JOB SUMMARY: This position is a technical advisor in ecology for one or more parks to apply a systems approach to the study and analysis of organisms and ecological relationships. The ecologist is responsible for program development and implementation located in Heartland Inventory and Monitoring Network, in the MW Division. Open to the first 75 applicants or until 11/21/2024 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration. MAJOR DUTIES: Conduct field operations for long-term monitoring of aquatic resources (fish, aquatic invertebrates, aquatic vegetation, water quality, aquatic habitat) as described in monitoring protocols and standard operating procedures (SOP). Contribute to periodic updates and refinements of protocols and SOPs. Conduct all aspects of fish community and aquatic invertebrate monitoring including field data collection using electrofishing equipment and nets, sample processing and identification of fish and invertebrates, stream habitat assessment, maintaining current nomenclature for fish and/or aquatic invertebrates and maintaining a specimen reference collection for quality control and training. Analyze and interpret aquatic resource monitoring data using statistical software tools and ecological metrics, and communicates results in summary briefs, technical reports, and journal articles. Use data management systems to enter monitoring data, perform data quality assurance, document metadata, and prepare data exports for statistical analysis. The duties listed above are at the GS-09 level. At the GS-07 level this is an advanced trainee position. Developmental assignments are designed to prepare a GS-07 for the higher graded positions in the career ladder. Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level. Physical Demands: The position may require strenuous physical activity including periods of standing, walking, climbing, and lifting and carrying heavy objects. Some activities will occur in physically dangerous areas or settings. Documentary research and report writing work is sedentary, entails the ability to concentrate and write for long periods of time. Working Conditions: Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in all types of weather. Assignments may be performed in potentially hazardous areas including steep slopes, rocky terrain, volcanoes, caves, firelines, arctic environments, swamps, deserts, and forests. Flying in fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters is possible. This is a Career-Seasonal position and subject to release and recall procedures. A permanent career-seasonal position includes all the benefits of permanent employment but does not provide employment on a full year-round basis. As such, selectee will be in a non-pay/non-duty status for at least 2 weeks to 6 months per year based on project requirements or weather conditions. Selectee is guaranteed to work at least 6 months per year but not more than 50 weeks per year, with the work schedule to be determined upon appointment. The typical non-pay status is November to March,OR the beginning to mid-December but can be variable during these months due to project requirements or weather conditions. IMPORTANT: Click the 'Apply for this job' button to view a complete job description.
