Summary This position is a Supervisory Geneticist, GS- 0440-13 working in Lamar, Pennsylvania, for the Lamar National Fish Hatchery and Northeast Fishery Center. This position is also open to the public under announcement R5-23-11917578-RR-DE. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods. Responsibilities This position is a Supervisory Geneticist, GS-0440-13 working in Lamar, Pennsylvania, for the Lamar National Fish Hatchery and Northeast Fishery Center. This position will serve as the lead of the Northeast Fishery Center Conservation Genetics Lab (CGL), which is active research and genetic monitoring projects throughout the Northeast Region of the USFWS. The CGL conducts population genetic assessments for monitoring genetic diversity in restoration hatchery programs and understanding population structure in wild populations and conducts environmental DNA (eDNA) research and assessments for both native and invasive... species. The Northeast Fishery Center is a complex with a diversity of expertise in fish health, genetic analysis, ecology, fish culture, and population dynamics working on a variety of aquatic conservation issues. The NEFC is in a rural setting in central Pennsylvania with ample outdoor recreational opportunities and is located between two universities: Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA, and Lock Haven University, in Lock Haven, PA. Your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following: Performs genetic analyses and provides genetics expertise and recommendations to the Director of NEFC and the Regional Directorate on international, national, and regional issues and policy concerning fish and other aquatic organisms, and will serve as the primary liaison Service, other Federal and State agencies, Tribal on the application of genetics to propagation, restoration, and conservation of aquatic organisms. Develops study proposals and implements studies on genetics assessments and monitoring that support the immediate and long term needs of the region and that mesh with strategic plans for the restoration, conservation, and management of fish and other aquatic organisms. . These genetic assessments include the use of population genetic methods, genomic analyses, and environmental DNA. Develops regional policies and guidelines to minimize deleterious genetic impacts of cultured organisms on wild and natural stocks. Publishes results of genetics studies, and their implications on the management and conservation of aquatic resource populations, in refereed journals and technical reports and delivers oral reports of findings at regional, national, and international professional conferences, workshops, seminars, program reviews, and public meetings. Maintains frequent and effective communication and coordination with National Fish Hatchery and Fishery Resource Office project leaders, State, Federal, and university genetics laboratory directors, National Wildlife Refuge project leaders, and State, Tribal and other Federal fishery managers to assist development and implementation of restoration and conservation plans; develop and implement mutually beneficial projects, to gain support for, and an understanding of natural resource genetics issues and stay abreast of state of the art genetics techniques and fishery management issues and needs. Provides expert reviews and detailed comments on highly technical study proposals, scientific reports, and fishery manuscripts referred to the incumbent by colleagues, peers, and editors of scientific journals at regional and national levels. Exercises the full range of supervisory and managerial duties for subordinate personnel. Manages and directs technical, non-technical, and professional staff to accomplish program and facility objectives. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Only experience and education obtained by 05/17/2023 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification. Basic Requirement: Possess a degree with a major in genetics; or one of the basic biological sciences that included at least 9 semester hours in genetics. Minimum Qualification: Have at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service. Experience must include: leading a genetics or fisheries management-related project or program, with applying population genetics or genomics to conservation or management issues; genotyping and conducting population genetic analyses; environmental DNA (eDNA) marker development or validation and application to detection of native or invasive species; experience with DNA extraction, quantitative PCR (qPCR) and/or Sanger sequencing methods as well as some experience using a variety of software packages for analysis of genetic data. 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. Time In Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet both eligibility and qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the JOA. Specifically, i. Area of Consideration. ii. Time-in-grade (TIG) requirements as specified in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. iii. Time after competitive appointment as specified in 5 CFR 330.502. iv. Qualification requirements outlined in OPM's Qualifications Standards for General Schedule Positions or for Federal Wage System (FWS), wage grade positions, applicants are evaluated using the OPM Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations and the job element examining method Your SF-50 will be used to confirm you meet all requirements Education PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts. PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society. GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study. FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html Additional Information PCS INFORMATION: Yes, entitlements for payment of basic moving expenses, as required and to the extent allowed by the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) 302-3.101, are authorized for eligible applicants changing duty station when the change meets the distance tests as provided in FTR 302-1.1 and 302-2.6. All moving expenses are taxable. In addition, relocation discretionary entitlements May be authorized for this position excluding contractor-provided home sale. Telework: This position is suitable for telework on in an emergency or natural disaster. Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP):Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), score at least 85 on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP and ICTAP visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/" The Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA),P.L. 114-47, allows certain individuals who currently or formerly were under time-limited competitive appointments at certain land management agencies to compete under merit promotion procedures. Current appointees: Must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited appointment with a land management agency; Must have served under 1 or more time limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years; AND Must have performed at an acceptable level. Former appointees: Must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited appointment with a land management agency; Must have served under 1 or more time limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years; Must apply for position within 2 years after separation; Must have been separated for reasons other than misconduct or performance; AND Must have performed at an acceptable level. Public Land Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority: Served as a qualified youth on an appropriate conservation project completing a minimum of 640 hours of satisfactory service that included at least 120 hours through the PLC and received a certificate of non-competitive eligibility. Completed most recent Corps service, for which a certificate of non-competitive eligibility was issued, within the last 2 years. Appointment must be effected within the 2 year period
Lamar PA USA

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