Monongahela National Forest Outreach Notice

Transcription

1 Monongahela National Forest Outreach Notice Date of this Notice: May Notice Valid through: May 28, 2014 The Monongahela National Forest will soon be advertising to fill a Forest Wildlife Biologist (GS ) position. Duty location will be the Supervisor s Office in Elkins, West Virginia. Primary Contact: Kent Karriker, Ecosystems Group Leader , ext. 206 kkarriker@fs.fed.us About the Position: This is a permanent full-time position, located in the Supervisor s Office in Elkins, WV. The Forest Wildlife Biologist serves as the program manager for the Forest s Wildlife and TES Species program and is a member of an Interdisciplinary Team engaged in a variety of programs and projects at the landscape scale. The Forest Wildlife Biologist supervises one Wildlife Biologist in the SO. The Forest Wildlife Biologist also works closely with, but does not supervise, four District Wildlife Biologists. The Forest Wildlife Biologist is supervised by the staff officer for the Ecosystems Group. This is an exempt, non-bargaining unit position. Major Duties of the Position: The incumbent is responsible for the development of the overall Forest Wildlife Management and TES Species Program, including formulation of policy objectives, integration with other programs, and the establishment of priorities. Serving as the subject matter expert, this person will provide Forest line officers with advice and

2 interpretation of a broad range of environmental policies related to wildlife and TES species. The incumbent provides other program managers and district biologists with technical leadership and guidance concerning interpretation and implementation of policies related to wildlife and TES species. This position: Develops Forest programs, plans and policies relating to the management of wildlife and TES species. Identifies wildlife and TES species resource problems; proposes corrective action, and provides leadership and direction in initiating programs to solve problems. Provides guidance for the development of wildlife management and habitat improvement plans at the Ranger District level; reviews program plans for technical soundness and adequacy in meeting overall objectives. Inspects habitat improvement projects for compliance with approved plans. Plans and executes administrative studies and surveys to obtain information on the effects of Forest management on wildlife populations and habitat. Serves as the Forest wildlife representative on the interdisciplinary team for the Forest s integrated planning and implementation process, assisting with amendment and/or revision of the Forest Plan when needed, and providing direction for monitoring the effects of the Plan on wildlife and habitat. Serves as a member of an interdisciplinary team that works together to plan and implement large landscape restoration projects. Serves as the Forest budget coordinator for the wildlife program, including coordination with Regional staff on budget allocations; preparing budget reports; providing coordination, monitoring and guidance to Districts on preparation of project work plans; coordinating and monitoring of funding for wildlife partnership projects; and monitoring expenditures across the Forest. Plans, tracks, and reports Forest-wide accomplishments for wildlife and TES species. Represents the Forest Supervisor on committees, in conferences and at meetings involving wildlife management at the state, local, and Federal levels. Establishes and maintains close working relationships with state and federal agencies to coordinate work and programs and to offer expert advice on wildlife resource problems. Maintains a close working relationship with universities and research units to coordinate research programs on the Forest, to outline needs, and to learn new technology. Performs other duties as assigned About the Forest: The Monongahela National Forest includes over 921,000 acres of Federal ownership in 10 counties in West Virginia, making it the fourth largest National Forest in the 20 northeastern states. It is within a one-day drive of one-third of the population of the United States. The Forest is a recreation destination and a tourism attraction hosting over 3 million visitors annually. The topography is varied, with elevations ranging from 900 feet at Petersburg to

3 4,863 feet at Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia. The Forest has four Ranger Districts, two Visitor Centers, eight Wildernesses, and the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area (the nation s first Forest Service National Recreation Area). The Forest is located in the Allegheny Mountains in southeastern West Virginia. Year-round natural beauty and a tremendous range of slopes, aspects, and habitats characterize the Forest. The area contains a range of dense forest ecosystems, ranging from the high elevation red spruce forests to tall yellow poplar and other cove hardwoods, to drier oak-hickory and pine stands, interspersed with small openings. The diversity of habitats and underlying soils and geology led The Nature Conservancy to include most of the Monongahela in an area deemed to be globally important for its ecology. Within this mountain and valley setting, recreational opportunities abound throughout all times of the year. A blanket of snow often covers the ground for much of the winter. Spring brings moderate temperatures perfect for trout fishing. Summers are typically moderate, with pleasantly sunny days perfect for camping and hiking. The forest is a favorite destination in the fall, when the days turn cooler and the trees feature a beautiful palate of reds, oranges and yellows. The Forest offers some of the best big and small game hunting in the state. Fishing is also spectacular, especially trout fishing with designated areas for fly fishing and catch and release. For more about the Monongahela National Forest, visit us on the web at About the Community: Elkins is a regional center for many services, including medical, legal, dining, and shopping. Rated as one of the top 100 Small Arts Communities in the United States, there is a locally funded arts in the schools program; a Community Arts Center; a small college (Davis and Elkins) with an internationally known 5 week summer program with classes in musical,

4 visual, and performance arts; and a community theater. All levels of education are available, including a private Christian school and a Montessori school. Many churches are located in the immediate area. Shopping includes small locally owned stores, and large chain stores. Entertainment options include a multi-screen movie theater, two music and dance variety show Branson-style venues, community plays, college plays, and dozens of music performance locations. Elkins is approximately 3 hours south of Pittsburgh, PA and 4 hours west of the metropolitan Washington, DC area. Government housing is not available. For more information about the area, please visit WANT MORE INFORMATION? If you are interested in this position or require more information, please fill out the voluntary outreach response form and return to Kent Karriker at kkarriker@fs.fed.us or call ext. 206 by May 28, 2014.

5 MONONGAHELA NATIONAL FOREST OUTREACH NOTICE FORM POSITION TITLE: Forest Wildlife Biologist (Wildlife Biologist) GS UNIT: Supervisor s Office, Monongahela National Forest, Elkins, WV PERSONAL INFORMATION NAME: ADDRESS: MAILING ADDRESS: CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE: TELEPHONE: CURRENT EMPLOYMENT STATUS AGENCY: LOCATION: POSITION TITLE/SERIES/GRADE: TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: If you are not currently a permanent (career or career conditional) employee, are you eligible to be hired under any of the following special authorities? Person with Disabilities Veteran s Readjustment Authority Disabled Veterans with 30% Compensable Disability Veteran s Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 Former Peace Corps Volunteer Other (Please Identify): Please return your completed form to Kent Karriker (kkarriker@fs.fed.us) by May 28, Thank you for your interest in this position!