Fish Biologist GS Permanent --- Full-Time. OPENS: May 25, 2016 CLOSES: June 15, 2016

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OUTREACH NOTICE Alaska Region, Region 10 Chugach National Forest (CNF) Glacier Ranger District Kenai Peninsula Aquatics Zone Staff Duty Station: Girdwood, Alaska Fish Biologist GS-0482-11 Permanent

1 OUTREACH NOTICE Alaska Region, Region 10 Chugach National Forest (CNF) Glacier Ranger District Kenai Peninsula Aquatics Zone Staff Duty Station: Girdwood, Alaska Fish Biologist GS Permanent --- Full-Time OPENS: May 25, 2016 CLOSES: June 15, 2016 Primary Contact: Tim Charnon Respond to: Phone Number: (907) The Chugach National Forest will soon be filling a permanent full time GS Fish Biologist position on the Kenai Peninsula Zone (KPZ), with a duty station located in Girdwood, Alaska. We are outreaching this position to seek interested candidates and determine how best to advertise this position. The position will be advertised in summer We anticipate the successful candidate will be hired by fall. Salary range is $64,847 to $84,300 which incorporates a 25.16% locality pay adjustment, (plus current COLA rate of 5.3%). Your response to this outreach will help identify how the position will be advertised. Management can select a qualified employee immediately, without issuing a formal vacancy announcement, if an employee responds who qualifies for placement without competition. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: This Fish Biologist position is responsible for managing the world-class fisheries resources occurring in the Kenai Peninsula Zone which includes the Seward Ranger District and portions of the Glacier Ranger District of the Chugach National Forest. This position is the Aquatic Staff position working directly for the District Ranger and is a Supervisory Code 4 position (<20% supervision duties). The position provides technical

2 advice and leadership for an Aquatic Management Program. The Biologist recommends, prepares, and reviews annual operating plans and budgets for fisheries habitat and habitat/watershed improvement projects in consideration of biological needs, project standards and the needs of other resources. The employee is responsible for current year budget tracking, updating the 5-year plan of work and out-year budget planning. The position works with staff to conduct pre-season hiring, develop schedule for program of work and develop the out year program of work. The KPZ Aquatics Program has outstanding partnerships to facilitate conservation goals, studies and research, related to climate change and its effects on the aquatic systems. Maintaining and growing these partnerships and collaborations is an important aspect of this position. The employee is responsible for supervising the Zone s aquatic resources staff group, including four permanent and several temporary seasonal personnel. The position will require firearms certification for working in brown bear habitat which requires a drug test. The position also requires small craft operation certification. Periodically requires field work including long periods of standing, walking over rough/uneven/rocky terrain, carrying heavy packs, navigating using fresh and salt water vessels, snow machines, off-road vehicles and may fly as an observer in fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Some specific expectations and opportunities of the position include: Working closely with KPZ Fish Biologists and Hydrologist to develop out-year fisheries and aquatic resources project proposals ensuring they are technically sound and adequate in meeting National and Regional goals and objectives for aquatic resources. Attend budget meetings with Prince William Sound Zone Aquatics Program Manager and the Forest-wide Aquatics Program Manager to prioritize Forest fisheries and watershed projects in preparation for Regional budget meetings.

