Biological Science Technician (Temporary)

U.S. Department of the Interior; Sitka (AK); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of the Interior seeks an individual to collect field data and observe ecological conditions, preparing clear reports and visuals for park ecology. The role supports planning and execution of biological investigations affecting wildlife and habitat, with duties expanding to data interpretation for research studies.

The position is an excepted service appointment, temporary for up to two years with potential extension; first-time federal hires start at the step 1 rate.

Qualifications

• Experience collecting ecological data in the field.
• Ability to analyze data and draft reports.
• Willingness to operate in field and office settings.

Responsibilities

• Collect data from field investigations and make ecological observations.
• Analyze data and review biological reports, drafting sections as needed.
• Prepare maps, graphs, and charts representing data.
• Support planning and execution of biological investigations affecting ecology and habitat.
• Organize and interpret biological, ecological, and public-use data for studies.

Skills

Data collection

Field observations

Data analysis

Report drafting

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Summary

This is an excepted service appointment, that remains in the excepted service indefinitely. These positions do not confer competitive status. This is a temporary position expected to last one year, but may be extended up to a maximum of two years based on agency needs and potential funding. First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.

Major Duties

Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Performs assignments in collecting data from field investigations and making observations in which biological conditions are readily identifiable for the park's ecology, wildlife, fishery, and/or habitat conditions. Analyzes data and reviews biological reports in an office and drafts reports, assigned portions of reports, or full reports. Prepares maps, graphs, and charts representing data. Participates in phases of planning, organizing, and implementing of biological investigations that affect ecology, wildlife, fishery, and/or habitat conditions. Performs progressively more complex duties supporting the investigations of the organization including gathering, organizing, and interpreting biological, ecological, pathological, public use data, or other information pertinent to the research studies and/or scientific investigations.

Education

There is no substitution of education for the required special knowledge or expertise as outlined in this announcement.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. Direct Deposit participation required. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit www.dhs.gov/EVerify/. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment. You are required to wear a uniform and comply with the uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.

• Must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or be awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.

Evaluations

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents, questionnaire responses). If your application package does not clearly reflect having lived and/or worked within Alaska public lands, does not clearly reflect special knowledge of the natural and/or cultural resources of Alaska public lands, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible' or 'not qualified'. Your resume must not exceed 2 pages. 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. Providing false or misleading information on your resume or supporting documentation may result in removal from consideration or other action consistent with applicable federal hiring regulations. Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.

Other Information

Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.

Physical Demands: The work requires regular physical exertion such as walking or climbing over wet, rough, uneven and/or rocky surfaces; bending, crouching, stooping or reaching to observe, collect and/or record field data; or in some situations the work may require physical exertion to handle wild animals, prepare soil for planting. Moderately heavy items, such as equipment packs weighing up to 50 pounds, must be lifted and carried on a regular basis. May be required to hike several miles in a day. In other situations, there may be special requirements for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination.

Work Environment: The work environment varies from office/laboratory settings to field sites. The work performed in the field involves regular and recurring exposure to extreme weather conditions and terrain, poisonous plants, biting insects and wild animals. The employee is required to use protective clothing (PPE) such as gowns, coats, boots, goggles, gloves.

All Department of Interior (DOI) employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here, https://www.doi.gov/ethics/ethics-prohibitions.

Alaska currently does not have a state income tax. Government housing may be available.

All travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the sole responsibility of the selectee.