Job Announcement Number:MMMOJNIM-13-67D-819584

JOB SUMMARY:

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• OBTAIN A FAVORABLY ADJUDICATED BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION PRIOR TO START
• MUST BE A U.S. CITIZEN
• MUST HOLD A VALID STATE DRIVERS LICENSE

The Mojave Desert Network Inventory and Monitoring Program (MOJN I&M) seeks a GIS Specialist with a background in geography, landscape ecology, biology, or related disciplines to manage the network’s spatial data, conduct spatial analysis relating to monitoring projects and provide GIS support to the network. The purpose of the MOJN I&M is to conduct biotic inventories and develop and implement long-term ecological monitoring of significant natural resources for a network of seven national parks areas located on the Mojave and Great Basin Deserts. The GIS Specialist will work in a team atmosphere with a motivated group of scientists and park staff to design and implement the MOJN I&M Program. Will work with remote-sensed data and biological, cultural, hydrological, soils, and geology datasets and be highly proficient with ESRI ARCGIS software and have experience with relevant programming, analysis, modeling and relational database software. Determines optimal approaches to project design and implementing those recommendations. Develops consistent methodologies, while adapting projects to meet local requirements. Utilizes datasets of varied sources and formats, while maintaining the scientific integrity of the analysis. Responsible for using scripting tools to process remote sensing products such as LiDAR, climate, and vegetation data into useful summary formats. Responsible for working independently and with staff to link high resolution remotely-sensed data with high resolution ground-based data to monitor geomorphology and vegetation in riparian systems. The GIS Specialist will also contribute spatial analysis and GIS support to various monitoring protocols including but not limited to monitoring integrated uplands, riparian ecosystems, streams, springs and lakes. The incumbent will contribute to integrating monitoring results from multiple projects to report on the condition of park ecosystems.

The GIS Specialist will support spatial data development, management, and analysis needs of MOJN projects. Major duties include:

• Manages, documents and distributes spatial data resulting from I&M projects, working with park staff to build and maintain a library of relevant park spatial data, and providing GIS assistance, basic cartographic support, and training to staff and cooperators. Oversees the incorporation of an increasing inventory of high resolution, high accuracy datasets into readily available and usable monitoring and status products. Works with experts from NPS and other institutions to identify promising tools and learn new techniques. Provides program liaison with GIS providers to ensure appropriate development of spatial data layers, and integration of monitoring datasets. Develops and implements methods for manual or automated data extraction from disparate data sources to support MOJN monitoring projects. Performs spatial analysis of data from a wide variety of sources to support the detection of trends in resource condition. Provides technical support for microcomputer hardware and software required to maintain GPS, GIS, and data management functions, installs and integrates GPS, GIS, and data management software programs, and provides basic training information on new programs and GPS units. Reports inventory and monitoring results in a variety of formats and to both technical and non-technical audiences. Works with the Data Manager to disseminate spatial data to park managers, cooperating agencies and scientists.

All qualification requirements (including any applicable selective factors) must be met by the closing date of the announcement in order to be considered.

Additional information on the minimum qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review on OPM’s web site at the following link: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs0400/0401.htm or http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs0100/0150.htm or

http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs1300/1370.htm or

http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs1300/1370.htm

IN ORDER TO QUALIFY, YOU MUST MEET THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AS DEFINED BELOW:

BASIC REQUIREMENTS: (Positive Education Requirement)

GEOGRAPHER; GS-0150 – Successful completion of a full four year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s (or higher) that included a major field of study in geography; or related physical or social science such as geology, meteorology, economics, statistics, sociology, anthropology, political science, history, cartography, computer science, urban studies, or planning that included at least 24 semester hours in geography or related fields.

BIOLOGIST; GS-0401 – Successful completion of a full four year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s (or higher) that included a major field of study in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to this position.

PHYSICAL SCIENTIST; GS-1301 – Successful completion of a full four year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s (or higher) that included a major field of study in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.

