Animal Caretaker

Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following:

• Actively involved in the entire production cycle of the hatchery from spawning to egg care and feeding to hatching and fry care to raising of fry to rearing and release of adult fish and subsequent harvesting of new eggs to continue the addition to routine care requirements at this level incumbent decides the care and feeding required according to their personal observations at the time in question.
• Operates electric gasoline or diesel-powered forklift trucks with rated lifting capacity of less than 10000 pounds to a height up to14 feet. Operates the lifting and tilting controls and steers the vehicle with automatic or manual transmissions (with up to 4 speeds) into position to load move transport and stack goods and materials contained on pallets skids crates or boxes.
• Performs assignments relative to general maintenance e.g. buildings grounds facilities and/or fleet using simple hand tools and simple power equipment. This includes picking up trash emptying trashcans mowing grass trimming shrubs clearing small trees or brush performing minor repairs on traps and fences washing or cleaning vehicles etc.

Physical Effort: Regular and recurring work requires heavy physical effort. The incumbent must be physically able to withstand arduous conditions. This typically involves: Physical exertion: frequent lifting carrying pushing/pulling fish feeding trays feed supplies and materials of varying weights sizes and shapes up to 75 pounds. Feed lifted is generally 50 pounds to height of 4 feet. Occasionally lifting between 80-100 pounds is required. Physical effort: prolonged standing walking stooping bending and climbing. Strain: lack of movement standing in place or stooping for extended periods of time; manual dexterity involved in handling live fish frequent immersion of hands in cold water. Subject to bites and scratches on hands and arms during the spawning process where incumbent will be handling large fish where the ability to move fast and decisively is critical. The work requires periods of sustained emergency operations such as cleaning and adjustment of water intake structures during high water leaf drop or in spawning operations where the need to work rapidly in sorting and selecting fish for egg selection is critical to keeping the mortality rate low.

• Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born aftermust be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct Deposit participation required.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more visit possess and maintain a valid State drivers license prior to operating Government-owned vehicles.
• The position is required to wear the Service Uniform in accordance with Service Uniform Policy 041 FW 4 Requirements to help achieve our mission. Employees required to wear the uniform receive a uniform allowance. For positions that require a uniform to be worn Employees and Supervisors need to complete the Uniform Policy: Condition of Employment Statement Form found in the Policy.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position you may be required to serve a 1 year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.

This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest meet the organization goals and mission of the agency and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the determining if your employment advances the public interest the agency will consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Under applicable law the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies in writing that the individuals employment should continue and that their appointment should be the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period such appointments are terminated.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.

To qualify for this position you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors:

1. Ability to do the Work of the Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT)
2. Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
3. Ability to capture handle and tag or collar various fish/wildlife

If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient you will receive no further preparing your application describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. Address your knowledge skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job-related factors.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g. professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community student social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies knowledge and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience including volunteer experience.