- Position Title
- Biological Science Technician (Plants)
- Agency
- National Park Service
- Announcement Number
- PW-1548-SR-21-10965522-DE Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Monday, November 30, 2020 to Friday, December 4, 2020
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans' Preference?
2.
Are you a United States Citizen?
For more information, review Employment of U.S Citizens.
For more information, review Employment of U.S Citizens.
3.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
- you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
- you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
- you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
- your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
4.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a Federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
- you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
- you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
- you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
- your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
Preferences
1.
Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position.
2.
Would you accept a temporary appointment?
3.
As part of the official duties of this position, the incumbent is required to operate a Government vehicle. As such, applicants are required to have a valid State-issued Driver's License prior to the closing date of the job announcement.
Please note: you will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
Please chose the best response option regarding your license status.
Please note: you will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
Please chose the best response option regarding your license status.
4.
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your 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.
5.
To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.
Assessment 1
Use chemical control methods to manage exotic plants and noxious weeds. (Selective Factor)
1.
To successfully accomplish exotic plant management work, you will mix, load, and apply herbicides for the purpose of vegetation control. If you are unwilling to handle herbicides, you cannot successfully complete the work of these positions. Are you willing to use herbicides to control invasive plants?
Minimum Qualifications Requirements
2.
From the descriptions below, select one response that best describes how your background meets the basic experience or education requirements for the Biological Science Technician (Plants), GS-0404-06 position(s). Read all responses before making your selection. MARK ONLY ONE RESPONSE. If you select more than one response, or leave this question blank you will be rated ineligible. If you do not meet these requirements, you will be considered not qualified and will not receive consideration for this position.
THE RESUME OR APPLICATION MATERIALS YOU SUBMIT FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MUST SUPPORT THE ANSWER YOU CLAIM UNDER THIS AND OTHER QUESTIONS. IF NOT, YOU WILL BE FOUND NOT QUALIFIED OR YOUR SCORE WILL BE LOWERED.
THE RESUME OR APPLICATION MATERIALS YOU SUBMIT FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MUST SUPPORT THE ANSWER YOU CLAIM UNDER THIS AND OTHER QUESTIONS. IF NOT, YOU WILL BE FOUND NOT QUALIFIED OR YOUR SCORE WILL BE LOWERED.
3.
From the descriptions below, select one response that best describes how your background meets the basic experience or education requirements for the Biological Science Technician (Plants), GS-0404-07 position(s). Read all responses before making your selection. MARK ONLY ONE RESPONSE. If you select more than one response, or leave this question blank you will be rated ineligible. If you do not meet these requirements, you will be considered not qualified and will not receive consideration for this position.
THE RESUME OR APPLICATION MATERIALS YOU SUBMIT FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MUST SUPPORT THE ANSWER YOU CLAIM UNDER THIS AND OTHER QUESTIONS. IF NOT, YOU WILL BE FOUND NOT QUALIFIED OR YOUR SCORE WILL BE LOWERED.
THE RESUME OR APPLICATION MATERIALS YOU SUBMIT FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MUST SUPPORT THE ANSWER YOU CLAIM UNDER THIS AND OTHER QUESTIONS. IF NOT, YOU WILL BE FOUND NOT QUALIFIED OR YOUR SCORE WILL BE LOWERED.
For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. Please select only one letter for each item.
Botany
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
4.
Identify native plants at various growth stages using dichotomous plant keys and a knowledge of plant taxa.
5.
Identify invasive or exotic plants at various growth stages using dichotomous plant keys and a knowledge of plant taxa.
6.
Collect, clean, and store native plant materials for subsequent propagation, seeding and transplanting.
7.
Propagate native plants for habitat restoration or re-vegetation projects.
8.
Prepare herbarium vouchers to support research work for future reference.
Research
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
9.
Survey vegetation and canopy cover using ocular or intercept techniques.
10.
Collect data related to forest health and structure such as basal area, tree height, or measures of fire damage.
11.
Implement habitat restoration and re-vegetation techniques (e.g., preparing areas for planting and seeding) per established protocols.
12.
Implement Integrated Pest Management techniques in the control of invasive exotic plants.
13.
Monitor invasive plant control, re-vegetation, and restoration projects to determine the success or failure of the effort.
Technical Competence
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
14.
Mix herbicide, calibrate and utilize tank sprayers for large scale treatment of exotic plants.
15.
Determine appropriate aquatic herbicide and application rates for target species and site requirements.
16.
Determine appropriate terrestrial herbicide and application rates for target species and site requirements.
17.
Calibrate backpack herbicide sprayers to tailor individuals' output to herbicide label rate recommendations.
18.
Safe operation of a chainsaw to fall trees up to 20 inches diameter at breast height.
Technology Application
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
19.
Navigate with global positioning systems (GPS) to locate predetermined points
20.
Enter data in electronic databases and perform quality control/quality assurance to ensure data validity.
21.
Use equipment to document vegetation monitoring or management projects (e.g., camera, electronic field data recorder, etc.).
22.
Collect geospatial data using GPS units for mapping and monitoring purposes.
23.
Download geospatial data from an electronic field data recorder into a Global Information System (GIS).
Teamwork
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
24.
Work in a small group under isolated conditions.
25.
Provide information to visitors explaining restoration field work to foster cooperation and support for project goals.
26.
Communicate with supervisors and colleagues regarding logistics and work assignments.
27.
Follow appropriate health and safety protocols and procedures in the performance of job duties.
28.
Accomplish field work in arduous situations (e.g., inclement weather, steep slopes, uneven terrain, poisonous plant and insect pest presence).
Reasoning
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
29.
Use database management software to analyze and report data, and print maps.
30.
Use Geographic Information System (GIS) software to manage natural resource datasets (e.g., vector data from field projects as well as base cartography layers and remotely sensed imagery).
31.
Use GIS software to develop maps, explore natural resource data and examine spatial patterns.
32.
Utilize mobile field mapping and data collection software (e.g., ArcPad or TerraSync) to plan and conduct vegetation studies.
33.
Instruct others in plant identification, vegetation sampling, restoration techniques, or invasive plant control methods.
Leadership (GS-07 Only)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
34.
Lead crew members, interns, and volunteers performing ecological field studies, vegetation, or restoration projects.
35.
Establish daily itineraries for crew members, interns, and volunteers conducting scientific field work.
36.
Develop schedules and coordinate logistics for plant surveys.
37.
Prepare project reports that include literature research, description of methods, graphs and charts, results and recommendations summarizing technical information.
38.
Communicate with crew members and supervisors regarding logistics and work assignments while faced with conflicting priorities and demands.