Lead Biologist

About the opportunity

This is a Lead Biologist, GS-0401-13 position with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Southwestern Division, Fort Worth District, Regional Planning and Environmental Center (RPEC). The position may be filled in Fort Worth, TX, Galveston, TX, Little Rock, AR, or Tulsa, OK, with the final duty location determined at the time of selection. The role involves performing complex ecological analyses of large and complex projects, accomplishing environmental studies related to Civil Works and Military programs, reviewing environmental documents prepared by others, directing the preparation of written reports, charts, graphs, and maps, and serving as a team leader for lower-grade team members.

Salary and benefits

• Salary ranging from $106,437 to $150,426 per year, including applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to Joint Travel Regulations and agency determination.

Who can apply?

• Must meet the basic education requirement: Bachelor's degree (or higher) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines, OR a combination of education and experience equivalent to a major.
• Must possess one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade/level (GS-12 or above), which includes conducting environmental investigations/studies for ecological characteristics of civil works water resources projects or military natural resources studies, AND preparing documentation to record results or develop plan formulation for environmental projects.
• Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements (52 weeks of Federal service at the GS-12 level or equivalent if holding a General Schedule position within the last 52 weeks).
• Must meet specific employment authority eligibility criteria (e.g., current Department of Army Civilian Employees, DoD civilian employees, Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan, Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act, military spouses, veterans, etc.).

Required documents

• Resume: Must be two pages or less, including employer name, job title, start/end dates (month and year), hours worked per week, and a brief description supporting specialized experience.
• Proof of Eligibility to Apply: Documents proving eligibility under one of the accepted employment authorities.
• Transcripts: Required if qualifying based on education or if substituting education.
• SF-50: Time-in-grade documentation clearly demonstrating the one-year time-in-grade requirement, if applicable.
• Cover Letter (optional).
• Most recent Performance Appraisal (if applicable).

When to apply

• Date Posted: September 2, 2026.
• Application Opening Date: September 2, 2026.
• Application Closing Date: September 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM (ET).
• Online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of the announcement or receipt of the assessment link.

How to apply

• Read the entire announcement and instructions carefully.
• Click the Apply Online button on USAJOBS.
• Answer the application questions and attach all necessary supporting documentation, ensuring the resume is two pages or less.
• Submit the complete application package prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on September 14, 2026.
• Access the USA Hire system using the unique assessment access link provided after submission and complete the required assessments.

Additional information

• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship is required.
• Position requires a 1-year probationary period.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• Requires submission of a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-450) upon entry and annually thereafter.