Biologist, Wetlands (RG) B - 517155

External - Posting Description

Biologist, Wetlands (RG) B - 517155

Organization: Chief Operating Officer

Department: Biological Compliance

Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee

Relocation: Relocation benefits are not offered for this position.

Posting Open: 9/20/2024

Posting Close: 10/4/2024 at 11:59 pm EST

Salary: Competitive

This is a flexible position, the right candidate can sit anywhere in the TVA valley - preferably with the ability to easily connect to one of TVA's corporate offices.

Job Summary

Serves as project leader/technical expert for projects relating to wetlands issues.  Duties include, but not limited to, the following:

• Assess impacts of TVA actions to wetlands which includes review of information, conducting or overseeing field studies, delineation, compiling results into NEPA documents, consulting with U.S. Corps of Engineers (COE), making recommendations and implementing activities relating to wetland mitigation.
• Assess impacts of TVA actions to wetlands, which includes reviewing information, conducting or overseeing field studies, analysis of trends and compiling results into NEPA documents.
• Participates on or leads  interdisciplinary teams as needed, utilizing established procedures and processes to solve problems, such as analyzing work processes; provides innovative thinking to develop new processes/procedures.
• Responsible for some planning, budget development and monitoring, as relates to the likelihood of TVA projects to affect wetlands. Negotiates and prepares contracts.
• Provides inputs and coordinates activities related to development, maintenance, and operation of heritage wetland databases.  Advises on dissemination of database information to users inside and outside TVA.
• Maintains a good working knowledge of and relationship with professional biologist in and outside the region. Participates in professional organizations.

Supervision Received

Assignments are usually received orally from supervisor or manager.  Supervisor or manager reviews work for overall completeness and to determine if work meets program goals and objectives and completed in a timely manner.  Work is, however, not reviewed for technical accuracy.  Incumbent is generally expected to work independently with minimum supervision. 

Skills and Proficiencies (May be job or organization specific)

• Thorough understanding of biological & ecological concepts, principles, & practices.
• Working knowledge of  environmental laws, regulatory issues, constraints/requirements in aquatic, terrestrial fields, or resource management.
• Specialized equipment used in work and sources of technical/scientific information.
• Aquatic, terrestrial or resource management principle and theories.
• Use PC for data analysis, word processing, and spreadsheet development.   
• Carry out applied research.                     
• Apply scientific principles in an integrated management approach.   
• Conduct accurate information recovery, manipulation, and analysis.
• Oral/written communications.

The preferred candidate would have professional certifications or qualifications such as Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), Society of Wetland Scientist Professional Certification, Tennessee Qualified Hydrologic Professional (TN QHP), or Certified Wetland Delineator.

Minimum Qualifications (Consistent with Classification Standard)

Education and Experience/Certificates, Licenses, and Registration Requirements/Other Requirements

Advanced degree in wetland science, ecology, botany,  or closely related natural resource discipline directly related to wetlands science field, from an accredited college or university, coupled with several years experience in a lower-level position, or equivalent position.

Must have demonstrated proficiency in wetlands biology as evidenced by completion of COO Scientific Progression Program or equivalent post graduate education and experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity

TVA values and embraces diversity. We encourage all individuals to apply regardless of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, sex, abilities/disabilities, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status and age. We strive to be inclusive of all the people we serve across the Valley.

TVA is an Equal Opportunity employer and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities.  Any applicant or employee who believes s/he has a discrimination claim (including harassment or retaliation) must contact TVA’s Equal Opportunity Compliance office within 45 calendar days of the event or action s/he believes to constitute discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.

Drug-Free Workplace
All TVA Non-Nuclear employees are covered by TVA's Federal Drug-Free Workplace Program Plan, in accordance with Executive Order 12564, Public Law 100-71 and the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing. Information regarding the Drug Free Workplace Program can be found at www.samhsa.gov/workplace. TVA Non-Nuclear employees in Testing Designated Positions, including those performing safety-sensitive duties are also subject to random drug testing. TVA Nuclear employees are subject to random alcohol and drug tests in accordance with 10 CFR Part 26 as mandated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
 

How to Claim Vet Preference

If you are requesting to be considered as a preference-eligible veteran as outlined in the application process, you must submit your military documents before the posting close date indicated above. Be sure to include all supporting documentation: Form DD214 (member 2 or member 4 copy), a Veterans Disability Rating Letter from the VA (if applicable), and a completed form TVA 3595. If you will not get your DD214 until you are separated or retired, you can request a Statement of Service through your military personnel office. The Statement of Service must list your dates of military service, character of service, expected date of separation and any service-connected disability rating that you have been awarded from your branch of military service.  Please submit your military documents each time you apply for a position. 

How to Submit Documentation:

1. Upload documents in Step 8 of the application process.
2. Email documents to [email protected]

More information about preference eligibility and a link to form TVA 3595, can be found at https://www.tva.gov/Careers/Claiming-Veteran-Preference. If you have a question about preference eligibility, please email [email protected].