BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST

Job Description

Department of the Air Force

Department of the Air Force – Agency Wide

Summary

Important: Click the “Learn more about this agency” link below for additional critical information about this position.

This public notice is issued to collect applications that may be used to fill future vacancies. There may or may not be actual openings at the time you apply.

Who May Apply

• Open to the public
• U.S. Citizens, Nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the United States

Duties

Note: Specific duties and responsibilities may vary by grade level and assignment. Typical tasks may include:

• Implement assigned environmental program elements, both internally and through contracts, ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws and policies.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on environmental challenges, projects, and programs within your area of responsibility.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations, performing duties that contribute to a safe work environment.
• Plan, coordinate, and manage all phases of assigned environmental programs using professional knowledge and judgement.

Requirements

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Selective Service: Males must be registered or exempt (www.sss.gov).
• Salary: Varies by duty location.
• PCS: Permanent Change of Station (PCS) may be authorized in line with applicable regulations; you may be required to sign an agreement.
• Recruitment Incentives: May be offered.
• Drug Testing: Position may require random drug testing.
• Work Schedule: May include evenings, weekends, holidays, or emergency overtime.
• Certifications: Must maintain current certifications as required.
• Security Clearance: May be necessary.
• Political Appointments: Must be disclosed if applicable.
• Childcare Discounts: Employees in direct childcare roles may be eligible for discounts according to policy.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:
You must meet one of the following:

• A degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a related discipline.
  OR
• A combination of relevant education and experience equivalent to a major in the fields listed above.

Specialized Experience:
In addition to the basic requirement, you must meet the experience level for the grade you are applying for:

• GS-11: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, demonstrating professional knowledge of environmental biological science principles to perform routine projects independently.
• GS-12: One year equivalent to GS-11, demonstrating a wide range of environmental science knowledge and ability to adapt methods to complex problems.
• GS-13: One year equivalent to GS-12, with advanced knowledge of environmental biological science including climate and hydrological science to solve highly complex issues.
• GS-14/GS-15: One year equivalent to the next lower grade, demonstrating expert-level knowledge to lead large or highly complex projects, integrating multiple disciplines as needed.

👉 View the full occupational requirements here.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

1. Expertise in environmental principles and practices for project execution and advisory roles.
2. Ability to investigate and resolve environmental issues.
3. Familiarity with applicable laws and health, safety, and security guidelines.
4. Skill in leading interdisciplinary teams including legal, health, public affairs, engineering, and community stakeholders.

Education

If qualifying based on education, you must submit transcripts. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application but will be verified before hiring. Only education from accredited institutions will be accepted. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalence.

Additional Information

• Direct Hire: This is a Direct Hire Public Notice; selections are made as vacancies arise.
• ICTAP: Eligible displaced federal employees must be rated “Highly Qualified” or “Best Qualified.”
• Annuitants: Reemployed annuitants are subject to DoD policies.
• Temporary/Term Appointments: May be extended to the maximum allowed by law; term employees may convert to permanent.
• PCS Tax Impact: PCS expenses may be taxable under current IRS rules.
• Direct Deposit: Required for all federal employees.
• Disabled Veteran Leave: Available for eligible veterans hired after November 5, 2016.

Evaluation

Your resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire will determine your qualifications. Ensure your information supports your responses—any discrepancies may result in disqualification.📄 Required Documents

To be considered for this Public Notice, you must submit the following documents as part of your application. Incomplete applications or missing documentation may result in disqualification. Additional documents may be required based on the eligibility criteria you claim. For details, please refer to the Air Force Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide.

✅ 1. Online Application — Questionnaire
Complete the online application and answer all required questions in the questionnaire.

✅ 2. Resume
Your resume must clearly include:

• Hours worked per week (for any part-time roles)
• Start and end dates for each position (month/year to month/year or month/year to present)
• Pay plan, series, and grade (for current or former Federal employees, e.g., GS-0301-09)
• Any relevant performance appraisals (from the last three years) and incentive awards, if applicable.
  Do NOT include photos, links to personal social media, or sensitive personal information such as age, gender, religion, or your Social Security Number.

✅ 3. Transcripts/Registration/License (if applicable)
If you are qualifying based on education, upload copies of your transcripts. If a license or registration is required for the position, include proof of a current, active license.

✅ 4. Veterans Documentation (if claiming preference)

• For Veterans’ Preference or 30% Disabled Veteran status: submit your VOW certification memo or an official DD Form 214 showing character of service (honorable or general discharge) — see block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7.
• For 30% Disabled Veteran status, also include your VA Letter or military disability determination.
• For 10-point preference, include a completed SF-15 form.

✅ 5. Active Duty Service Members (if applicable)
If you are an active duty member applying before separation, you must submit a valid “certification” memo in place of a DD Form 214. The memo must:

• Be on official letterhead
• Include your name, rank/grade, branch, dates of active service, expected discharge date, terminal leave start date (if applicable), expected character of service, and type of separation
• Be signed by or on behalf of your adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander
• Be issued within 120 days of your anticipated discharge date.

Important: Education must come from an institution accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. Only attendance and degrees from accredited institutions will count toward meeting qualifications.

Failure to provide all required information may result in an ineligible rating or negatively impact your consideration for this position.

✅ How to Apply

Your complete application package must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/31/2025.

To start your application:

1️⃣ Preview the questionnaire: Click here to view it

2️⃣ Apply online: Click the “Apply Online” button in USAJOBS to sign in or create an account.

3️⃣ Complete the application: Follow the prompts to fill out the questionnaire and upload all required documents.

4️⃣ Submit your application: Be sure to click “Submit My Application” at the end to ensure your application is received.