Biological Science Technician (Avian) (Seasonal)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service•Homer, AK

26d

About The Position

Biological Science Technicians perform field and technical work to monitor, manage, and protect natural resources, including wildlife, avian resources, and their habitats. This seasonal position supports the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is April through October, but timing may vary with weather, project needs, or funding. The technician collects avian population and habitat data, including information on abundance, behavior, sex and age structure, and seasonal movements. Work may take place in remote field camps or in an office. Field activities include capturing, measuring, and marking birds; collecting morphometric, mark/recapture, and biological-sample data; and using field equipment to record, manage, and analyze data. The position also involves operating and maintaining field-camp equipment and entering biological and project data into databases, as well as assisting with technical reports. Duties vary by grade. At GS-05, the technician may implement established seabird monitoring and management projects, organize and summarize field data, and assist with reports and documentation. At GS-06, the technician may independently conduct monitoring and management activities using established methods, maintain specialized equipment, evaluate project data, and assist with project implementation, analysis, reports, and plans. At GS-07, a crew leader may plan logistics and schedules at a remote site, instruct and train personnel, oversee data quality, evaluate and summarize results, and prepare draft reports and recommendations. This is a seasonal federal position. Appointment may be temporary and not-to-exceed 1,560 hours, depending on the refuge and program; employment may end earlier due to funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations. The position may involve remote field assignments, government quarters, a uniform, vehicle operation, and work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, or shifts. A valid driver's license is required when operating a motor vehicle as part of official duties.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required.
Appointment is subject to a background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Males must meet the Selective Service Registration Act requirement.
Must meet the stated minimum age and education or enrollment conditions for employment.
For GS-05, qualify through one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-04, the specified bachelor's-level coursework, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
For GS-06, qualify through one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05.
For GS-07, qualify through one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-06, one year of directly related graduate study, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
Submit a resume of no more than two single-sided pages that documents duties, employment dates, and hours worked; only the resume submitted in the designated Resume section will be used for qualification and rating.
Submit transcripts if qualifying in part or whole based on education; foreign education must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency or course credit.
A valid driver's license is required if operating a government or private motor vehicle as part of official duties.
Must complete required training and operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle if required.
May be required to obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
May be required to wear a uniform and comply with National Park Service uniform standards.
Must participate in the Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer Program if selected.

Responsibilities

Collect detailed data on avian populations, including abundance, behavior, habitat, sex and age structure, and seasonal movements, without direct daily supervision.
Work in remote field camps and operate and maintain temporary structures, solar-powered systems, bear-protection tools, fuel-powered systems, radios, and satellite phones.
Capture, measure, and mark birds; collect avian morphometric, mark/recapture, and biological-sample data.
Use cameras, GPS equipment, binoculars, rangefinders, and computers to tabulate, manage, and analyze basic avian population data.
Enter biological and project data into databases and assist in drafting technical reports.
At GS-05, implement established seabird monitoring and management projects; collect, organize, and summarize field data; and assist with reports and project documentation.
At GS-06, independently conduct seabird and habitat monitoring and management using established methods; maintain specialized field equipment; organize and evaluate project data; and assist with project implementation, data analysis, reports, and plans.
At GS-07, plan remote-site logistics and work schedules, instruct and train personnel, organize and execute established projects, ensure field-data quality, evaluate and summarize results, and prepare draft reports and recommendations.