Spatial Waterfowl Ecologist (Wildlife Biologist).

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.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Must 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
• You may be required to have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• You are required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
  
  

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.

This Probationary Period Is An Extension Of The Appointment Process And Therefore Requires The Agency To Determine If Continued Employment Would Advance The Public Interest, Meet The Organization Goals And Mission Of The Agency, And/or Otherwise Promote The Efficiency Of The Service. In Determining If Your Employment Advances The Public Interest, The Agency Will Consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
  
  

Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

• Additional Requirements located under qualifications*
  
  

Qualifications

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-08/27/2026-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:

• 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-

• 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.

Education

This position has a mandatory education requirement.

You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education.

Additional information

Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.

Promotion to the full performance level is neither guaranteed nor implied and will be based solely on your ability to satisfactorily perform the work of the position, existing work at the higher grade level, and recommendation by the position's supervisor.

You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 5 nights per month. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.

Physical Demands/Work Environment: The work requires some physical exertion such as standing, walking over rough terrain, wading in shallow water, or walking through snow. Biologist is expected to bend, crouch, stoop, and be able to carry or lift moderately heavy (up to 50 pounds) gear. Some work involves regular exposure to moderate risks such as travel in approved small aircraft or watercraft. During certain periods, work will be conducted outdoors, and biologist will be exposed to some discomforts such as wind, rain, snow, insect pests, etc.

All Department of Interior (DOI) employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here,

The duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.