Limnologist, GS-0401-11 (34028)

Position Overview

Engineering and Construction Division; Hydrology and Hydraulics Branch; Water Management Section

The Walla Walla District US Army Corps of Engineers helps manage local water resources for navigation, flood damage reduction, disaster assistance, hydroelectric power generation, and other natural and heritage areas.

DUTIES

• This position has the technical responsibility for monitoring and for studies to evaluate, preserve, and enhance water quality associated with existing proposed Walla Walla District projects.
• This position also has the technical responsibility for assignments pertaining to fisheries research, investigations, management, and problem-solving in regard to water quality and properties.
• Work with District staff on limnological aspects of all Corps projects and on river basin and reservoir pre- and post-impoundment water quality studies, advising them on physical, chemical, and biological conditions to be considered.
• Maintain knowledge of Federal and state laws and regulations regarding water quality standards and advises other sections in the establishment of monitoring and control techniques to comply with applicable water quality requirements.
• Develops and maintains current knowledge of water quality instrumentation, including flow meters, temperature sensors, water level sensors, total dissolved gas sensors, turbidity meters, telemetry systems, multi-parameter probes, etc.
• Provide water quality expertise for General Investigation studies, including potential effects on fisheries.
• Review water quality data and advises as to the suitability of specific waters for potential hatchery supply.

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD, Section 9905 to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position requires that the incumbent possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 15% of the time.
• You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts with your application package or proof of alternate Basic Requirements listed in this announcement.
• Work requires special safety precautions and/or protective clothing and equipment.
• Incumbent may be called upon to operate a USACE boat/vessel less than 26 feet in length and may be required to obtain the required certification for boat/vessel operation.

QUALIFICATIONS

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application.

EDUCATION

Minimum Education Requirement:

Basic Requirements for Limnologist (GS-0401):

A. Degree: Bachelor’s degree (or higher degree) in 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:

EXPERIENCE

Minimum Experience Requirement:

GS-11 Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes experience in applying limnological principles in evaluating physical, chemical, and biological parameters of water bodies and their relationship to the natural and built environment. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-09). (Specific experience must be well documented in resume).

OR

Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: Biology, Natural Resources Management, or Chemistry.

OR

Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Applications must be submitted after 12:01 AM (PST) of the posted Job Posting Open Date and before 11:59 PM (PST) of the posted Job Posting Close Date to receive consideration.
• All positions require the applicant to be a citizen of the United States. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, are required to register for Selective Service prior to appointment.
• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• A trial or probationary period may be required.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement/requisition.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. Salary Range: $73,939 - $96,116
• Hiring incentives such as a recruitment/relocation bonus, service credit for leave, and student loan repayment may be authorized (subject to available budget).
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) expenses may be authorized (subject to available budget) if the selecting official determines the relocation is in the best interests of the government. Subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations.
• When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ (https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/) for more information.
• This position is eligible for situational telework.
• This position requires you to obtain a Government Small Boat Operators License upon employment.
• This position is covered under the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) Bargaining Unit.