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Assistant District Supervisor

USDA Wildlife Services

Storm Lake, Iowa

Job Type Permanent
Salary $61,722 - $97,087 per year
Benefits Full federal benefits
Deadline Jul 07, 2026
Min. Experience 0 - 1 year

OPEN DATE:                       June 23, 2026

CLOSING DATE:                July 07, 2026

POSITION TITLE:              Supervisory Wildlife Biologist (Assistant District Supervisor)

TYPE OF POSITION:         13 Month Term Appointment with possibility for Benefits, Excepted Service, (may be extended up to 4 years)

WORK SCHEDULE:          Full Time, variable (maxiflex)

ANNOUNCEMENT #:        MOIAWS20260623

SERIES/GRADE:                GS-0486-9/11

FULL PERFORMANCE

LEVEL:                                  GS-0486-11

NUMBER OF                        1

POSITIONS:

LOCATION:                         Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Pocahontas, or Sac County, IowaLocation of duty station will be in one of the counties listed above,with the exact location determined after selection. This is not a home duty station*

                                                (Relocation expenses will not be paid)

SALARY:                              $61,722 - $97,087 per year

(Depending on qualification, refer to OPM FY2026 GS pay scale www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2026/RUS.pdf )

DUTIES:

  • Assists immediate supervisor in planning, organizing, coordinating, and executing a WS program within a work unit (i.e., district) to efficiently, effectively, and safely reduce wildlife-related impacts to agriculture, natural resources, property, and threats to human health & safety. Must ensure that program objectives are accomplished within the limits of Federal, State/Territorial, and local laws and regulations, multiple funding mandates, and sound wildlife damage management (WDM) principles. 
  • Assists with the implementation of conventional strategic plans based on WS Directives and program needs. Ensures that the vision, mission, and goals of strategic plans are communicated to employees within the work unit. Assists the supervisor in conducting annual reviews of program delivery to identify accomplishments and adjust services as needed due to changes in funding, legal requirements, environmental compliance, or public issues. 
  • Within the work unit, negotiates, establishes, maintains, monitors, and reports on some reimbursable agreements such as Cooperative Service, Field, and Interagency Agreements, including work and financial plans including cost effectiveness of various approaches, with multiple agencies, organizations, institutions, and individuals. 
  • Modifies or adapts established WDM strategies to meet local environmental conditions, address specific economic or political considerations, and ensure that activities comply with Federal, State/Territorial and local laws and regulations. 
  • Within the work unit, ensures compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), parallel State environmental laws, and other applicable Federal and State laws and regulations including the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, and State natural resource regulations.  
  • With guidance from the supervisor, supports environmental compliance efforts through document development or provision of information and review of administrative and project records, environmental impact statements (EIS), environmental assessments (EA), decision documents, monitoring reports, categorical exclusion records, biological assessments and consultations, MBTA permitting processes, and other related documents and reports.  
  • Cultivates positive community and media relations, participates in community meetings, gives presentations before groups, prepares articles for local news media, answers inquiries regarding program function and operations to the general public and the media, and proactively develops and conducts informational outreach activities pertaining to the work unit’s mission. Coordinates with APHIS Legislative and Public Affairs in responding to local media campaigns by interested groups. 
  • Represents the WS program at meetings, conferences, workshops, and other similar events and proceedings of local, Regional, and National scope for the purpose of sharing program information and planning and evaluating future measures to be considered in WDM programs. Frequently communicates with and drafts correspondence to inform program staff, colleagues, and others. 
  • Coordinates and meets with Federal, State/Territorial, county, and municipal agency personnel, organizations, institutions, associations, and private industry groups to identify WDM needs, develop means to address complex wildlife damage problems, and to provide solutions and programs to alleviate wildlife damage. 
  • Provides direction and oversight to work unit subordinates in the preparation of scientific and administrative program reports including annual reports, monthly narratives, Wildlife Hazard Assessments and Management Plans, and other Federal, State, and cooperator reports. Prepares scientific technical and administrative program reports, as necessary. Ensures timely responses to all information requests, including Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) inquiries, data calls, and stakeholder inquiries.  
  • Obtains and maintains applicable chemical, drug, and pesticide applicator licenses, permits, or other authorizations and ensures subordinates have the proper certifications to conduct WDM activities in the work unit. Advises and trains pesticide certification candidates in cooperation with the State Department of Agriculture or other appropriate pesticide regulatory agency.  
  • Conducts periodic inventories for the work unit of accountable and non-accountable property as requested by the supervisor. Coordinates with staff to procure field supplies and accountable property.  
  • Supports WS’ safety program and procedures through participation in meetings, inspections, training, and implementation of safety requirements and protocols. Identifies safety-related opportunities and challenges and develops solutions to protect employee and public safety. Ensures that all pesticides, explosives, firearms, and immobilization and euthanasia chemicals are stored and utilized safely and in accordance with appropriate regulations and policies. Ensures that personnel utilizing these methods have the appropriate training and certifications. 

