Biological Science Technician (Seasonal)

National Park Service•Glen Jean, WV

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 at New River Gorge National River is March through September, although timing may vary with weather, project needs, or funding. Anticipated entry on duty is March through July 2027. The position conducts surveys and monitoring, collects biological and environmental data and specimens, and records, organizes, enters, and maintains project data using GPS, GIS, and other data-management technology. At GS-06, technicians may independently conduct monitoring and management activities, operate specialized field equipment, evaluate project data, and assist with project implementation, data analysis, reports, and plans. At GS-07, technicians may coordinate and lead field projects; guide and train staff, interns, or volunteers; oversee data quality; summarize results; and prepare draft reports and recommendations. This is a temporary seasonal appointment, generally not to exceed 1,039 hours, with a possible appointment up to 1,560 hours depending on the park and program. The appointment is expected to end when seasonal work is complete and may be terminated earlier due to funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations. Work is partially sedentary but may involve prolonged standing, walking, bending, and routinely carrying heavy equipment. Work takes place in an office, laboratory, and field settings. Field conditions may include extreme weather and terrain, pesticides, poisonous plants, insects, snakes, and wild animals; laboratory work may involve hazardous chemicals.

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 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.
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 years old to operate government vehicles.
May be required to complete training and obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
Must be at least 18 years old, or meet one of the stated exceptions for applicants aged 16 or 17.
Must be able to lift 50 pounds, walk and navigate off trail in the backcountry, and paddle non-motorized watercraft.
GS-06 qualification: one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05; or a half year (9 semester hours or 13.5 quarter hours) of directly related graduate-level study toward a master's degree; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
GS-07 qualification: one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-06; or one full year (18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours) of directly related graduate-level study toward a master's degree; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
Specialized experience may include biological science support, field or laboratory sample work, field project support, field data collection and management, habitat restoration, statistical testing of field data, resource-management equipment use and maintenance, and preparation of technical materials or reports.
For GS-07, specialized experience may include assisting with resource-management censuses and surveys, statistical testing of field data, equipment operation and maintenance, preparing technical materials, organizing and executing natural resource projects, and planning field projects.
Applicants claiming education toward qualification must submit transcripts. Foreign education used to meet qualifications must be evaluated as described in the announcement.
Resume must not exceed two single-sided pages and must document duties, employment dates, and hours worked; only the resume submitted in the designated Resume section will be used for qualification and rating purposes.

Responsibilities

Conduct surveys and monitor plants, wildlife, aquatic resources, habitats, and other ecological conditions.
Collect biological and environmental data and specimens using established field methods, protocols, and equipment.
Record and maintain project data using GPS, GIS, and other data-management technology.
Organize, enter, and maintain natural resource project data.
At GS-06, independently conduct natural resource 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.
At GS-07, coordinate and lead natural resource field projects and provide technical guidance to field staff, interns, and/or volunteers.
At GS-07, organize, schedule, and execute established monitoring and management projects; train personnel in resource identification, field methods, data and sample collection, mapping, and equipment use; ensure field-data quality control; evaluate and summarize results; and prepare draft reports and recommendations.
Operate a government or private motor vehicle as part of official duties when required.
Paddle non-motorized watercraft when required.

Benefits

Uniform allowance is provided.
A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available; eligibility depends on position type and whether employment is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume