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Position Title
Biological Science Technician (Plants)
Agency
National Park Service
Announcement Number
IM-1540-IMNR-23-11693352-DE Opens in new window
Open Period
Wednesday, November 9, 2022 to Friday, December 9, 2022
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2. Are you a United States Citizen?

For more information, review Employment of U.S Citizens.
(limit characters)
3. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position?   If yes, confirm:
  • 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.
(limit characters)
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:
  • 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.
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the location(s) you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location. (limit characters)
2. Would you accept a temporary appointment? (limit characters)
3. Some park locations require employees to apply pesticide and/or herbicide to plants to control exotic or invasive plant species on a regular recurring basis throughout the season. Indicate if you would like to be considered for a position that has this requirement. If you indicate "No" you will not be referred for consideration for these positions.
(limit characters)
Assessment 1
Specialized Experience and Education Requirements (Questions 1 and 2). (limit characters)
1. From the descriptions below, select one response that best describes how your background meets the minimum experience or education requirements for a Biological Science Technician, GS-0404-06, position. Read all responses before making your selection. If you do not meet these minimum qualifications, 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 FOUND TO BE NOT QUALIFIED OR YOUR SCORE WILL BE LOWERED.
(limit characters)
2. From the descriptions below, select one response that best describes how your background meets the basic experience or education requirements for a Biological Science Technician, GS-0404-07, position. Read all responses before making your selection. MARK ONLY ONERESPONSE. If you select more than one response, or leave this question blank you will be rated ineligible. If you do not meet these minimum qualifications, you will be considered not qualified and will not receive consideration for this position. (limit characters)
Research Knowledge of the scientific principles, methods, and processes used to conduct asystematic and objective inquiry; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
3. Assist in writing reports to summarize materials, methods, and outcomes of resource management projects related to plant or forest management such as, but not limited to vegetation studies, restoration, reforestation, monitoring or management of plant/tree disease or insect infestations, invasive plant management and/or greenhouse and nursery activities.
(limit characters)
4. Research scientific literature as background material to assist in the preparation of technical reports, manuscripts or summaries of resource management projects related to plant or forest management.
(limit characters)
5. Use knowledge of statistics to analyze scientific data.
(limit characters)
6. Independently conduct field work and collect biological data without daily oversight by a lead technician or supervisor, related to plant or forest management activities.
(limit characters)
7. Evaluate observed natural resource conditions and problems, interpret variables, trends, correlations, and interrelationships among data and conditions. Based on observations, make recommendations to professional staff for use in planning, protection and mitigation activities related to plant or forest management.
(limit characters)
8. Use knowledge of plant management principles, methods, and processes to plan plant or forestry field research, control, survey, restoration, or monitoring activities.
(limit characters)
Technology Application - Uses machines, tools, instruments, or equipment effectively; uses computers and computer applications to analyze and communicate information in the appropriate format. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
9. Use computer software such as Microsoft Excel or database programs to generate tables, charts and figures for use in technical reports, summaries, status reports and scientific manuscripts within the standards of scientific reporting.
(limit characters)
10. Use computer software such as Microsoft Word, database programs, Excel, or R (or similar systems) to enter, manage (including perform Quality Assurance/Quality Control), analyze, and summarize scientific data.
(limit characters)
11. Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications (such as ESRI ArcMap or similar) to collect, compile, and display spatial data - select all that apply: (limit characters)
12. Install, operate, and maintain resource management equipment - select all that apply: (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
13. Use Global Positioning Systems (GPS) units and software to collect, download and organize field data from natural resource projects.
(limit characters)
Botany - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of plants, including structures and functions, classification, taxonomy, plant communities, distribution, habitat requirements, life histories, reproduction, conservation, and care of plant species. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
14. Identify and document the abundance and distribution of invasive plant species in a community and its impact on native species. Participate in control, mitigation, or rehabilitation practices to improve the health of native populations.
(limit characters)
15. Participate in survey, control, or rehabilitation efforts utilizing the skill of species identification using taxonomic keys, field guides, and/or specimen samples. Recognize concerns related to population dynamics, distribution, habitat disruption, disease or insect infestations, and/or reproduction.
(limit characters)
16. Use knowledge of biological concepts to provide written comments on assessments, resource management plan reviews, and/or other resource management planning documents related to plant or forest management.
(limit characters)
17. Support resource management projects related to the protection and conservation of plants or forests - select all that apply: (limit characters)
Leadership - Inspires, motivates and guides others toward goal accomplishment; coaches, mentors, and challenges subordinates; adapts leadership styles to a variety of situations; models high standards of honesty, integrity, trust, openness, and respect for the individual by applying these values to daily behaviors. The following questions will only be used to assess candidates applying to the GS-7 grade level. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
18. Develop, implement, and train others on Job Hazard Analyses, Standard Operating Procedures, or other safety plans for specific projects and/or tasks to improve workplace safety.
(limit characters)
19. Lead the work of students, volunteers, and/or co-workers involved in resource management projects and field research, including providing direction, logistical support, advice, assistance and training.
(limit characters)
20. Provide instruction and/or oversight in ecological restoration, invasive plant management, forest management projects, or vegetation studies principles and techniques. Instruction may have been in, but is not limited to plant identification, proper seed collection, soil stabilization, planting, manual or chemical control techniques, disease or insect management, and/or mulching and site protection.
(limit characters)
21. Plan, prioritize and execute resource management field projects including handling logistics, determining equipment and personnel needs, and following applicable safety protocol.
(limit characters)