Biological Science Technician (Shorebirds) (Seasonal)

National Park Service • Wellfleet, MA

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Biological Science Technician supports Cape Cod National Seashore’s Shorebird Management and Protection Program by monitoring nesting, migrating, and staging shorebirds and implementing measures to protect them. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is March through October 2027, although timing may vary with weather, project needs, or funding. The announcement lists four vacancies at GS-05 and one at GS-06; applicants may be selected at either grade. A GS-05 selection does not imply noncompetitive promotion potential to GS-06.

The position may be filled as a temporary seasonal appointment, not to exceed 1,560 hours rather than 1,039 hours, depending on the park and program. Employment may end at any time due to funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations. Duties involve field monitoring and data work, communication, coordination with partner entities, and carrying out management decisions within applicable legal and environmental review frameworks.

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.
• Motorboat operation is required; the selectee will receive appropriate training and be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
• 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.
• May be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
• If required to operate a government or private motor vehicle as part of official duties, must have a valid driver's license; must be at least 18 to operate government vehicles.
• May be required to complete training and obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• Must meet the stated minimum age and education or school-enrollment conditions for employment.
• GS-06: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-05 level, including relevant wildlife inventories, monitoring or protection; remote field surveys using established protocols and standard scientific equipment; use of standard procedures to adapt field operations; and drafting project reports. Hours worked per week must be included in the application.
• GS-05: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-04 level, including assisting with wildlife inventories, monitoring or protection, and/or conducting relevant remote field surveys using established protocols and standard scientific equipment; alternatively, qualifying education or a combination of education and experience may be used.
• GS-05 education alternative: Completion of a four-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor’s degree, with at least 24 semester hours in specified scientific or technical subjects, including at least 6 semester hours directly related to the position.
• For the GS-05 education-and-experience combination, education beyond 60 semester hours and qualifying full-time experience are combined using the stated calculation; the total must equal at least 100 percent.
• Applicants qualifying based in part on education must submit transcripts; foreign education must be evaluated as described in the announcement.
• Qualifying experience may be paid or unpaid, including qualifying volunteer experience.
• If selected based on education, official transcripts must be provided before beginning work.

Responsibilities

• Implement and train others on wildlife monitoring protocols to inform management and track long-term population trends.
• Collect, analyze, report, and manage field data.
• Communicate orally and in writing with audiences within and outside the National Park Service.
• Coordinate with park staff and local, state, and federal entities to implement management techniques.
• Work within the framework of the Endangered Species Act and applicable NEPA documents when making and implementing decisions affecting recreational and management activities.
• Perform wildlife inventories, monitoring, and protection activities and conduct field surveys to document animal presence, abundance, reproduction, management issues, and population dynamics.
• Adjust field operations as necessary by referencing standard methods, practices, and procedures.
• Draft project reports, which may include literature research, methods descriptions, graphs and charts, and summaries of findings for higher-level specialists.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type, and applicants are advised to contact the hiring agency for details.
• A uniform allowance will be provided.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level