NOAA SEFSC Fish Biologist, ZP-482-3 (TERM) Vacancy Announcement

OVERVIEW

Title: Fish Biologist

Open and Close Dates: 12/19/24 to 12/26/24 (or when 250 applications are received)

Salary: $72,553 – $120,401

Number of Positions: 1

Pay Scale & Grade: ZP-482-3

o   The ZP-3 is equivalent to the GS-11/12

Location(s): Pascagoula, MS or Miami, FL

Appointment Type: TERM (3 months with extension up to 10 years)

Work Schedule: Full Time

Telework Eligible: Yes

Promotion Potential: No

APPLY NOW

Apply for this position through USAJobs here.

DUTIES

This position serves as a field specialist, data manager, and survey coordinator within the Marine Mammal and Turtle Division to support marine mammal and sea turtle science and conservation. The incumbent will conduct, support, and/or oversee all aspects of field research activities conducted by the Division and partners from project design to data collection, management, sharing (internal), and dissemination of scientific information (external).

·        The candidate will develop and update standard research protocols, and comply with scientific research permit requirements, including compliance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and the Animal Welfare Act and NMFS Animal Care and Use Policy.

·        Prepare briefings and reports for internal and external audiences, and co-author/author peer-reviewed publications.

·        Manage and curate data for accuracy and quality, ensuring metadata is provided, and data is properly stored, archived, and accessible in established repositories. 

·        Serve as the primary point of contact for Chief Scientist(s) to provide project planning, budget, and logistical support for ship and/or field surveys.

·        Assist Project Investigators, and Center Director in preparing ship time requests, justifications for requests, and evaluating potential funding and time allocation scenarios to achieve science and mission objectives.

·        Oversee field survey equipment inventory, repair, maintenance, and storage, including working, as needed, operating the forklift and crane to prepare and load/unload equipment.

·        Oversee and prepare survey equipment for loans nationally and internationally.

·        Maintain and update our website, including posting newsworthy stories and field survey blogs, and sharing briefings and reports internally and externally.

·        Manage biological sample collection and processing and present results from field surveys.

REQUIREMENTS

While a cover letter is not required, it is highly recommended — it’s a great opportunity to clearly state which position(s) you are interested in and explain why you are a great fit for the position. It’s also a great spot to clarify your duty location. Please make sure you are also really clear with your coursework and make sure it’s abundantly obvious that relevant courses count towards your educational requirements. Copy/paste and link from the Course Catalog if you can find it! Ensure you attach transcripts that show you meet the educational requirement for the position.

To ensure your resume receives consideration, we highly recommend using the USAJobs resume builder to ensure all required elements are in your resume. 

However, if you prefer to use your own format, please ensure all of the below information is included, if not, you will be disqualified:

  • Job Title (including job series and grade, if federal)
  • Descriptions of duties/work performed (include duties that detail you meet the specialized experience listed in the announcement)
  • Starting and ending dates for each position (month AND year)
  • Hours worked per week and/or full-time or part-time. If identifying as part-time you must state the number of hours per week. (NOTE: A full-time work schedule requires most employees to work 33-40 hours during the work week. A part-time schedule requires an employee to work less than full-time, but for a specific number of hours (usually 16-32 hours per administrative work week) on a prearranged scheduled tour of duty.)

Ensure you attach transcripts that show you meet the educational requirement for the position. Also, ensure you check and double check that your application package contains all of the “Required Documents” as outlined in the vacancy announcement.

Please note, this position will only be open for 7 days or until the applicant limit has been reached.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you believe you were erroneously disqualified for a position, you can request reconsideration of your status by emailing noaa.applicantinquiries@noaa.gov

If you experience technical difficulties during the application process, contact the USAJobs Help Desk as soon as possible by filling out their ‘Contact Us’ form – https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/#usajobs-contact-form.  They will reach out within 24-48 hours to offer assistance.

For additional tips on applying to USAJobs positions, please view this YouTube video from a Fisheries Hiring Manager – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCZMKMkAeqo 

The Early Careers webpage is your essential resource for navigating the Federal application and hiring process. Here, you’ll find valuable insights on identifying eligible job openings and understanding how your qualifications will be assessed.

The USAJOBS Career Explorer features a quick 15-minute assessment with 32 questions designed to help you discover which Federal government jobs align with your interests and preferences.

Why work for NOAA?

In addition to the benefits offered to all Government employees, found here: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/Guide-Me/New-Prospective-Employees/#url=Overview. NOAA has additional benefits not offered by other Government agencies.

  • CAPS Pay Administration – CAPS pay uses pay for performance which allows for annual performance pay increases, bonuses, plus the standard annual general and locality pay increases. Applicants also have the ability to negotiate their initial salary if they can demonstrate how their experience and education will be beneficial in the selected position.
  • Wellness@ Work Program – Employees are authorized up to 40 hours per year for Wellness activities.
  • Telework – highlight how many days of telework are allowed per week.
  • The SEFSC supports a maxi flex work schedule