Incumbent may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.

How To Apply

WHO MAY APPLY:

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Must be 18 years old
  • If you are a male born after December 31, 1959 and are at least 18 years of age, civil service employment law (5 U.S.C. 3328) requires that you must be registered with the Selective Service System, unless you meet certain exemptions (proof of registration and/or exemption required).  Website: http://www.sss.gov.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Resume (2-page maximum) that includes:

1) Personal information such as name, address, contact information

2) Education

3) Detailed work experience related to this position as described in the announcement including

  • Work schedule including hours per week
  • Dates of employment;
  • Title, series, grade (if applicable)

4) All supervisors' phone numbers and if they may be contacted

5) Other qualifications

Transcripts (if qualifying on education, education must have been obtained from an accredited institution. Education completed in a foreign institution must include an evaluation by an organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs that it was deemed equivalent to an accredited U.S. education program, see: Foreign Education Evaluation. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.)

DD-214 (Member 4 copy)

VA letter required for applicable Veteran preference, if applies.

Current active-duty members must submit a certification that they are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted.

HOW TO APPLY: Additional materials not listed above (i.e. position descriptions, training certificates, etc.) may not be considered. Applicants who do not submit the required items listed above may not be considered. Applications with all supporting documents must be submitted to the contact office and must be RECEIVED by the CLOSING DATE of this announcement.

Interested individuals should send a resume (2-page maximum), transcripts, veteran documentation (if applicable) to the address listed here:

             CONTACT OFFICE:

Adam Coe, District Supervisor

USDA APHIS Wildlife Services

11348 Aurora Ave,

Urbandale, IA 50322

adam.coe@usda.gov

712-422-0980

MINIMUM ELIGIBLITY REQUIREMENTS:

To qualify, applicants MUST meet all minimum qualification requirements, except Medical Requirements, by the closing date of the announcement.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

BASIC REQUIREMENT:

A: Degree: biological 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

OR:

B: Combination of education and experience: equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), with at least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester hours in zoology, and 9 semester hours in botany or related plant science, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In addition to the above, applicants must have:

FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level that demonstrates:

Interpreting and applying policies, regulations, laws, and ordinances that affect wildlife damage management operations and working within those guidelines.

Using GPS, GIS technologies, and web-based systems for data entry and administrative processes.

Create new damage control techniques to meet local conditions and address specific environmental, economic or political considerations.

Preparation of presentations and reports to cooperators and other entities to ensure program success.

OR

Education Substitution at the GS-9 Grade Level: Successful completion of 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master’s degree in wildlife biology, wildlife management, wildlife ecology or masters or equivalent graduate degree in one of the above mentioned fields.

OR

Combination of Education & Experience at the GS-9 Grade Level: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.

FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level that demonstrates:

All requirements of the GS-09 level and the following:

Experience in human resources management and supervisory techniques with the ability to effectively train and supervise employees.

Experience in dealing with controversial topics that pertain to wildlife damage management programs, policies, and work.

