Biological Science Technician

$39,576 - $51,446/Yr

United States Department of Agriculture

Part-time,Full-time - Entry Level

Remote

Administration of Economic Programs

About the position

The Biological Science Technician position involves mitigating zoonotic disease transmission to livestock and poultry, primarily focusing on assessing and reducing the spread of diseases from wild and feral animal species in agricultural environments. The role includes technical work related to animal disease control and vector eradication programs, requiring inspections, data management, and collaboration with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for technical work involved in animal disease control in livestock and poultry and disease vector eradication programs within an assigned geographic area.
• Inspects and surveys livestock and poultry facilities for possible wild vertebrate disease vectors.
• Independently recommends or implements effective tools/devices to mitigate the possibility of livestock and poultry encountering disease vectors.
• Maintains records of chemical control use to comply with state and federal regulatory requirements.
• Assists in negotiating cooperative service agreements with landowners, land managers, or lessees.
• Enters data into established database/system of record.
• May author formal reports summarizing and analyzing work accomplished and benefits to stakeholders.
• Carries out duties in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA).
• May assist research efforts by participating in field tests of disease mitigation techniques.

Requirements

• Must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• Successful completion of one-year trial period is required.
• Testing Designated Position: Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter.
• Legal and physical ability to possess and discharge firearms appropriately and safely is required.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in farm management practices that prevent disease, such as bird and rodent control, clean water and feed, hand and boot washing, and controlling vehicle contamination.
• Experience working directly with stakeholders, communicating goals and objectives of a project, and determining effective strategies to achieve those goals.
• Conducting basic computer operations for record keeping, data analysis, report writing and correspondence.

Benefits

• Access to a comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position held and whether it is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.