Biological Scientist (Environmental)

The U.S. Air Force is seeking a Biological Scientist (Environmental) in Dover, DE, to assist in managing and executing environmental programs under the guidance of higher-grade professionals. This formal intern position involves performing specific work assignments, coordinating training, and providing advisory services while ensuring compliance with environmental laws. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and may need to relocate or work outside normal hours.
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The primary purpose of this position is: Under the direct guidance of a higher grade environmental professional, to serve in a developmental capacity in biological science, performing management, execution, and operations for an assigned program element(s). This is a formal Air Force intern position, established under the PALACE Acquire (PAQ) program.
Duties

GS-07

- Uses prescribed methods to perform specific, and limited work assignments that are normally minor phases of a broader assignment of a higher-grade environmental professional.

- Performs assignments meant to familiarize incumbent with execution of typically assigned projects, in-house and by contract, and with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws and policies.

- Assists with the coordination of curricula and training for assigned program areas on the installation.

- Assists in providing advisory services on questions, issues, and projects in assigned program areas.

- Complies with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures, and performs work that enhances the safety of the work environment.

GS-09

- Performs work assignments that are moderately difficult and complex including phases of a broader assignment of a higher-grade environmental professional.

- Responsible for executing moderately difficult assigned projects, in-house and by contract, to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws and policies.

- Assists with the coordination of curricula and training for assigned program areas on the installation.

- Provides advisory services on questions, issues, and projects in assigned program areas.

- Complies with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures, and performs work that enhances the safety of the work environment.

Requirements
• Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov. Selective Service: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. For additional information, click here.
• If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
• Mobility - you may be required to relocate during or after completion of your training. Recruitment incentives may be authorized.
• This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program. Disclosure of Political Appointments.
• Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays. Shift work and emergency overtime may be required.
• Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. The salary range indicated in this announcement will be adjusted to include locality payment for selected duty location and/or series.
• Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
• The work may require the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate driver’s license may be required for the position.
• May be required to serve as a member of the Emergency Response Force during exercises or in the event of an actual emergency.
• Successful completion of all training and regulatory requirements as identified in the applicable training plan. Employee must maintain current certifications. May be required to obtain job-related certifications.
• Minimum GPA of 2.95 on a 4.0 grading scale..
• Certain positions and/or rotations require a top-secret clearance, therefore; individuals selected for these positions will be required to obtain and maintain a top-secret clearance... (continue below)
• ...as part of the clearance individuals may be required to undergo polygraph and/or drug testing as a condition of employment. Position may be subject to random drug testing.
• The salary range indicated in this announcement will be adjusted to include locality payment for selected duty location and/or series.
• Must meet suitability for Federal employment. Required to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance. Required to serve a one year probationary period.
• The employee must meet the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position. Meeting these requirements is a condition of employment and necessary to perform the duties of the position.

Qualifications
In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions.

INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:

A. Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

GS-07 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-05, or equivalent in other pay systems.

OR

EDUCATION: 1 year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement

GS-09 - SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-07, or equivalent in other pay systems.

OR

EDUCATION: 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

GS-07
• Professional knowledge of environmental concepts and principles as well as the ability to apply standard environmental professional practices, methods, and techniques to perform relatively routine projects or a portion of a larger and more complex project.
• Knowledge of relevant software programs and data bases to gather information, prepare reports, and communicate critical information. Familiarity with related engineering disciplines, particularly structural and mechanical.
• Ability to search technical reports, manufacturers' catalogs, and other guidelines and publications to obtain information, prepare reports, and perform routine assignments.
• Ability to make selections and adaptations of environmental applications and alternatives and, after approval by the supervisor or higher-grade engineer, carry out the sequence of details.

GS-09
• Professional knowledge of environmental concepts and principles as well as the ability to apply standard environmental professional practices, methods, and techniques to perform relatively difficult but well precedented assignments.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws, regulations, or integration principles and practices, and other guidance to make recommendations concerning assigned restoration, compliance, conservation, pollution prevention projects.
• Ability to search technical reports, manufacturers' catalogs, and other guidelines and publications to obtain information, prepare reports, and perform moderately difficult assignments.
• Knowledge of environmental disciplines to be aware of ramifications of their findings and actions inherent in assigned environmental projects, studies, and programs.
• Ability to make selections and adaptations of environmental applications and alternatives and, after review by the supervisor or higher-grade engineer, carry out the assignment.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.