Experience with growing programs by increasing incoming funding, developing new relationships, and making good on program deliverables.

OR

Education Substitution at the GS-11 Grade Level: Successful completion of 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D degree or equivalent doctoral degree in one of the following degree fields: Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Management, or Wildlife Ecology.

OR

Combination of Education & Experience at the GS-11 Grade Level: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.

TRANSCRIPTS are required if:

  • This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified.
  • You are qualifying for the position based on education.
  • You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.
  • This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED

Applicants who meet basic minimum qualifications may be referred to the hiring manager for selection.  Qualified candidates eligible for veterans’ preference will receive referral and selection priority over non-veterans.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, you may be found ineligible. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must obtain or have a valid state driver’s license. Operation of Government-owned or leased vehicles is required.
  • As a condition of employment, appropriate security clearance is required for this position.
  • Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E- Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://e-verify.gov/.
  • Position is subject to random and applicant drug testing.
  • Must demonstrate respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devices, and equipment.
  • Occasional travel may be required
  • To perform the essential duties of this position, you must have the legal and physical ability to possess and discharge firearms. You must be able to pass a government background check and meet any additional requirements to carry and use firearms. A background check will include answering questions about where you’ve lived, worked, went to school, and any military history or police records. Selection and retention in this position is contingent on a successfully adjudicated FBI National Criminal History Check (fingerprint check).
  • Initial trial period may be required.

Emergency Response – APHIS is an emergency response agency.  This means that all Agency employees may be asked or assigned to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments to support emergency programs at some time during their careers with APHIS.  It is difficult to predict the frequency with which such emergency situations may occur – and could range from several emergencies in a year to none over the course of many years.  In the event that you are called upon to support an emergency program, this may require irregular working hours, including overtime, and may include duties other than those specified in your official position description.  While some emergency program support assignments may be able to be performed at the employee’s current duty station, in other cases employees may be asked to go on-site to a temporary duty state location.  In addition, it may be necessary for employees to participate in multiple rotations to an emergency program assignment.  Attempts will be made to keep disruption to the employee to a minimum.

See this link:

 https://www.usajobs.gov//Help/working-in-government/fair-and-transparent/signature-false-statements/

NOTE: APPLICANTS FOR THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT TO URINALYSIS TO SCREEN FOR ILLEGAL DRUG USE PRIOR TO APPOINTMENT. APPOINTMENT TO THE POSITION WILL BE CONTINGENT UPON A NEGATIVE DRUG TEST RESULT. INCUMBENTS OF THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT TO URINALYSIS TO SCREEN FOR ILLEGAL DRUG USE ON AN ONGOING BASIS AFTER APPOINTMENT, AS DIRECTED.

Carrying a firearm is a condition of employment – In the passing of the Lautenberg Amendment, Congress passed legislation which prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from possessing a firearm or ammunition. If selected you will be required to sign the form, “Inquiry for Positions Requiring Possession of Firearms,” certifying that you meet this criteria.

The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.

Reasonable Accommodation Policy-

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a Case-by-Case basis.

A reasonable accommodation is any change in the workplace or the way things are customarily done that provides an equal employment opportunity to an individual with a disability. Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) must provide reasonable accommodations:

  • An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.
  • An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.
  • An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.

Under the Fair Chance Act, agencies are not allowed to request information about an applicant’s criminal history until a conditional offer of employment has been made, except as allowed for access to classified information; assignment to national security duties or positions; acceptance or retention in the armed forces; or recruitment of a Federal law enforcement officer.  An applicant may submit a complaint or any other information related to an organization’s alleged noncompliance with the Fair Chance Act.  The complaint must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the date of the alleged noncompliance.  To make a Fair Chance Act inquiry or complaint, send an email with the appropriate information to MRP.Fairchance@usda.gov subject line: Fair Chance Act.

Relocation costs will not be paid for this position.

When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.

Category General / Stewardship , Wildlife
Tags Environmental Planning