DUTIES:

• Responsible for planning, organizing, and conducting direct control operations to reduce wildlife damage within a geographical area or technical/subject area of program involvement.
• Inspects and surveys areas and, as necessary, will revise existing WDM programs.
• Uses WDM tools/devices which may include some or all of the following depending on need in assigned area: firearms; foothold, body-grip, cage traps; foot snares; neck snares; chemical control methods; pyrotechnics; noise cannons/exploders; drop nets; rocket/cannon nets; various other scaring devices.
• Correctly identifies current, and forecasts future, damage problems and relates them to the damage-causing species.
• Independently determines and selects the most effective means of control for individual situations.
• Modifies or adapts established damage control techniques as necessary to meet local conditions and address specific environmental, economic or political considerations.
• Assists in the negotiation of cooperative service agreements with landowners, lessees, or administrators to accomplish the goals outlined for the WS program. May independently negotiate small cooperative service field agreements.
• Enters data into established WDM database/system of record. Uses data to prepare and submit routine reports regarding daily, weekly or monthly activities, observations, and events.
• Assists others in preparing and submitting routine and special reports regarding daily, weekly or monthly activities, observations, events.
• Complies with restrictions and mitigation measures established through consultation with relevant Federal and State agencies.
• Carries out duties in accordance with program decisions made in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) under guidance and oversight by supervisor.
• Demonstrates a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devices and materials, and equipment.
• Performs other duties, as required.

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

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

For the GS-6 Grade Level:

• Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-5 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, federal) sectors which demonstrates experience in:
• Dealing with human-wildlife conflicts and principles of wildlife damage management.
• The requirements of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Endangered Species Act, and National Environment Policy Act.
• Conducting wildlife damage assessments, counts and abundance surveys.
• The use of firearms, traps, snares, pesticides, immobilizing drugs, pyrotechnics, electronic harassment devices, and other non-lethal control tools.
• Creating/maintaining public contacts to formulate assistance strategies that incorporate technical assistance and operational control techniques.
  OR
• Successfully completed 1 year of graduate education (18 semester hours) in wildlife.
  OR
• Combination of Education and Experience at the GS-6 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-7 Grade Level:

• Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-6 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, federal) sectors which demonstrates experience in:
• Selecting appropriate wildlife damage management strategies, techniques, and tools and applying them to specific situations.
• Interpreting and applying policies, regulations, laws and ordinances that affect wildlife damage management operations and working within those guidelines.
• Using computers for word processing, spreadsheets, GIS and database applications.
• Assessing the abundance, behavior, and habitats of North American wildlife species.
  OR
• Successfully completed 1 year of graduate education (18 semester hours) in wildlife.
  OR
• Combination of Education and Experience at the GS-7 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.

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.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: (if applicable to your position)

• An initial trial period may be required.
• Must obtain or have a valid state driver’s license. Operation of Government-owned or leased vehicles is required. (if this applies)
• As a condition of employment, appropriate security clearance is required for this position.
• 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.
• 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://www.e-verify.gov/.
• Occasional travel may be required.

In order 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).