OPEN DATE: Monday April 8, 2024 to Friday April 19, 2024
POSITION TITLE: Wildlife Biologist (1 vacancy)
TYPE OF POSITION: Term Appointment with possibility for Benefits, Excepted Service
Not to Exceed 13 months (may be extended up to 4 years)
WORK SCHEDULE: Full Time
ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: IL WS 4-2024-1
SERIES/GRADE: GS-0486-7/9
FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL: GS-0486-9
LOCATION: Springfield, Illinois (A Relocation Incentive may be offered for this position)
SALARY: $49,025- $77,955 per year
The Illinois WS program is recruiting to fill a vacancy for a Wildlife Biologist located in Springfield, Illinois. While the duty station is in Springfield, the position has statewide field responsibilities which, relative to many positions in the WS program, are extremely diverse in nature. Primary duties of the position include serving as the WS liaison to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to coordinate WS assistance to the DNR with Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance and management in White-Tailed Deer from November-March (includes working deer check stations during the 2 firearms deer seasons, equipment procurement and maintenance, organizing and scheduling ~20 WS staff for 10 weeks of CWD surveillance/sharpshooting, and investigating and mitigating conflicts with large carnivores (gray wolves, black bear, cougar) throughout Illinois (which involves conducting depredation investigations, chemical immobilization/capture, and providing technical assistance). A wide variety of other wildlife damage management duties round out the position including but not limited to wildlife hazard management at airports, Canada goose damage management, beaver damage management, and coordinating several targeted outreach efforts at the Illinois State Fair, various colleges/universities, and trapper education classes. The incumbent will need to demonstrate strong leadership and team building skills, have a strong background in managing conflicts with a variety of species of wildlife, and be prepared for frequent travel/TDY work.
Outdoor recreational opportunities are abundant in the Land of Lincoln, ranging from world class white-tailed deer hunting opportunities on private and public land, to outstanding waterfowl hunting opportunities in the Mississippi flyway, to fishing on large bodies of water such as Lake Michigan or large rivers and reservoirs, to fishing small streams and ponds. For those who may enjoy other types of entertainment, Chicago is just a few hours drive from the State Office where an endless list of Broadway shows, concerts, and festivals occur, as well as numerous worldclass museums exist.
The cost of living in most of Illinois, including Springfield (where the State Office is located), is much lower than that in the Eastern and Western US, and is comparable to other locations in the Midwest. The friendly nature of Midwesterners in Illinois makes it a great state to live, work and lead a team of hard working WS employees.
Scott Beckerman
Project Manager, Eastern Region
Acting State Director, Illinois
USDA Wildlife Services
TWS-Certified Wildlife Biologist®
(217) 685-4692
