Biologist

Summary This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Plains Area (PA), at the Northern Plains Climate Hub in Fort Collins, CO. In this position, you will serve as a science coordinator and focal point for the synthesis and communications of science related to climate change and agroecosystems, including the effects of mitigation and adaptation practices on soil health, nutrient cycling, greenhouse gases, and other related ecosystem services. Responsibilities Establishes partnerships for communication and coordination among land management partners, services providers, and the science community relating to extreme weather and climate change with impacts to agriculture (croplands, rangelands, or forests). Serves as a scientific resource for partner committees, gathering and sharing information about climate-related needs of working-land managers and service providers, and obtaining input on the Hub's initiatives and products. Analyzes and synthesizes techniques and standards related to agricultural working lands and climate. Develops and delivers information, tools, outreach activities and products to meet climate-related needs of agricultural working-land managers and service providers. Identifies USDA climate change research within the region and integrates results of relevance to working-land managers and partners into Northern Plains Climate Hub deliverables. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and / or education, as defined below. Basic Requirements : Degree : biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience : courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. AND In addition to the basic requirements above, all applicants must also meet the following minimum qualification requirements : Specialized Experience : Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are : Qualifying experience for GS-12 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-11 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience analyzing climate or agriculture data (such as for croplands, rangelands, or forests); publishing a peer-reviewed journal article on the effects or management of climate change, greenhouse gases, nutrient cycling, or other related ecosystems services within agriculture; participating in workshops or similar forums to present scientific information to the general public; and coordinating a team that involves multiple scientific disciplines or organizations. Physical Demands Work is basically sedentary with some standing, bending, climbing, and carrying of light items such as display materials, books, small instruments or samples, and other similar materials. The work does not require any special physical effort. Travel by automobile and public forms of transportation is required. Work Environment Work is performed in an adequately lighted, heated and ventilated office, meeting / conference rooms, training rooms, workshops, etc. Normal safety precautions are required. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) : Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP / RPL / ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP / ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified based on an evaluation of the following competencies : Interpersonal Skills, Outreach and Communications, and Research. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer. Selections made under this authority will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would therefore be given a new appointment to the civil service. If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.