A04_Draft_SOW_CERCLA_Biologist_Vieques_2026_(1).pdf

United States Department of the Interior

FWS VIEQUES NWR

POST OFFICE BOX 1527

VIEQUES PR 00765-3139

Scope of Work CERCLA Biologist, USFWS Vieques NWR

April 2026

The scope of work for this project is as follows: The position is for a Comprehensive

Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) biologist. The person is required to know the VNWR / USFWS mission for the protection and conservation of flora and fauna species within the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge (VNWR), safety, vehicle, PPE and other regulations related to biology labor operations on the refuge. The person should also be knowledgeable of CERCLA, as it pertains to human health and environmental health risk assessments and the clean-up being conducted by the U.S. Navy in Vieques, Puerto Rico. In addition, the person should have the skills and ability to assist with and interpret the biological information when dealing with counterparts from the

USFWS, other conservation/environmental protection agencies and other stakeholders involved in the Vieques CERCLA (Superfund) clean-up project.

CERCLA Biologist: The selected individual will serve as a critical technical liaison for the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge (VNWR), supporting the Refuge Manager and

Project Manager in balancing biological conservation with the ongoing Navy cleanup efforts. This role requires a deep integration of biological expertise within the CERCLA

(Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act) framework.

The individual will provide essential support to the Biology Program, the Refuge Manager, and the Project Manager by assisting in the daily coordination of biological activities and the Navy’s environmental cleanup at the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge (VNWR). This role involves helping to carry out habitat surveys across mangroves, dry forests, and beaches to collect data that helps the management team track the health of various wildlife species, including migratory birds and threatened or endangered sea turtles. In support of the CERCLA cleanup process, the person will assist in the field by monitoring Navy activities—such as vegetation clearing and controlled burns—and documenting observations to ensure these actions align with established refuge conservation goals. The person should possess:

Experience as a Biologist that involve the following: 1) conducting ecological/biological investigations, including field and literature reviews to determine the effects of land and water impacts related to mitigation and clean-up projects on the distribution and abundance of fish/wildlife and their habitats; 2) reviewing and appraising reports, agreements, and/or recommendations concerning proposed land and water projects as part of the clean-up efforts in Vieques; 3) plan and design studies and field investigations of fish and wildlife resources and their habitats, prior to clearing vegetation and altering habitats as part of the clean-up effort; 4) identify and advise on how to solve fish and wildlife resource

Chantal Bashizi Highlight problems by gathering and applying information from a variety of materials or sources that provide several alternatives; 5) preparing reports on the results of ecological/biological investigation, studies, and projects, as related to the clean-up efforts in Vieques; 6) developing recommendations for resource protection, enhancement and mitigation;

7) interpreting and implementing Federal and/or State laws (i.e., Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, Fish & Wildlife Coordination Act, National Environmental Policy Act, The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act

(CERCLA), The Superfund A m e n d m e n t s and reauthorization Act (SARA), the

National Wildlife Refuge

Administration Act,), regulations, and policies involving natural resource issues; 8) participating and/or assisting on negotiation teams; and 9) providing biological or ecological information verbally or in writing to representatives or other government agencies, staff members, landowners, private interest groups, and the general public.

A. Completion of four-year degree or higher in Biology, Natural Sciences, Ecology or a similar field of study directly related to fish and wildlife biology such as biology, botany, entomology, zoology or marine science, from an accredited college or university.

B. The ability to conduct wildlife identification, surveying, and monitoring with appropriate techniques and procedures. The person must have the ability to use a GPS, forest maps, and compass to conduct surveys in a forested environment; as well as be able to utilize a variety of field equipment. The person must be comfortable working independently after receiving direction and task lists from the supervisor.

C. The person must be able to interpret data and provide advice to support management and conservation decisions based on the best available data and scientific information.

The person must also be able to use this information to assist the Service when presenting this information to other agencies or stakeholders, either in oral presentation or through written reports, as well as be able to provide and support any biological opinions.

D. The majority of the work would be conducted in the field by the employee working alone or within a small crew. The work involves frequent on-site field work requiring some physical exertion such as walking over wet, rough, and uneven terrain; bending, crouching, stooping, reaching, lifting or similar activities. Outdoor work may involve extreme temperatures and exposure to biting insects. The rest of the time will be in office setting for administrative work, research and meetings related to their duties.

E. The working environment is considered hazardous, since most of the work will be conducted inside the former U.S. Navy active munitions ranges, which currently contain Unexploded Ordinance (UXO).

F. The person must have at least 40 hours of Hazwoper training.

G. The person will comply with all safety protocols and regulations. The person will keep track of his/her time and attendance and will coordinate the projects, duties, daily work schedules and priorities with the VNWR / USFWS refuge manager, as well as with the

Service Project Leader assigned to the CERCLA remediation at the VNWR. A valid state driver’s license is required to operate all USFWS vehicles.

H. Person should be bilingual (oral, reading and written communication) in both English and Spanish. There is a preference for the individual to be a resident of Vieques.

General Notes:

• The contractor shall supply their uniforms for the work required to complete the work in conformance with the Contract Documents and this Performance Work Statement. The cost of uniforms should be added to the estimate provided to the

FWS.

• The USFWS – VNWR will provide vehicles, equipment, and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to conduct the work. Due to the logistical nature of the work, the limited transportation between Vieques/Main Island, the person should be willing to reside in Vieques, at least during the period of their workdays. There is no travel, lodging or per diem pay with this contract.

• The support for the biologist is anticipated to be part-time – 8-hour workday for a total of 32 hours, over a 4-day work week. The individual will be integrated as part of the VNWR schedules and duties.