional inquiries/requests for content and clarity; and (5) Maintaining effective coordination and communication with internal and external stakeholders to ensure efficient implementation of Refuge and partnership programs. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information in these areas to be found qualified. 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.
As a BIOLOGIST your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Coordinates Refuge and SpaceX Liaison work with other Refuge Programs, Ecological Services, Regional Office, and/or Headquarters. Conducts Refuge Use requirements such as Special Use Permits, Appropriate Use Evaluations, Compatibility Determinations, Refuge Management Plans, and Local Agreements. Coordinates with Refuge Management, Regional Leadership and Regional Programs in conducting all NEPA requirements for proposed actions. Represents the Service as the SpaceX Liaison for the South Texas Refuge Complex, working with SpaceX on research activity on Refuge lands, Environmental Interpretation, Public Use Areas, Programmatic Agreement obligations (kiosks, informational panes, overlooks) in the Boca Chica area of the Refuge. Provides efficiencies for Refuge and SpaceX coordination and processes by maintaining weekly communication and coordination with SpaceX.