Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) (Seasonal)

US-Bureau-of-Land-Management; Ridgecrest (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management in Ridgecrest, California is seeking a Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) at the GS-07 level for a temporary appointment in a backcountry setting.

Responsibilities include field surveys, monitoring wildlife, and supporting habitat restoration efforts. Qualified applicants will have one year of specialized experience at GS-06 level or equivalent or graduate-level education in a related field.

Qualifications

• One full year (18 semester hours) of graduate-level education in a related field.
• One year of specialized experience at GS-06 level or equivalent.
• Experience includes paid/unpaid work such as volunteer programs that relate to wildlife.
• You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Responsibilities

• Wildlife monitoring through field surveys and tracking.
• Habitat assessment to plan restoration and protect wildlife corridors.
• Environmental reporting for NEPA documentation.
• Data & GIS: manage, map, and audit wildlife datasets.
• Compliance checks of land uses to ensure wildlife mitigation rules.
• Field logistics: operate telemetry equipment, GPS units, and remote cameras.
• Crew leadership: lead seasonal field crews and enforce safety and data protocols.

Education

Graduate-level education in a related field

Job description

Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our most precious resource.

This position is located in Ridgecrest, California.

We expect to fill one vacancy. Additional positions may be filled from this announcement if they become available.

This is a temporary appointment. Appointment to this position will not convey permanent status and will be for a period not-to-exceed 1560 hours in a service year. In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the qualification requirements - please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience.

To qualify at the GS-07 level you must meet the following:

Specialized Experience: Applicants must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-06 level comparable in difficulty and complexity to perform the duties of a Biological Science Technician (Wildlife). Qualifying specialized experience includes:

• Wildlife Monitoring: Conducting field surveys and systematic tracking to monitor wildlife populations, behavioral patterns, and habitat health.
• Habitat Assessment: Evaluating land and vegetation conditions to plan restoration projects and protect critical wildlife corridors.
• Environmental Reporting: Drafting technical field summaries and preliminary biological assessments for inclusion in NEPA documentation.
• Data & GIS: Managing, mapping, and auditing spatial and biological datasets using GIS and automated wildlife databases.
• Compliance Checks: Inspecting permitted land uses like mining and grazing to ensure adherence to wildlife mitigation rules.
• Field Logistics: Operating and maintaining specialized field gear including telemetry equipment, GPS units, and remote cameras.
• Crew Leadership: Leading seasonal field crews on remote back-country hitches while enforcing safety and data protocols.

OR Education:

To qualify based on education, you must have one (1) full year (18 semester hours) of graduate-level education in a related field of study.

OR Combination of Education and Experience:

You may meet qualifications requirement for this position with an equivalent combination of specialized experience and appropriate graduate education. Graduate level education must demonstrate the difficulty and complexity to do the work of this position.

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.

You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Physical Demands:

Work requires some physical exertion such as bending and walking in terrain that is rough, rocky, mountainous and densely vegetated. Required to lift and carry equipment necessary to efficiently perform the work of the position, and to provide for personal comfort and safety. This can include tools, personal protective equipment, food and water for extended periods of work away from vehicles.

Work Environment:

Office work is performed in a setting that is adequately lighted, ventilated, cooled and heated. When doing fieldwork is subject to cuts and bruises, extreme, adverse weather conditions, and injuries and discomforts from pests or animals. Employee will adhere to all safety rules.