Biological Sicence Technician (Fisheries)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers•Starbuck, WA

21h•Onsite

About The Position

This is a seasonal Biological Science Technician position with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Little Goose Dam in Starbuck, Washington. The dam is located on the Snake River, 65 river miles downstream from Clarkston, Washington. The position operates juvenile fish transportation facilities and/or barges, collects and maintains data for the juvenile fish transportation program, and provides regular operational reports to a supervisor. The role includes collecting fish, loading raceways and barge holds, assessing fish numbers, loading densities, behavior, and condition, and recommending improvements to facility, barge, and equipment operations. Fish facilities and/or barges must be operated within fish passage criteria, and the technician coordinates with or assists researchers working at those facilities or barges. The position is full-time seasonal, with rotating shifts and duty time approximately March through November. Shift coverage may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and special situations. The role requires a pre-employment physical, a valid state driver's license, heavy lifting up to 50 pounds, and up to 25% temporary duty travel. It is eligible for situational telework only. Management may select at any announced grade level (GS-5, GS-6, or GS-7); promotion potential is to the target grade. Incentives may be authorized.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
Meet the applicable education and/or specialized experience requirements for the selected grade level (GS-5, GS-6, or GS-7).
GS-5: One year of specialized experience collecting and maintaining scientific data, operating fish or other animal transportation equipment such as fish counters and other animal enumeration technology and electronic valves, and performing animal sampling using standard biological techniques; or a qualifying bachelor's degree; or an acceptable combination of education and experience.
GS-6: One year of specialized experience in collecting, holding, and transporting fish or other animals, including operating electronic fish counters or other animal enumeration technology, electronic valves, and pneumatic gates, and collecting scientific data; or 9 semester hours of directly related graduate education; or an acceptable combination of education and experience.
GS-7: One year of specialized experience in collecting, holding, and sampling fish or other animals, including operating crowders, fish or animal transportation barges/tanks and equipment, fish bypass systems, PIT tag interrogation equipment, and recirculation systems, and collecting scientific data; or one year of directly related graduate education; or an acceptable combination of education and experience.
Valid state driver's license.
Pass a pre-employment physical.
Ability to meet the 50-pound heavy lifting requirement.
Availability for shift work, including evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations.
Ability to travel on temporary duty assignments up to 25%.
Foreign education used to meet qualification requirements must be evaluated as equivalent to U.S. accredited education, or receive full credit from an accredited U.S. college or university.
Provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
Complete the required one-year probationary period.

Responsibilities

Operate juvenile fish transportation facilities and/or barges.
Collect and maintain data associated with the juvenile fish transportation program.
Provide regular, detailed reports to the supervisor on facility or barge operations.
Collect fish and load raceways and barge holds.
Determine fish numbers, loading densities, and overall fish behavior and condition.
Recommend improvements to facility and/or barge operations and equipment.
Ensure fish facilities and/or barges are operated within fish passage criteria.
Coordinate with and/or assist researchers working on fish facilities or barges.