Ecologist/Botanist

Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our most precious resource.

This position is located in Reno, Nevada. Information about Reno and the surrounding area can be found at Reno/Sparks Chamber of Commerce.

We expect to fill one vacancy at this time; however, additional positions may be filled from this announcement if they become available.

This position is authorized a 20% relocation/recruitment incentive, if eligible. See additional information section.In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the qualification requirements - please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience.

Basic Education Requirement:

This is an interdisciplinary position with a positive education requirement. You must meet the education requirements for at least one of the professional series below:

For Botanist:

Have a degree in botany; or basic plant science that included at least 24 semester hours in botany; -OR- Have a combination of education and specialized experience: courses equivalent to a major in botany or basic plant science that included at least 24 semester hours in botany, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

For Ecologist:

Have a degree in biology or a related field of science that included at least 30 semester hours in basic and applied biological sciences. These hours include 9 semester hours in ecology, and 12 semester hours in physical and mathematical sciences.

In addition to meeting the education requirement, you must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: (1) evaluating vegetation monitoring programs to assure conformance with policies, standards, regulations, and legislation; (2) analyzing and/or manipulating data in a plant/wildlife databases to produce reports with graphics, maps, and spreadsheets; (3) assisting with the budget planning system process for a Plant Conservation Program; (4) utilizing Geographic Information Systems to perform analysis techniques to initiate or interpret habitat and site management.

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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade requirement in accordance with 5 CFR 300.604. If you are a current Federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must have completed a minimum of 52 weeks at the next lower grade level.

Physical Demands: The work is typically performed in an office setting with no special physical demands.

However, work may also be performed in the field which involves periods of walking, bending, climbing, or driving motor vehicles to worksites. The work may also involve some overnight travel for training, meetings, and site visits.

Work Environment: The work is usually performed in an office setting however work may also be spent occasionally visiting field sites.

Field visits are typically performed in either an outdoor setting subject to weather changes, diverse terrain, and safety hazards associated with working around complex features and/or construction. Both settings may require the use of personal protective equipment. Safety precautions and protocols are observed at all times and the incumbent complies with safety instructions and regulations and ensures individual and others safety by promptly reporting unsafe acts, unsafe conditions, and accidents to the supervisor.