CARTOGRAPHER; GS-1370 – Successful completion of a full four year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s (or higher) that included a major field of study in cartography; or a major that included or was supplemented by at least 30 semester hours in cartography and/or directly related science, and related mathematics. Such course work includes, but is not limited to, cartography, astronomy, geodesy, photogrammetry, physical and geological oceanography, computer science, land surveying, geophysics, physical geography, and remote sensing. The 30 semester hours must have included at least 6, but no more than 15, semester hours of college level, non-business mathematics or statistics (i.e., college level algebra, trigonometry, calculus, or scientific mathematics or statistics requiring equivalent college-level courses as prerequisites).

IN ADDITION TO BASIC QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT LISTED ABOVE YOU MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCE:
FOR THE GS-09: You must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level of difficulty and responsibility that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Defined as experience working with remote-sensing data and biological, cultural, hydrological, soils, and geology data sets; proficiency with ESRI ARGIS software and experience with relevant programming, analysis, modeling and relational database software; participate as a team member in office and field work.

FOR THE GS-11: You must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level of difficulty and responsibility that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Defined as using Geographic Information System (GIS) database and database management systems to convert information from analog to digital form; integrating computer models with biological and physical scientific knowledge and management practices, develop Global Positioning System (GPS) data dictionaries, spatial data inventories, and cross linkages; participate in field work to generate new or verify (“ground truth”) mapped information; prepare GIS plans, data dictionaries, and resource management plan project statements related to GIS.

NOTE: Credit will be given for all qualifying experience regardless of whether compensation was received and whether the experience was gained as a part-time or full-time occupation. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. To receive credit for such experience, your resume must indicate clearly: 1. The nature of your duties and responsibilities in each position; and 2. The number of hours per week spent in such employment for each position.
lieu of the specialized experience requirements you may substitute the following education:

GEOGRAPHER; GS-0150
GS-09: Successful completion of 2 full years of higher graduate education or Master’s or equivalent graduate degree with major study in geography.
GS-11: Successful completion of 3 full years of higher graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree with major study in geography.

BIOLOGIST; GS-0401

GS-09: Successful completion of 2 full years of higher graduate education or Master’s or equivalent graduate degree with major study in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, or chemistry.
GS-11: Successful completion of 3 full years of higher graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree with major study in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, or chemistry.

PHYSICAL SCIENTIST; GS-1301

GS-09: Successful completion of 2 full years of higher graduate education or Master’s or equivalent graduate degree with major study in physical science, engineering, or mathematics.
GS-11: Successful completion of 3 full years of higher graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree with major study in physical science, engineering, or mathematics.

CARTOGRAPHER; GS-1370

GS-09: Successful completion of 2 full years of higher graduate education or Master’s or equivalent graduate degree with major study in cartography.
GS-11: Successful completion of 3 full years of higher graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree with major study in cartography.

This position has a positive education requirement, therefore it is your responsibility to provide documentation or proof that you have met the applicable educational provisions. A copy of your college transcript(s); statement from the institution’s registrar, dean, or other appropriate official; or equivalent documentation (OPM Form 1170 or a listing of college courses completed) is acceptable. Failure to submit documentation will result in your being determined to be not qualified. An official transcript will be required from you for verification prior to the effective date of the appointment. NOTE: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education’s College Accreditation Website in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement).

Special Instructions For Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit the U.S. Department of Education Recognition of Foreign Qualifications WebsiteYou are required to obtain (through applicable government training) and use a government-issued credit card.

You will be required to operate a government vehicle, therefore, must be able to acquire and hold a valid state Driver’s License.

Frequent travel may be required as part of the duties, as assigned. Travel in Government aircraft may also be required as a part of the duties of this position.

You are required to complete a one-year trial period beginning on the effective date of this appointment.

The work is often sedentary but field work occasionally requires some physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking over rough, muddy, uneven, swampy or mountainous terrain; recurring periods of bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching or similar activities; and recurring lifting of moderately heavy items weighing up to 50 pounds. Computer work is sedentary, which entails the ability to concentrate and use computers for long periods of time. Work is primarily performed in a climate controlled office environment. Outdoor work may occur in hot (up to 120 degrees F), cold, humid or dry weather conditions. Outdoor work may also be required during periods of rain, snow, sleet, fog, or other adverse weather conditions.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

To determine if you are best qualified for this job, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the occupational questionnaire. The questions are designed to capture the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position. Failure to submit a resume will result in ineligibility. Eligible applicants will be assigned to one of three quality levels (Best Qualified, Well Qualified, Qualified). Ratings are subject to evaluation and verification. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application, you will be assigned a rating to commensurate your described experience. Deliberate attempts to falsify information may be grounds for not selecting you.

