Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)(Seasonal)

National Park Service•Mineral, CA

About The Position

Biological Science Technicians perform field and technical work to monitor, manage, and protect natural resources, including wildlife and their habitats. This seasonal position may be filled for approximately six months, though duration can vary according to weather, project needs, and funding. Defined seasons vary by park, ranging from March through December. Likely entry on duty is March–May 2027. Technicians conduct wildlife surveys and monitoring, collect biological and environmental data and specimens, and use GPS, GIS, and other data-management technology to record and maintain project information. Duties and independence vary by grade: GS-05 staff may implement established projects and assist with reports; GS-06 staff may independently conduct monitoring activities, operate specialized equipment, evaluate data, and assist with analysis and plans; GS-07 staff may coordinate and lead field projects, train personnel, ensure data quality, evaluate results, and prepare draft reports and recommendations. The work may take place in an office, laboratory, and field setting. Field assignments can involve strenuous work in remote, steep, rugged, or off-trail terrain; long hikes; high elevations; overnight backpacking or camping; exposure to extreme weather, pesticides, poisonous plants, insects, and wild animals; and, depending on assignment, water work involving pack rafts or wading. Work may also involve hazardous chemicals in a laboratory. Some positions may require on-call work, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, or shift work. Seasonal employment may be terminated due to funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required.
Appointment is subject to a background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Males must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
Must participate in the Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer Program.
Must be at least 18 years old, or meet the specified conditions for employment at age 16 or 17.
Must meet the applicable GS-04, GS-05, GS-06, or GS-07 experience and/or education qualifications.
If qualifying based partly on education, submit legible transcripts; official transcripts are required before starting if selected.
Specialty applicants must document the relevant experience: handling live owls, bats, insects, or birds, or experience with large mammals/carnivores, as applicable.
Bat specialty applicants must be willing to receive any required rabies vaccination.
Large Mammals/Carnivores specialty applicants must have firearm experience and be willing to complete required pre-employment drug testing.
Yosemite Wildlife-Avian applicants must be proficient in ornithology; have experience surveying native Sierra Nevada passerines using point counts and area searches; identify at least 50 such species by sight and sound; and be able to hike up to 16 miles over rough terrain while carrying a backpack weighing up to one-third of their body weight.
Must be able to safely perform strenuous field work and demonstrate relevant field experience in the resume.
May be required to wear a uniform and comply with National Park Service uniform standards.
Some locations may require a current rabies vaccination or willingness to receive one when handling wildlife.
Haleakalā National Park assignment requires a Basic Aviation Safety course.
May be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Where driving is part of official duties, a valid driver's license is required; operators of government vehicles must be at least 18.
May be required to complete training and obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
Some assignments involving non-law-enforcement firearms require a negative pre-employment drug test and are subject to random drug testing.
Must meet the announcement's qualifications by the closing date of October 26, 2026.

Responsibilities

Conduct surveys and monitor wildlife populations, species, and habitats.
Collect biological and environmental data and specimens using established wildlife sampling and monitoring methods and equipment.
Record and maintain project data using GPS, GIS, and other data-management technology.
Organize, enter, and maintain wildlife and habitat project data.
At GS-05, implement established wildlife monitoring and management projects, collect and summarize field data, and assist with reports and project documentation.
At GS-06, independently conduct wildlife and habitat monitoring and management activities, operate and maintain specialized field equipment, organize and evaluate project data, and assist with project implementation, analysis, reports, and plans.
At GS-07, coordinate and lead wildlife and habitat field projects; provide technical guidance; schedule and execute projects; train personnel; ensure field-data quality; evaluate and summarize results; and prepare draft reports and recommendations.