Biological Science Technician (Fisheries)(Seasonal)

National Park Service • Ashland, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Biological Science Technicians perform field and technical work to monitor, manage, and protect natural resources, including aquatic resources and their habitats. These seasonal positions may last six months, with duration varying according to weather conditions, project needs, and funding. The likely entry-on-duty period is March through May 2027. Defined seasons vary by park: March–October for the Klamath Network, Redwood National and State Parks, and Olympic National Park; April–October for Channel Islands National Park, Crater Lake National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, Sierra Nevada Network, Olympic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area; and May–November for North Cascades National Park, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, and Great Basin National Park. Positions may be filled at GS-04, GS-05, GS-06, or GS-07 levels. Duties and independence vary by grade, from assisting with established projects to independently conducting or coordinating field projects and providing technical guidance.

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.
• Selectees must participate in the Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer Program.
• Applicants must meet the minimum age requirement: at least 18, or at least 16 under the specified education, vocational-training, school-authority, or student-employment conditions.
• A current open-water and scientific-diving certification from a recognized organization may be required.
• Four-wheel-drive vehicle training and operation may be required.
• Backcountry travel may be required.
• A valid driver's license is required if operating a government or private motor vehicle as part of official duties; operators of government vehicles must be at least 18.
• Training and obtaining and maintaining a government credit card with travel and purchase authority may be required.
• Crater Lake National Park may require an Oregon Public Pesticide Applicator license; the park will provide training and pay for licensure.
• GS-04 qualification: one year of experience, including six months of specialized experience; or two years of post-high-school education including the specified scientific/technical coursework and directly related coursework; or an equivalent combination.
• GS-05 qualification: one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-04; or four years of post-high-school education leading to a related bachelor's degree, with the specified related coursework; or an equivalent combination.
• GS-06 qualification: one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05; or nine semester hours of directly related graduate study; or an equivalent combination.
• GS-07 qualification: one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-06; or 18 semester hours of directly related graduate study; or an equivalent combination.
• Applicants qualifying through education must submit legible transcripts from an accredited institution; foreign education must be evaluated as described in the announcement.
• Resume must not exceed two single-sided pages and must document duties, employment dates, and hours worked; only the resume submitted in the designated Resume section will be used for qualification and rating.
• Pre-employment and random drug testing may be required; a verified positive drug test prevents appointment.
• A uniform may be required, and employees must comply with National Park Service uniform standards.
• Occupancy of government quarters may be required; housing may be available but is not guaranteed.
• Great Basin National Park applicants are expected to have their own vehicle to make living in the remote location possible; the personal vehicle will not be used for work.
• Temporary seasonal appointments may be NTE 1,039 hours, or NTE 1,560 hours depending on the park and program; employment may end due to funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations.
• Qualifications must be met by the announcement closing date of October 26, 2026, unless otherwise stated.

Responsibilities

• Conduct surveys and monitor fish populations, aquatic organisms, and aquatic habitats.
• Collect biological and environmental data and specimens using established fisheries sampling methods and equipment.
• Record and maintain project data using GPS, GIS, and other data-management technology.
• Organize, enter, and maintain fisheries and aquatic-resource project data.
• At GS-05, implement established fisheries and aquatic-resource management and monitoring projects; collect, organize, and summarize field data; and assist with reports and project documentation.
• At GS-06, independently conduct fisheries and aquatic-resource monitoring and management activities using established methods; operate and maintain specialized sampling equipment; organize and evaluate project data; and assist with project implementation, data analysis, and reports and plans.
• At GS-07, coordinate and lead fisheries and aquatic-resource field projects and provide technical guidance to field staff, interns, and/or volunteers.
• At GS-07, organize, schedule, and execute established monitoring and management projects; train personnel in fish identification, sampling methods, data collection, habitat assessment, and equipment use; ensure field-data quality control; evaluate and summarize results; and prepare draft reports and recommendations.

Benefits

• A uniform allowance will be provided.
• Government housing may be available, but is not guaranteed.
• The federal government offers a comprehensive benefits package; eligibility depends on position type and other factors.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed