Biological Science Technician (Avian) (Seasonal)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Homer (AK); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Alaska is seeking Biological Science Technicians (Avian) to perform field and technical work monitoring birds, habitats, and avian resources.

The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge is April - October, but can vary due to weather and project needs. These positions span GS-05 to GS-07, with duties expanding to independent seabird and habitat monitoring, data analysis, and report preparation.

Responsibilities

• Collect detailed data on avian populations without direct daily supervision.
• Record data on abundance, behavior, habitat, sex and age structure, and seasonal movements.
• Work in remote field camps and operate and maintain field equipment.
• Capture, measure, and/or mark birds to collect morphometric data and biological samples.
• Use field equipment such as cameras, GPS, binoculars, rangefinders and computers to organize data.
• Enter biological and project data into databases and assist in drafting technical reports.
• Assist in seabird monitoring and management projects and in preparing reports and project documentation.

Job description

Open: October 13, 2026 — Closes: October 19, 2026

Summary

Biological Science Technicians perform field and technical work to monitor, manage, and protect natural resources, including plants, wildlife, avian resources, and their habitats. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge is April - October, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding.

Major Duties

As a Biological Science Technician (Avian) your duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Collect detailed data on avian populations without direct daily supervision. Data are collected on abundance, behavior, habitat, sex and age structure, and seasonal movements. Work in remote field camps and operate and maintain equipment including, but not limited to: temporary structures, solar powered systems, bear protection tools, fuel-powered systems (e.g. gas generators, kerosene heaters) radios and satellite phones. Collect avian morphometric data, mark/recapture data and biological samples by capturing, measuring, and/or marking birds. Use field equipment including cameras, GPS equipment, binoculars, rangefinders and computers to tabulate, manage and analyze basic data on avian populations without direct daily supervision. Work in an office setting and enter biological and project data into databases and assist in drafting technical reports. Additional duties for GS-05: You may implement established seabird monitoring and management projects; collect, organize, and summarize field data; and assist in the preparation of reports and project documentation. Additional duties for GS-06: You may independently conduct seabird and habitat monitoring and management activities using established methods; operate and maintain specialized field equipment; organize and evaluate project data; and assist with project implementation, data analysis, and preparation of reports and plans. Additional duties for GS-07: As a Crew leader you may be in a remote seabird monitoring site responsible for planning logistics, developing work plans/schedules, providing instruction, and working with others. You may organize, schedule, and execute established seabird monitoring and management projects; train personnel in seabird identification, survey and monitoring methods, data and sample collection, habitat assessment, mapping, and equipment use; ensure quality control of field data; evaluate and summarize project results; and prepare draft project reports and recommendations.