3 Implement current program of work and recommend priorities to staff. Provide aquatics-related expertise to other Forest Service specialists, interdisciplinary teams, NEPA analysis, and public meetings as well as work cooperatively with other federal, state, and local organizations outside the Forest Service. Maintain key partnerships with groups such as the Kenai River Sportfishing Association, Kenai Watershed Forum, Trout Unlimited, Cook Inlet Aquaculture, Youth Restoration Corp, and the Kenaitze Tribe, in addition to the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The USFS is also a partner in the Kenai Fish Habitat Partnership that includes over a dozen interested agencies and groups from the entire Kenai Peninsula. Participate with District Rangers, other Staff Officers, Regional personnel, and program personnel in the preparation, administration, and operation of the Forest Fisheries, Aquatic Resources and Watershed Management Program. KENAI PENINSULA AQUATIC ZONE: The Kenai Peninsula Zone geographic area encompasses the eastern portions of the Kenai Peninsula and upper tributaries to Turnagain Arm. It is a diverse and magnificent mixture of land, water, plants and animals characterized by rugged mountain ranges, glaciers and old growth temperate rainforest. Abundant fish populations persist including all five species of Pacific salmon, rainbow trout, grayling and Dolly Varden char. Wildlife includes brown and black bears, wolves, goats, sheep, moose, bald eagles and wolverines. The resources here are some of the most accessible in Alaska with world-class recreational, hunting and fishing opportunities. Over two-thirds of Alaska s population is within an hour and half drive making it a playground for residents as well as outside visitors. The Kenai Zone is home to the famous Russian River fishery where over 100,000 anglers reel in 25% of all sport-caught sockeye in the entire state. Just downstream, the world record king salmon, at over 96 pounds, was caught in the mainstem of the Kenai River! Both the Kenai and Russian Rivers are considered world-class rainbow trout fisheries providing outstanding habitat to some of the largest wild resident rainbows in the nation. Some of the key resource management focus areas on the Kenai Zone include the restoration of fish and wildlife habitat, as well as providing recreational and wildlife viewing opportunities. The Aquatics Program of the Kenai Zone has an exciting mix of watershed restoration, fish enhancement and monitoring, creating access and opportunities for anglers, and educational interpretive programs.

GIRDWOOD DUTY STATION AND COMMUNITY: See Chugach National Forest http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/chugach/ See Girdwood, Alaska http://girdwoodchamber.com/ and/or http://girdwood.

Outdoor recreational opportunities are almost limitless including hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, kite boarding, glacier and rock climbing, world-class fishing and hunting, rafting, kayaking,

4 GIRDWOOD DUTY STATION AND COMMUNITY: See Chugach National Forest See Girdwood, Alaska and/or The duty station is located in Girdwood, Alaska. Girdwood is nestled in beautiful Glacier Valley surrounded by Chugach State Park and the Chugach National Forest. Outdoor recreational opportunities are almost limitless including hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, kite boarding, glacier and rock climbing, world-class fishing and hunting, rafting, kayaking, snowmachining, snowboarding and skiing (downhill, cross country, back country, heli-skiing). Did we mention winter sports? A trail system, groomed Nordic trails, paved bike path, soccer field, softball diamond, skate park and disc golf course are all located right in town.

The Glacier District and Kenai Peninsula Zone Aquatics personnel have been repeatedly recognized as one of the renowned Ranger Districts within the Forest Service, and have won numerous awards and

The District has a reputation for quality employees at all positions, and a high level of dedication to the Forest Service and their communities.

5 The Glacier District and Kenai Peninsula Zone Aquatics personnel have been repeatedly recognized as one of the renowned Ranger Districts within the Forest Service, and have won numerous awards and national recognition for their fish, wildlife, recreation, information and education programs. The District has a reputation for quality employees at all positions, and a high level of dedication to the Forest Service and their communities. To be happy in Girdwood you do have to love snow, and be able to tolerate rain (precipitation in a temperate rainforest such as the Girdwood area, can exceed an accumulated 55 inches annually). It is not uncommon to receive snow by the feet in the winter months. Girdwood is essentially a resort community with about 2,500 people who have a passion for outdoor sports. It has a post office, health clinic, bed and breakfasts, small grocery store, convenience store, gas station, community churches, several restaurants and bars, and Alaska s largest ski area Alyeska Ski Resort. Girdwood has an outstanding K-8 school and public day care facilities are also available. About 40 miles to the northwest is the city of Anchorage. Anchorage is a community of 260,000+ people and has all the amenities of a major metropolitan area. About half of the District s employees live in Girdwood and half commute from Anchorage. FOREST INFORMATION: Roughly the size of New Hampshire, the Chugach National Forest is the one of the largest single National Forests in the US. This stunning landscape stretches from the salty waters and snowy peaks of Prince William Sound, to the salmon-filled streams of the Kenai Peninsula and the Copper River Delta. It is one of the few places left in the world where glaciers still grind valleys from the hard rock of the earth. Its 5.4 million acres serve as the accessible backyard for half of Alaska s population. The Forest has been continuously inhabited by Alaska Natives for more than 10,000 years; First Nations include the Chugach, Eyak, Ahtna and Dena ina Athabascan. The Chugach National Forest is located in a Region that is characterized by a diverse and magnificent mixture of land, water, plants and animals as well as rugged mountain ranges, glaciers and old growth temperate rainforest. Abundant fish populations persist including all five species of Pacific salmon, rainbow trout, grayling and Dolly Varden char. Wildlife includes brown and black bears, wolves, goats, sheep, moose, deer, bald eagles and wolverines. The resources are some of the most accessible in Alaska

