- Position Title
- Biological Science Technician (Water Quality)
- Agency
- National Park Service
- Announcement Number
- MW-1544-SLBE-23-11751265-DE Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Wednesday, January 11, 2023 to Wednesday, January 18, 2023
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
Preferences
1.
Would you accept a temporary appointment?
Assessment 1
INSTRUCTIONS: BASIC EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION SECTION: THE RESUME OR APPLICATION MATERIALS YOU SUBMIT FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MUST SUPPORT ALL RESPONSES. IF NOT, YOUR SCORE WILL BE LOWERED AND/OR YOU WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
1.
Select the one statement that best describes the education and/or experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform Biological Science Technician (Water Quality) work at the GS-05 level or equivalent. 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 minimum qualifications, you will be considered not qualified and will not receive consideration for this position.
Your resume must include month/year to month/year and hours per week worked to receive credit for your work and/or volunteer experience. One year of general or specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week. Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for experience that does not indicate exact hours per week or is listed as "varies" and you could be found not qualified.
2.
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 date 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.
For the questions below please select from A through E to indicate the skill level that you possess for each task listed. The questions were developed based on the competencies needed to perform the work of this position. The hiring official requests you specifically describe your experience to the questions in your resume.
Standards - Knowledge of standards that either are compliant with or derived from established standards or guidelines.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
3.
Collect water samples from Lake Michigan beach sites, or similar waterbody (e.g. Great Lakes or Ocean), by wading in a variety of water conditions.
4.
Safely navigate in a canoe to collect water samples from inland lakes
5.
Collect algae and/or sediment samples from the Lake Michigan shoreline, or similar waterbody (e.g. Great Lakes or Ocean).
6.
Train others to accurately follow detailed sampling and processing procedures of water and/or biological samples
7.
Process water samples in a laboratory according to stringent quality control procedures for commercial laboratory analyses.
8.
Perform field measurements of water quality parameters on inland lakes, such as temperature, pH, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen, using a multiprobe datasonde.
9.
Perform measurements of physical parameters on inland lakes, such as water level, turbidity, and sampling site position using a variety of field instruments.
Technical Competence - Knowledge of how to perform one's job. Refers to specialized knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
10.
Prepare nutrient media for culturing bacteria
11.
Analyze water for fecal indicator bacteria by membrane filtration procedures and enumeration techniques.
12.
Analyze water samples using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) methodologies.
13.
Maintain standard laboratory hygiene and identify departures from standard lab practices.
14.
Calibrate and perform routine maintenance on water quality datasondes and/or laboratory equipment
15.
Use an autoclave to sterilize lab equipment and supplies
Technical Documentation - Knowledge of procedures for developing technical and operational support documentation.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
16.
Collect biological data in the field ensuring data integrity (be sure to specifically describe this experience in your resume).
17.
Create, update or alter spreadsheets to record data collected in the field
18.
Use existing methods and protocols to perform quality assurance and quality control of data collected
19.
Use a GPS (Global Position System) unit to navigate to a point and record locational information in the field
20.
Use Microsoft software to produce reports, manage data, and generate charts and graphs for summarizing results
21.
Analyze project data to be used to develop summary information, make recommendations, or use for future planning purposes.
22.
Inventory laboratory equipment and supplies to maintain a stock of items used
Writing - Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
23.
Describe project objectives, methodologies, and findings in a project summary report.
24.
Document field conditions and sampling information by written description.
25.
Develop written plans to implement projects.
26.
Prepare portions of or draft short and long term project plans or technical/scientific reports.
27.
Develop and update standard operating procedures for implementing a variety of sampling and laboratory tasks
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.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
28.
Lead a small crew in conducting natural resource related field work
29.
Communicate effectively with team members in order to obtain and exchange information
30.
Train interns or other employees of diverse backgrounds to correctly collect biological data
31.
Coordinate logistics including transportation, equipment, supplies, and personnel needed for work projects.
32.
Assist in scheduling work assignments or tasks for subordinates.
33.
Schedule laboratory activities to accomplish the tasks and objectives of multiple water quality sampling projects.