Biological Science Technician (Plants) (Seasonal)

National Park Service•Ashland, WI

About The Position

Biological Science Technicians perform field and technical work to monitor, manage, and protect natural resources, including plants, wildlife, aquatic resources, and their habitats. This seasonal position with Great Lakes Inventory and Monitoring typically has an entry-on-duty period from March through September, though timing can vary with weather, project needs, or funding. The anticipated entry-on-duty date is March 2027. The position includes monitoring vegetation and surveying for oak wilt disease; collecting and sending samples for laboratory analysis; recording and maintaining project data using GPS and GIS technology; and organizing project data. At GS-06, duties may also include assisting with ecological resource management project implementation, implementing established natural resource management projects, and helping prepare reports and plans. At GS-07, duties may include assisting with project implementation and leading field staff; training, leading, and supervising staff, interns, or volunteers; organizing and carrying out established projects; ensuring data quality; and preparing draft project reports. Work is partially sedentary but often involves prolonged standing, walking, and bending, as well as routinely lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Work takes place in an office, laboratory, and field settings. Field conditions may include extreme weather and terrain, pesticides, poisonous plants, biting insects, and wild animals; laboratory work may involve hazardous chemicals. The position may require wearing a uniform, operating a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and working on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, or shifts. Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed, and occupancy of government quarters may be required.

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 participate in the Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer Program.
Must be at least 18 years old, or meet the stated alternative eligibility criteria for applicants who are at least 16.
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.
May be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
May be required to complete training and obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
For GS-06, qualify through one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05, specified related graduate coursework, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
For GS-07, qualify through one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-06, specified related graduate coursework, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
If qualifying in part based on education, submit transcripts from an accredited institution; foreign education must be evaluated as specified in the announcement.
Submit a resume no longer than two single-sided pages, with duties, employment dates, and hours worked clearly stated.
May be required to wear a uniform and comply with National Park Service uniform standards.
May be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and/or shift work.

Responsibilities

Monitor vegetation and survey for oak wilt disease.
Collect samples and send them for laboratory analysis.
Record and maintain project data using GPS and GIS technology.
Organize project data.
Assist with ecological resource management project implementation and, at GS-06, implement established natural resource management projects.
Assist in preparing reports and plans.
At GS-07, lead field staff and train, lead, or supervise staff, interns, and/or volunteers conducting ecological resource management fieldwork.
Conduct or oversee plant and plant disease identification, data collection, sample collection, mapping, and tool and equipment use and maintenance.
Organize, schedule, and execute established natural resource management projects.
Ensure adequate quality control of data and prepare draft project reports.