Biological Science Technician (Seasonal)

National Park Service • Garfield, AR

1d

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–Midwest Regional Office and Networks/Mabo is March–September, although timing may vary due to weather, project needs, or funding. Anticipated entry on duty is March 2027.

At the GS-4 level, work includes conducting natural-resource surveys and monitoring; collecting biological and environmental data and specimens using established field methods, protocols, and equipment; recording and maintaining project data using GPS, GIS, and other data-management technology; and organizing, entering, and maintaining project data. At the GS-5 level, duties may also include implementing established monitoring and management projects, collecting and summarizing field data, and assisting with reports and project documentation.

This is a temporary seasonal appointment that may be 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. Work is performed in offices, laboratories, and the field. Fieldwork may involve extreme weather and terrain, pesticides, poisonous plants, biting insects, and wild animals; laboratory work may involve hazardous chemicals. The work is partially sedentary but often requires prolonged standing, walking, and bending, as well as routinely lifting and carrying packs and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

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 one of the stated eligibility conditions for applicants age 16 or 17.
• A valid driver's license is required if operating a government or private motor vehicle as part of official duties; operators of government vehicles must be at least 18.
• May be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
• May be required to complete training and obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• For GS-4, qualify through six months of general and six months of specialized experience; two years of qualifying post-high-school education with specified scientific or technical coursework; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• For GS-5, qualify through one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-4; four years of qualifying post-high-school education leading to a bachelor's degree or at least 24 semester hours in specified scientific or technical courses; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• If qualifying based in part on education, submit transcripts; foreign education must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• Submit a resume of no more than two single-sided pages that clearly shows duties, employment dates, and hours worked; only the resume submitted in the designated Resume section will be used for qualification and rating.
• May be required to occupy government quarters; housing may be available but is not guaranteed.
• 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.
• Must meet all qualifications by the announcement closing date of October 26, 2026.

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 the GS-5 level, implement established natural-resource monitoring and management projects.
• At the GS-5 level, collect, organize, and summarize field data.
• Assist in preparing reports and project documentation.
• Follow standardized procedures to collect data on resource conditions.
• Assist with vegetation and soils mapping and established methods for controlling invasive species, managing native species, or addressing natural-resource concerns, where applicable to qualifying experience.
• Install, operate, and maintain resource-management equipment and prepare graphs, charts, or illustrations for reports and technical publications, where applicable to qualifying experience.

Benefits

• A uniform allowance will be provided.
• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed