Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) (Seasonal)

National Park Service•Cherokee, NC

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. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for the Seasonal Staffing Office-Southeast Region is March through October, although timing may vary due to weather, project needs, or funding. Anticipated entry on duty is March–April 2027. The position involves conducting wildlife and habitat surveys and monitoring, collecting biological and environmental data and specimens, and recording and maintaining project information using GPS, GIS, and other data-management technology. Depending on grade, the employee may implement established projects, independently conduct monitoring and management activities, operate and maintain field equipment, organize and evaluate data, and assist with analyses, reports, plans, and project documentation. This is a seasonal temporary position. Work may take place in an office, laboratory, and field settings. Fieldwork may involve travel, variable and potentially extensive travel at Cape Lookout National Seashore, exposure to extreme weather and terrain, pesticides, poisonous plants, biting insects, and wild animals. Laboratory work may involve hazardous chemicals. The role may require government quarters, motorboat operation, a uniform, on-call availability, evening, weekend, holiday, overtime, or shift work, four-wheel-drive vehicle operation, and use of a government or private motor vehicle for official duties. Employment may end 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 the Selective Service registration requirement.
Must participate in the Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer Program.
Must meet the minimum age and education or employment conditions stated in the announcement.
A valid driver's license is required when operating a government or private motor vehicle as part of official duties; must be at least 18 to operate government vehicles.
May be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle or motorboat; motorboat training and pre-employment and random drug testing apply when motorboat operation is required.
May be required to obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
Must provide a resume of no more than two single-sided pages; qualifying experience documentation must specify duties, employment dates, and hours worked.
For GS-04, qualify through the stated combination of general and specialized experience, qualifying postsecondary education and wildlife-related coursework, or an equivalent combination.
For GS-05, qualify through one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-04, qualifying undergraduate education and wildlife-related coursework, or an equivalent combination.
For GS-06, qualify through one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05, qualifying directly related graduate coursework, or an equivalent combination.
If qualifying based in part on education, submit transcripts; foreign education must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.

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, organize, and summarize field data; and assist with reports and project documentation.
At GS-06, independently conduct wildlife and habitat monitoring and management activities using established methods; operate and maintain specialized field equipment; organize and evaluate project data; and assist with project implementation, data analysis, and preparation of reports and plans.