• Environmental Scientist
  Filing date: February 03, 2010
  .

Environmental Scientist, ZP-0401-4 (DE)
Filing date: February 03, 2010

Department:	Department Of Commerce
Agency:	National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Sub Agency:	National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Job Announcement Number:	NOS-OCRM-2010-0010
Job Title:	Environmental Scientist, ZP-0401-4 (DE)
Salary Range:	96,867.00 - 148,806.00 USD /year
Series & Grade:	ZP-0401-4/4
Promotion Potential:	4
Open Period:	Wednesday, January 06, 2010 to Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Position Information:	Competitive:  Career/Career-Conditional Permanent/Full Time
Duty Locations:	1 vacancy - Monterey County, CA
Who May Be Considered:	All qualified United States citizens.

Job Summary:
National Ocean Service (NOS) is a scientific and technical organization whose mission is to preserve and enhance the nation's coastal resources and ecosystems and advocate coastal and ocean stewardship.  It achieves this through scientific research, monitoring, observing, and predicting scientific phenomena; preserving and restoring ocean and coastal areas; establishing and enhancing state and local governments' coastal resources; mapping and charting; and responding to hazardous substance spills.

This position is located in the NOS Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM), in Monterey, CA.  The incumbent serves as the National Marine Protected Area (MPA) Center's lead geographic information systems (GIS) analyst and the developer and manager for GIS and other databases necessary for the development, implementation and evaluation of the National System of Marine Protected Areas under Executive Order 13158.

This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies as they occur within NOS.

This position is covered by the Department of Commerce (DOC) Alternative Personnel System. This System replaces the federal GS pay system and structure. Under the System, positions are classified by career path, series, and pay band. This ZP-4 is equivalent to a GS-13/14.  For additional information, visit http://hr.commerce.gov/ Employees/Compensation/DEV01_005974

*A one-year probationary period may be required.

NOTE:  Current federal employees serving under a career or career- conditional appointment in the competitive service; former federal employees who have served under a career or career-conditional appointment and have reinstatement eligibility; CTAP/ICTAP eligibles; people eligible under special hiring authorities; veterans who are preference eligible, or who have been separated from the U.S. Armed Forces under honorable conditions after 3 or more years of continuous service (VEOA) who want to apply under Merit Promotion rules MUST APPLY to vacancy announcement number NOS-OCRM-2010-0016.

PLEASE CLICK ON THE "PRINT PREVIEW" BUTTON BELOW AND READ ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE YOU BEGIN THE APPLICATION PROCESS.

Application under this announcement requires the applicant to complete and submit a specially designed USAJOBS application by accessing My USAJOBS at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov OR clicking on "APPLY ONLINE" button below. Please be sure that you click the "Continue" button at the bottom of each page of your online application and the "Finished" button on the last page, whether you have finished or not. You may edit your resume, question responses, etc. any time while the announcement is open.

Key Requirements:

• You must be a U.S. Citizen
• You must be registered for Selective Service if applicable (see Other Info)
• You must be suitable for Federal employment

Major Duties:
The individual selected for this position will:

• Develop and maintain large databases (both spatial and non-spatial) from diverse sources in support of the U.S. National System of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and in compliance with agency data standards and policies.
• Design and create products depicting spatial and quantitative aspects of the national system.
• Design and execute rigorous, science-based approaches to identify place-based regional conservation priorities using spatial data and gap analyses.
• Enhance ocean management by developing and executing new participatory approaches to mapping human uses of the nation's oceans and coasts.
• Represent the MPA Center and NOAA on agency working groups and task forces, at public policy meetings and in national and international scientific and professional conferences.

Qualifications:
Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower pay band (ZA-3) or GS-12 grade level in the federal service. Specialized experience is knowledge of ocean, estuarine and coastal ecosystems; knowledge of Google Earth, UNIX/DOS scripting, AML, Avenue, Python, XML; skill in the use of ESRI ArcGIS, ArcIMS and SDE technology; skill to transform geographic data in GIS, cartographic and database formats; ability to apply knowledge of the principles and methods of geography and cartography, including map projections and datums to produce high-quality maps; ability to conduct spatial analysis on marine data; ability to design, develop and maintain large and complex databases following federal protocols and policies; ability to design and develop custom GIS tools, innovative methods for acquiring spatial data and creative methods to visualize large and complex geospatial datasets for marine ecosystems; ability to manage complex projects involving multidisciplinary teams; ability to communicate effectively in person and in writing.

BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:  Applicants must meet either A. or B. below to qualify for this position:

A.  Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

OR

B.  Combination of education and experience--Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A. above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Only successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university recognized by the Department of Education is acceptable to meet positive education requirements.
Foreign Education:  To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education   has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. For more information on the evaluation of foreign education, refer to the U.S. Department of Education's web site at http://www.ed.gov.
Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of ersonnel Management's (OPM) Operating Manual for Qualification Standards, which contains federal qualification standards.  This handbook is available on OPM's website at: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications

How You Will Be Evaluated:
Your application will be reviewed to determine if you are eligible and if you are qualified for the position. Your eligibility for consideration and qualifications for the position will be determined based upon a review of:

• Your detailed resume;
• Your responses to the job specific self-assessment questions; and
• The supporting documentation required.

The self-assessment questions cover the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) competencies:

1. Knowledge of ocean, estuarine and coastal ecosystems.
2. Knowledge of Google Earth, UNIX/DOS scripting, AML, Avenue, Python, XML.
3. Skill in the use of ESRI ArcGIS, ArcIMS and SDE technology.
4. Skill to transform geographic data in GIS, cartographic and database formats.
5. Ability to apply knowledge of the principles and methods of geography and cartography, including map projections and datums to produce high-quality maps.
6. Ability to conduct spatial analysis on marine data.
7. Ability to design, develop and maintain large and complex databases following federal protocols and policies.
8. Ability to design and develop custom GIS tools, innovative methods for acquiring spatial data and creative methods to visualize large and complex geospatial datasets for marine ecosystems.
9. Ability to manage complex projects involving multidisciplinary teams.
10. Ability to communicate effectively in person and in writing.

The answers to the questions in the application process serve as the basis for your initial rating.  You will receive a numerical score based on your responses to these questions.  Next, your responses will be validated by a Human Resources Specialist and/or a subject-matter expert against the information provided in your resume and/or by reference checks.

You will not be excluded for failing to have a positive response to an experience, training, or awards question.  However, your resume must support your answers to the self-assessment questions, or your score may be lowered. You are encouraged to provide supplemental information, which will be taken into consideration by the selecting official in the selection process. The best-qualified candidates will be identified for referral to the selecting official.

Please note that a complete resume is required for consideration.

To preview questions please click here.

Benefits:
NOS offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.  When employed by a federal organization in a full-time permanent position, you are eligible for benefits such as:

• A varied selection of cost-shared health insurance plans
• Life insurance coverage options
• Comprehensive retirement benefits
• A tax-deferred Thrift Saving Plan (401K)
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• You may be eligible for flexible work schedules
• Overtime Pay
• Compensatory Time
• Participate in a Flexible spending account
• Transportation Subsidy

Other Information:
ALL APPLICANTS MUST FAX IN THEIR COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS, unless you are currently working in or have previously worked in the federal service as an Environmental Scientist in the 0401 series.

If you have worked in the 0401 series, you must fax in your form SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action.

If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.

* For 5-point veterans' preference, please provide your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, Official Statement of Service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation, e.g., copy of military orders, campaign documents such as expeditionary award citation, etc., that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions.

* For 10-point veterans' preference, please submit a Standard Form 15 (SF-15), Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and the required documentation (e.g., DD-214 and VA letter, etc) listed on page 2 of the SF-15.

* You must submit proof by the closing date of the announcement in order for preference to be granted.

If you are a current federal employee or former federal employee with reinstatement eligibility, please fax a copy of your form SF- 50, Notification of Personnel Action.

If you are applying under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please fax a copy of your SF-50 and RIF notice dated within one year.

If you are an eligible Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) applicant, you may apply for special selection over other applicants for this position.  Individuals who have special selection priority rights under the CTAP or the ICTAP must be well qualified for the position.  To be well qualified, applicants must meet all qualification requirements for the position, and when evaluated against the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) for the position, must be excluded from the minimally qualified category of applicants and clearly exceed minimum qualifications.

If selected for this vacancy, you may be required to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. You may be required to sign and certify the accuracy of all the information in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; or you may be fired after you begin work; or you may be fined or jailed.

All new appointees will be required to present proof of identity and U.S. citizenship.

This position is in the competitive service.

A one year probationary period may be required.

Payment of relocation expenses IS NOT authorized.

Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579):  The information requested here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.

Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service System or have an exemption. If selected, confirmation of registration status is required.

The Department of Commerce provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify Human Resources Office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

The Department of Commerce is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

The Department of Commerce does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.

Salaries shown for this vacancy include locality pay. Applicants interested in relocating to a different geographic location should be aware that their salary is subject to change.

For more information on the Job Applicant process, visit:

Applicant General Information

How To Apply


You may either:


1) Apply on-line,
2) Fax your application, or
3) Mail your application package.


Your complete application package will include:

1. Your resume;
2. Your answers to the job self-assessment questions; and
3. The supporting documentation required.


Your application must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on the closing date of this announcement.

Veterans (Preference Eligible):  If you are entitled to veterans' preference, indicate on your resume the type of veterans' preference you are claiming and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim.  Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.  For more information regarding eligibility requirements, please go to: http://www.opm.gov/veterans/jobs.asp.

ON-LINE APPLICATION: To apply on-line you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov. To begin click the "Apply Online" button near the bottom of this screen and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents. You will be able to upload documents in both Word and PDF formats.

To return to your saved application, go to the "My Applications" link in your USAJOBS account. Select the position and hit the "More Info" button to update or edit responses.


FAX: If faxing your application package, please send to:
Attention: Lynn LaChance
Fax number (757) 441-3563
Telephone number (757) 441-3840


On the fax coversheet, include the vacancy announcement number to which you are applying.

Each document must be legible and faxed separately, using a cover sheet that includes an identification number. The identification announcement number ensures that your document will be processed correctly. Supporting documentation will not be considered if the documents are not clean, smudge-free copies, nor will you be contacted to resubmit the documents.

MAIL: If you do not have access to the Internet, and would like to mail your application along with the required documentation, please send to:


Department of Commerce, NOAA
Workforce Management Office
Attn: Lynn LaChance
200 Granby Street, Room 839
Norfolk VA 23510

In your package, include the vacancy announcement number to which you are applying.

All mailed resumes and/or supporting documents must be received by the closing of the vacancy announcement. Please allow enough time for United States Postal Service delivery.

Required Documents:
You may submit required and/or supplemental documents through any of the following methods:

* Upload your file(s).
* Download from your USAJOBS account.
* Fax using the fax coversheet(s).
* Mail your documents.



All required supporting documentation mentioned in this vacancy announcement, and all vacancy applications submitted electronically or via fax must be submitted and received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on the closing date of the vacancy announcement. You are not required to submit official documents at this time, copies are sufficient.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) candidates will be eligible if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a rating of 85 out of 100. Information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Career Transition Resources website at: http:/www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.

Education: If this position requires proof of higher education, you may submit an unofficial transcript or a list of courses that includes the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. Please refer to http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-04.asp for more information.

Problems Completing Your Application: If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk at 1-866-656-6831 or by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com. The help desk is available Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern time.

Contact Information:

What To Expect Next:

You will receive a notice generated by the USAJOBS System that you have successfully transmitted your application. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov and clicking on "Track Your Online Application." You will be sent notice that your application has been received. After all application packages have been received, we will review your resume and transcript(s) (if you are qualifying based on education) to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and may interview the best-qualified applicants. If selected for this vacancy, you may be required to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) to determine your suitability for federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. You may be required to sign and certify the accuracy of all the information in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or, you may be fined or jailed. You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans' preference, disability, etc.). A final job offer for this position is usually made within 40 days after the application deadline.

EEO Policy Statement:   http://www.usajobs.gov/eeo

Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement:   http://www.usajobs.gov/raps

Veterans Information:   http://www.usajobs.gov/vi

Legal and Regulatory Guidance:   http://www.usajobs.gov/lrg

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