You Must Possess The Following KSA’s:

KSA #1: Knowledge of GIS systems and associated software.
KSA #2: Knowledge of ecological principles and techniques sufficient to successfully develop, integrate, and apply the full range of geospatial and database management concepts and methods in support of natural resource inventory monitoring, and research objectives.
KSA #3: Knowledge of Global Positioning System equipment and operation.
KSA #4: Ability to design and maintain geospatial and/or relational databases and develop and maintain compliant and searchable metadata.
KSA #5: Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
The following link is a list of questions from the online questionnaire. PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL OR MAIL this preview, as it will only be accepted by online submission or fax.

View Assessment Questions
Veteran’s preference eligibles who have a compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more (CPS, CP) are placed at the top of the highest category on the referral list (except for scientific or professional positions at the GS-9 level or higher). XP and TP preference eligibles are placed above non-preference eligibles within their assigned category. If you are not sure of your preference eligibility, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans Preference Advisor. For more information, visit Feds Hire Vets.

To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must score within the Well Qualified group (prior to veterans’ preference being applied) on the application questionnaire. For information, click CTAP/ICTAP.

The Federal government offers a comprehensive benefits package. Explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees by visiting USAJobs.gov page https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_Benefits or http://www.opm.gov/federal/

OTHER INFORMATION:

For additional information about this position please contact:

NITA TALLENT, MOJN I&M PROGRAM MANAGER

Nita_Tallent@nps.gov
(702) 293-8856
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

If you are selected at the lower grade level, promotion may be made at a later date without further competition. Identification of promotion potential in this announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote you at some future date. Such promotion will depend upon administrative approval, the continuing need for an actual assignment and the demonstrated performance of higher level duties.

All applications must be submitted by: Friday, January 25, 2013

To begin click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register, answer a few questions, and submit all required documents. To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at USAJobs and click on “Application Status“. Click on the position title, and then select “Apply Online” to continue.

IF YOU NEED HELP WITH THE ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS:
If you need help, or have problems using the online application process, send an email to applicationmanagerhelpdesk@opm.gov.

We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online, you may FAX your resume, questionnaire, and supporting documents to (478) 757-3144. You must print a copy of OPM Form 1203-FX, document your responses to the questionnaire View Occupational Questionnaire and use the Application Cover Page. You must also cite Vacancy Identification Number: 819584.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

RESUME: (Acceptable formats include: .jpg, .pdf, .txt, .rtf, .doc, .docx, .wpd, or html)
For recommendations on formatting, required content, and helpful tips, please visit our Resume Reference Page.

OCCUPATIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE: Follow the instructions above for completing and submitting the occupational questionnaire.

COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS: This position has a positive education requirement, therefore you must submit a COPY of your college transcripts or equivalent documentation (a listing of college courses completed) to support your education. Transcripts/Listings must include the name of the college or university and, if applicable, the date a degree was conferred.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE: You must provide acceptable documentation of your preference or appointment eligibility. The member 4 copy of your DD214, “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty,” is required. If you are claiming 10 point preference, you must also submit a Standard Form, (SF-15) “Application for 10-point Veterans’ Preference”, and a letter (dated 1991 or later) from the Veterans Administration, showing the percentage of the service-connected disability. Veterans’ preference is given in accordance with applicable laws and regulation.

CTAP/ICTAP ELIGIBLES: 1. A COPY of your agency notice, 2. A COPY of your most recent performance rating, and 3. A COPY of your most recent SF-50 noting: current position, grade level, and duty location.

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

Once your online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful.

After the announcement closes and your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. Based on applicant scores, the best qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement.

To verify uploaded documents have been processed, please wait one hour to ensure they have cleared the virus scan. You can verify that your uploaded documents are attached to your application by checking the “Details” tab of your Application Manager, for this vacancy announcement. Your documents will display under the “Details” tab in the document area.