Become a Fish and Wildlife Biologist: Making a Difference in Maine

Are you looking to combine your scientific expertise with public service? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is currently hiring a Fish and Wildlife Biologist in Orland, Maine. This is an exceptional opportunity for professionals dedicated to the conservation of our nation’s most vulnerable species and habitats.

About the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is a bureau within the Department of the Interior. Our primary mission is to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Employees at the USFWS operate at the forefront of environmental science, addressing complex challenges that affect biodiversity, infrastructure, and public policy.

Core Responsibilities

As a Fish and Wildlife Biologist (GS-11/12), you will function as a technical advisor for critical conservation programs. Your daily duties will include:

• Collaboration: Building productive relationships with federal, state, and private partners to ensure environmental standards are met, particularly regarding transportation infrastructure.
• ESA Compliance: Leading and facilitating activities under the Endangered Species Act, including consultations and project impact assessments.
• Project Management: Managing complex, long-term conservation projects from development to monitoring.
• Technical Communication: Preparing high-level reports and correspondence that translate complex scientific data into actionable information for diverse audiences.

Requirements for Success

To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:

• Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
• Education: A degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, or a related field is required. You must submit your transcripts to receive credit.
• Experience: Candidates must demonstrate specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 or GS-11 levels, including specific work related to the Endangered Species Act.
• Documentation: Your resume must be two pages or less and clearly detail your work history and hours worked.

Grade Level Comparison

Feature	GS-11	GS-12
Scope	Developmental/Mid-level	Full performance level
ESA Experience	Facilitating/Surveying	Coordinating wide-ranging initiatives
Project Focus	General conservation projects	Complex infrastructure/transportation

Salary and Benefits

Compensation for this role is competitive, reflecting the high level of technical responsibility required:

• GS-11 Salary Range: $74,678 – $97,087
• GS-12 Salary Range: $89,508 – $116,362

In addition to your salary, federal employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, generous leave accrual, and opportunities for telework.

Tips for Your Application

To ensure your application receives the best consideration, please follow these tips:

1. Be Precise: Use month/year formatting and clearly state if your previous roles were full-time or part-time.
2. Quality Over Quantity: While you might have years of experience, the strict two-page limit on resumes means you should focus on the most relevant achievements.
3. Prepare for Assessment: You will likely be required to take a USA Hire assessment. Use the resources available on the OPM website to practice beforehand.

If you are a biologist looking to apply your skills in a setting that values both scientific rigor and meaningful conservation, this position offers the perfect blend of challenge and reward. Start your application today and contribute to the vital work of preserving our natural heritage.