Biological Science Technician (General)(Seasonal)

National Park Service • El Portal, CA

2d

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 position is seasonal, with a likely entry-on-duty period from March through May 2027. Seasonal schedules vary by park: March–August at Mojave Desert Network; March–October at Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Olympic National Park, and Yosemite National Park; April–September at Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve; April–October at Sierra Nevada Network; and April–November at Pinnacles National Park. Appointments may last six months, but duration can vary with weather, project needs, and funding. Some positions may be temporary seasonal appointments not to exceed 1,560 hours, depending on the park and program; employment may end at any time due to funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations.

Duties and level of responsibility vary by grade. GS-05 technicians may implement established projects, collect and summarize field data, and assist with reports and project documentation. GS-06 technicians may independently conduct monitoring and management activities using established methods, operate and maintain specialized field equipment, organize and evaluate data, and assist with project implementation, analysis, and reports and plans. GS-07 technicians may coordinate and lead field projects, guide and train staff, interns, or volunteers, oversee field-data quality, evaluate and summarize results, and prepare draft reports and recommendations.

Work is partially sedentary but often involves prolonged standing, walking, and bending, as well as routinely lifting and carrying packs and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Work takes place in offices, laboratories, and the field. Field conditions may include extreme weather and terrain, pesticides, poisonous plants, biting insects, and wild animals; laboratory work may involve hazardous chemicals. Some parks may require work in rugged situations and inclement weather, hiking, backpacking, and camping for multiple days in remote settings, or the ability to swim.

The position may require a uniform, on-call work, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime or shift work, training and operation of a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and operation of a government or private motor vehicle for official duties. A valid driver's license is required when driving is part of the duties, and operators of government vehicles must be at least 18. Government quarters may be required; housing may be available but is not guaranteed. A uniform allowance is provided.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Appointment is subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males must meet the Selective Service Registration Act requirement.
• Must meet the minimum age requirement: at least 18, or at least 16 and satisfying one of the stated education or student-work conditions.
• Must meet the applicable GS-04, GS-05, GS-06, or GS-07 qualification standard through specialized experience, education, or an equivalent combination.
• For experience credit, the resume must describe duties and responsibilities, employment start and end dates by month/year, and full-time/part-time status or hours worked; part-time hours must be stated for prorating.
• Resume must be no longer than two single-sided pages; only one resume may be submitted, and only the document submitted as the Resume will be used for qualification and rating purposes.
• If using education to qualify, submit legible transcripts showing name, school, credit hours, course level, major(s), and GPA or class ranking; official transcripts are required before starting if selected.
• Foreign education used to qualify must be evaluated by a qualified private organization as equivalent to accredited U.S. education or credited by an accredited U.S. institution.
• Must participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
• May be required to obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• May be required to wear a uniform and comply with National Park Service uniform standards.
• A valid driver's license is required when operation of a government or private motor vehicle is part of official duties.
• Some parks may require the ability to swim or the ability to hike, backpack, and camp for multiple days in remote settings.

Responsibilities

• Conduct surveys and monitor natural resources, including plants, wildlife, aquatic resources, habitats, and other ecological conditions.
• Collect biological and environmental data and specimens using established field methods, protocols, and equipment.
• Record, organize, enter, and maintain project data using GPS, GIS, and other data-management technology.
• At GS-05, implement established natural resource projects, collect and summarize field data, and assist with reports and project documentation.
• At GS-06, independently conduct established monitoring and management activities, maintain specialized field equipment, evaluate data, and assist with project implementation, analysis, reports, and plans.
• At GS-07, coordinate and lead field projects; provide technical guidance and training to field staff, interns, and volunteers; schedule and execute projects; ensure field-data quality; evaluate and summarize results; and prepare draft reports and recommendations.

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 and other factors.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed