Biological Science Technician (Seasonal)

US National Park Service; Arizona; On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

US National Park Service seeks Biological Science Technicians for seasonal field and technical work supporting the protection of natural resources across the Intermountain Region. Typical duties include data collection, habitat management, and laboratory support.

Anticipated entry on duty spans April through June 2027, with comments on weather conditions and funding affecting scheduling. Applicants should be prepared to document specialized experience or graduate studies as outlined for GS-06/07

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience at GS-05 level in Federal service or equivalent.
• Graduate study as specified (9 semester hours or 13.5 quarter hours) for GS-07
• Equivalent combination of experience and education to total 100% qualification requirements.

Responsibilities

• Plan and assist in resource management plans, censuses, and surveys.
• Use statistical methods to analyze field data.
• Install, operate, and maintain field and lab equipment.
• Prepare graphs and illustrations for reports and publications.
• Coordinate field projects and scheduling across teams.

Skills

Biological field work

Data analysis

Habitat management

Laboratory work

Report writing

Education

Master's degree in related field

Graduate coursework: botany/ecology

Tools

Statistical software

Field sampling equipment

Job description

Biological Science Technicians perform field and technical work to monitor, manage, and protect natural resources, including plants, wildlife, aquatic resources, and their habitats.

The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for Seasonal Staffing Office-Intermountain Region is April-November, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: April-June 2027. All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/13/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your 2 page resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. You may only submit one resume. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.

To qualify for this position at the GS-06 grade level, you must possess one of the following:

1. A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sector). Specialized experience is experience that equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience include:
   • Work involving biological science support such as: collecting, analyzing and processing samples, performing laboratory work, assisting in the management of field projects, collecting, processing and managing field data, and performing habitat restoration through management of exotics and/or native planting;
   • using statistical methods and procedures to perform testing of field data collected;
   • installing, monitoring, and maintaining resource management equipment (tools, sampling and monitoring, photographic, and laboratory equipment);
   • preparing graphs, charts, and illustrations for reports and technical publications relating to plant management activities; and
   • assisting in the development of improved methods of controlling weeds and plant diseases or other related work, etc.
2. B. Successfully completed a half year (9 semester hours or 13.5 quarter hours) of graduate level course work, from an accredited college or university, leading to a Master's degree with a major study directly related to the position to be filled. Graduate study must have been in a field of study that is directly related to the work of this position such as: botany, forest ecology, silviculture, plant ecology, wildlife biology, zoology, ornithology.
3. C. Equivalent combination of experience and education that, together, equal 100% of the qualification standards listed above when combined. For example, six (6) months of specialized experience (50% of the experience requirement) combined with one year of education as outlined above (50% of the education above), along with 50% of the course-specific education stated above.

To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess one of the following:

1. A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sector). Specialized experience is experience that equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience include:
   • Assisting in planning and implementation of resource management plant, wildlife, and fisheries censuses and surveys;
   • using statistical methods and procedures to perform testing of field data collected;
   • installing, operating, and maintaining resource management equipment (tools, sampling and monitoring, photographic, and laboratory equipment);
   • preparing graphs, charts, and illustrations for reports and technical publications relating to plant management activities;
   • organizing, scheduling, and executing a wide variety of established natural resource management projects; and
   • planning field projects choose possible courses of action at different stages of each project.
2. B. Successfully completed one full year (18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours) of graduate level course work, from an accredited college or university, leading to a Master's degree with a major study directly related to the position to be filled. Graduate study must have been in a field of study that is directly related to the work of this position such as: botany, forest ecology, silviculture, plant ecology, wildlife biology, zoology, ornithology.
3. C. Equivalent combination of experience and education that, together, equal 100% of the qualification standards listed above when combined. For example, six (6) months of specialized experience (50% of the experience requirement) combined with one year of education as outlined above (50% of the education above), along with 50% of the course-specific education stated above.

NOTE: If you are qualifying based in part on education, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts.

Qualifying experience may be obtained in the private or public sectors. The OPM Qualification Standards Handbook is available for review at: OPM Qualification Standards.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.