with world-class recreational, hunting and fishing opportunities. People enjoy this awe-inspiring landscape by hiking, skiing, flying, boating, kayaking and snow machining.

6 with world-class recreational, hunting and fishing opportunities. People enjoy this awe-inspiring landscape by hiking, skiing, flying, boating, kayaking and snow machining. The most popular recreation activities are sightseeing, wildlife viewing, fishing and hunting. The two major Forest programs are Fish and Wildlife Habitat Management and Recreation Management. The weather patterns are as diverse as the physical characteristics of the region. In general, temperatures in the spring can vary from the upper 20 s to the mid 40 s and summer averages in the mid 50 s to lower 60 s. April through June is the period with the least precipitation. However, there is a strong east to west rain shadow effect with annual precipitation ranging from 120 inches in Prince William Sound, to 60 inches in Girdwood, and as low as 18 inches in Cooper Landing. The Chugach has three distinct geographic areas: Prince William Sound encompasses almost half of the Forest. It is an area of forested islands, intricate coastlines, and tidewater glaciers, with portions still recovering from the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill of The Copper River Delta encompasses almost a third of the Forest. Congress established the primary management direction for the delta as the conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats in ANILCA. The Kenai Peninsula encompasses about 20 percent of the Forest. Its lands, mountains and rivers are the most accessible of the three areas with an extensive trail system, state highways and the Alaska Railroad. Of the three geographic areas, the Kenai has the most use, being the backyard of Anchorage.

7 QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Those who are interested must meet the qualification requirements for the GS-0482 series and the 11 grade level. Administrative and management standards are identified in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook. The handbook is available for review at any federal personnel office or on the Internet at: For more information on the position contact: Tim Charnon, District Ranger Phone: (907) USDA Non-Discrimination Statement Revised 6/8/2005 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA s TARGET Center at (202) (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC , or call (800) (voice) or (202) (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

8 OUTREACH NOTICE Alaska Region, Region 10 Chugach National Forest (CNF) Glacier Ranger District Kenai Peninsula Zone Aquatics Staff Duty Station: Girdwood, Alaska Fish Biologist GS Permanent --- Full-Time Respond by: June 15, 2016 Individuals responding to the outreach will be notified when the position is advertised. Primary Contact(s): Tim Charnon, Glacier District Ranger - Phone Number: Francisco Sanchez, Seward District Ranger - Phone Number: **Please include a copy of your resume/transcripts when responding to this outreach.** CONTACT INFORMATION: Name: Phone: Date: EMPLOYMENT Are you currently a Federal Employee? Yes No If Yes: Name of your Agency & Location: Current title/series/grade: Type of Appointment Permanent Term Temporary If No: Current Employer: Current Position Title & Salary: Type of Appointment Permanent Term Temporary

9 If you are not a current permanent (career or career conditional) employee, are you eligible for appointment under any of the following special authorities? Former Peace Corps Person with Disabilities Student Employment Program Pathways Program Reinstatement Eligibility ANILCA Other Veteran s Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 Veterans Recruitment Act Veteran with 30% Compensable Disability Spouse of a member of the armed forces serving on active duty who has orders specifying a permanent change of station (not for training) Spouse of a 100% disabled service member injured while on active duty Un-remarried widow or widower of a service member who was killed while performing active duty Pathways Hiring Authority Link: If interested, OPM.gov houses information about other various hiring authorities.

Outreach Announcement

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