FUL-Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Winona, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a temporary position expected to last 12 months but may be extended up to a maximum of two years based on agency needs and potential funding. First-time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate. The employee assists in the planning and implementation of wildlife censuses and surveys and recommends wildlife management practices. Assists in planning multifaceted wildlife studies by contributing ideas, determining research methods, establishing practical procedures for accomplishing and reporting the work and determining other needs, such as costs, equipment and personnel. Monitors and assists in control of wildlife, plant disease outbreaks, pest plant control, mowing/seeding activities and vegetation removal. Captures, applies visual and radio tags, and gathers physiological and spatial data on wildlife. Monitors elements of the physical environment, such as temperature, precipitation, stream flow, snow depth, wind speed, and humidity. Develops databases and analyzes data using standard statistical methods and procedures in preparation of wildlife reports. Enters and retrieves data from the Geographic Information System and/or other information management systems. Develops graphs, charts and illustrations for reports and technical publications using computer software, such as Microsoft PowerPoint and Harvard graphics. Operates farm tractors, light trucks, vehicles, small water craft and various other equipment such as generators, radios, radio tracking equipment, water monitoring equipment, global positioning systems and cameras. Provides work direction and guidance to biological technicians and volunteers and YCC enrollees, including safe handling of tools and operation of motorized vehicles and water craft.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct Deposit participation required.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Required to wear a uniform and comply with the uniform standards.
• May be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.
• Must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.
• All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/15/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
• All candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements.
• To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience.
• Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience.
• For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.
• Individual Occupational Requirement Experience for the 0404 series.
• Specialized Experience Requirement: Experience must have been related to the work of the position for which application is made. The specialized experience required for some positions in this series is normally work performed in a controlled environment. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: Research activity or control program work. Nursery work that required the growing and maintenance of plants in a controlled environment. Work comparable to that with a large dairy farm where production records, animal environment, and sanitary conditions were kept in accordance with modern dairy practice.
• Additional qualifications required at the GS-07 level.
• Specialized Experience: You must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors).Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: basic and applied habitat restoration techniques of wetland habitats for the benefit of various species; experience in the practices/techniques and terminology related to wildlife management and habitats; capturing, handling and monitoring a variety of species; knowledge and experience working with laws and regulations, as well as policies pertaining to the protection of a variety of federally listed species and their habitat; using computer technology to maintain and retrieve information from automated data systems, and statistical software programs in order to develop reports; working with and leading volunteers in a natural resource environment.
• You must include hours per week worked.
• Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
• You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
• You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience.
• Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable.
• A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted.
• Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position.
• Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
• Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs.
• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Nice To Haves

• Additional 30 points for wild land fire fighting duties, when considered a major job requirement: Subject to extreme physical effort and may be required to lift objects weighing over 50 pounds
• Additional 30 points for wild land fire fighting duties, when considered a major job requirement: Subject to high risks with regular and recurring exposure to potentially dangerous situations that can't necessarily be controlled.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the planning and implementation of wildlife censuses and surveys and recommends wildlife management practices.
• Assists in planning multifaceted wildlife studies by contributing ideas, determining research methods, establishing practical procedures for accomplishing and reporting the work and determining other needs, such as costs, equipment and personnel.
• Monitors and assists in control of wildlife, plant disease outbreaks, pest plant control, mowing/seeding activities and vegetation removal.
• Captures, applies visual and radio tags, and gathers physiological and spatial data on wildlife.
• Monitors elements of the physical environment, such as temperature, precipitation, stream flow, snow depth, wind speed, and humidity.
• Develops databases and analyzes data using standard statistical methods and procedures in preparation of wildlife reports.
• Enters and retrieves data from the Geographic Information System and/or other information management systems.
• Develops graphs, charts and illustrations for reports and technical publications using computer software, such as Microsoft PowerPoint and Harvard graphics.
• Operates farm tractors, light trucks, vehicles, small water craft and various other equipment such as generators, radios, radio tracking equipment, water monitoring equipment, global positioning systems and cameras.
• Provides work direction and guidance to biological technicians and volunteers and YCC enrollees, including safe handling of tools and operation of motorized vehicles and water craft.

Benefits

• A uniform allowance will be provided.
• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Learn more about federal benefits.
• Review our benefits
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
• Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED