Biological Science Technician (Fisheries-Diver)(Seasonal)

National Park Service • Ventura, CA

12h

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. This seasonal Fisheries-Diver position supports a subtidal marine monitoring program focused on kelp forests. The anticipated entry-on-duty date is April 2027.

The technician conducts underwater monitoring of marine invertebrates, algae, and fish using SCUBA sampling methods, and may serve as a lead diver directing another diver. The role also provides office and field logistics support, including data entry and quality control, report preparation, equipment maintenance, and planning and provisioning for multiday monitoring cruises. The technician maintains NPS diving certification and complies with National Park Service diving standards. Work takes place in an office and outdoors, including on vessels and in remote, often adverse ocean conditions.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Meet the minimum age and education or student-employment conditions stated in the announcement.
• Possess current SCUBA certification from a recognized organization such as PADI or NAUI, and scientific diving certification from an organization such as AAUS.
• Have at least 100 logged cold-water open-ocean kelp forest dives.
• Be able to meet all Department of the Interior and National Park Service diving standards within 30 days of entry on duty.
• For the GS-05 grade, qualify through one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-04, qualifying education, or an equivalent combination of experience and education. Specialized experience includes conducting aspects of a subtidal biological marine monitoring program using SCUBA and the listed sampling methods.
• If qualifying through education, have completed at least four years of post-high-school education leading to a bachelor's degree in a related scientific or technical field, or have at least 24 semester hours in relevant subjects, including at least 6 semester hours directly related to fishery biology or related fields; submit transcripts.
• Have a valid driver's license when required to operate a motor vehicle and submit the required driving records.
• Be physically fit to perform strenuous duties and pass a medical examination by a government-authorized physician.
• Meet background investigation and favorable adjudication requirements; a drug test may be required before appointment, with random testing thereafter.
• Travel up to 55 days on a vessel during the appointment, including living in cramped shared quarters for at least five consecutive days at a time.
• Be available for on-call work, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and/or shift work if required.
• Maintain a resume within the stated two-page limit and document relevant experience, dates, hours worked, and diving experience and certifications.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the abundance, distribution, and size of selected marine invertebrates, algae, and fish using SCUBA sampling techniques, including band transects, quadrats, random point contacts, video transects, fish surveys and sizing, roving diver fish counts, size-frequency measurements, recruitment modules, video/photo documentation, and remote temperature loggers.
• Lead at least one other diver, providing direction while conducting monitoring work in often adverse environmental conditions.
• Provide logistical and office support for a subtidal marine monitoring program, including data entry, organization, and quality assurance and quality control in accordance with the kelp forest monitoring handbook.
• Assist with field observations and document them appropriately.
• Assist with trip reports and prepare drafts of detailed annual kelp forest monitoring reports, including methods, literature research, preliminary data analysis, graphs and charts, results, and recommendations.
• Maintain equipment used for the monitoring program, identify repair or replacement needs, and keep accurate maintenance and repair logs.
• Maintain NPS diving certification and meet NPS-Field Manual 4 diving regulations.
• Prepare menus, dive plans, manifests, and data sheets; purchase provisions; and load food and equipment for multiday monitoring cruises in remote conditions.
• Provide information about resource management issues through oral presentations.
• Operate a government or private motor vehicle when required for official duties.
• Complete required training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle when required.

Benefits

• A uniform allowance will be provided.
• Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed.
• 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