Position Summary:
The purpose of the position is to perform a wide variety of interrelated or nonstandard biological science technical support assignments in one, or more, of the following program areas: wildlife, fisheries, or plants.
Key Responsibilities:
Incumbent is responsible for completing a variety of natural resource projects including vegetation, habitat and wildlife monitoring. Expected to work both independently and as a member of a team/field crew. Utilizes a variety of computer programs to compile, store, retrieve, analyze and report data including GIS. It is essential that the incumbent be flexible to changing field conditions, has a good attitude and a strong willingness to assist with a variety of natural resource tasks, both in the field and in the office. The islands are reached by boat and the incumbent should be able to get on and off boats readily, hike long distances, and carry 35 pounds.
Incumbent must be able to work independently, setting daily work assignments with other biological technicians. Additionally, incumbent will be working with interns, government research partners and specialists. Incumbent will carry out the exotic plant control program using chemical, manual, mechanical and biological application techniques and removing diseased trees. Work varies from standing, walking and hiking over rough terrain carrying a three-gallon backpack sprayer to pulling or cutting exotic vegetation. The main focus will be herbicide treatment of noxious weeds and mechanical removal of woody fuels. Other duties may involve plant identification, vegetation monitoring, biological control collection and distribution. The use of standard pesticide and biological control field and safety equipment will be required as well as the use of global positioning systems (GPS units), computers, cameras, and on and off road vehicles. Incumbent will be required to operate an ATV on a daily basis for herbicide applications. The incumbent will also assist with the removal of burrowing mammals from archeological sites within the park. This will include using mechanical techniques and the data collection associated with it.
Assists in conducting surveys and research on a variety of plants and animals, some of which are exotic or rare, threatened or endangered, and will make field observations of natural resource conditions. Assist in the preparation of resource inventories and management plans. The selectee will utilize resource management equipment such as 4-wheel drive vehicles, canoe, digital camera, Global Positioning System, and Geographic Information System technology. Also, computer software programs to enter and summarize field data in concise graphic and written form. Selectee will assist park staff in natural resource management tasks such as invasive plant management, trail maintenance, and mowing to assure park natural resources and properties are well-maintained. Ability to work as a member of a team and independently is necessary. Skill in communicating orally and in writing is required.
Major duties will include noxious weed treatments and mapping using various GIS equipment and software. Existing trail monitoring and maintenance. Wildlife surveys to include raptors, bats, and other species of interest. Plant surveys and mapping. Erosion control and monitoring. Data collection, management, and archiving. Working in a team environment. Duties will vary throughout the season depending on time of year and shifting priorities.
Required Education & Experience:
- Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 level in the federal service. Specialized experience for Biological Technician GS-05 is that experience which demonstrates that you have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position Examples of qualifying specialized experience include conducting biological field studies and surveys and assembling the information. Follow standardized procedures to collect data on Wildlife, Fisheries, or plants. Use statistical methods and procedures to perform testing of field data collected. Installs, operates, and maintains resource management equipment (tools, sampling and monitoring, photographic, and laboratory equipment) prepares graphs, charts, and illustrations for reports and technical publications relating to biological management activities. You must include hours per week worked.
- Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.