U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Logo
Position Title
Biological Science Technician
Agency
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Announcement Number
R6-23-12131616-KO-MP Opens in new window
Open Period
Monday, September 18, 2023 to Friday, September 22, 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? (limit characters)
2. 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)
3. 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)
4. Please select YES to this eligibility if you are a former Public Land Corps (PLC) Member who meets all the requirements below for non-competitive eligibility:
  • Served as a qualified youth, ages 16 to 30 years inclusive, or a veteran age 35 or younger, on an appropriate conservation project completing a minimum of 640 hours of satisfactory service that included at least 120 hours on a PLC project as defined in 16 USC 1723(d); and 
  • Completed the PLC service within the last two (2) years, and 
  • Possess a copy of the "Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Competitive Hiring Status (PLC)" signed by a bureau PLC Coordinator. 
To verify your eligibility, you must provide:  a copy of your "Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Competitive Hiring Status (PLC)".  
 
(limit characters)
5. Are you a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions AND you:
• served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (Note: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility); OR,
• are entitled to veterans' preference?

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources. 

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service.
(limit characters)
Assessment 1
Minimum Qualification GS-07 (limit characters)
For each question, choose the response that best describes your experience and training. Mark only one response for each question. Please note that your answers will be verified against the information you provided in your resume or application and information provided by your references. (limit characters)
1. Select the response below that most accurately describes how you meet the minimum qualification requirement for the position of Biological Science Technician at the GS-07 grade level. (limit characters)
Knowledge of the biological sciences methods, procedures and technology related to invasive species mapping and control, habitat restoration, plant and animal inventory and monitoring, and basic facilities and equipment maintenance. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
2. Apply principles and practices of invasive plant and wildlife species management to control and prevent the introductions of new invasive species to include eradication of exotic plants and weeds.
(limit characters)
3. Conduct habitat surveys to monitor restoration activities and identify quantity and quality of native plant and wildlife habitat.
(limit characters)
4. Use GIS and other spatial platforms to generate project maps used in mapping project locations, invasive species, habitat cover types for restoration purposes. (limit characters)
Knowledge of invasive species inventory, monitoring, and mapping methods as well as data collection and management methods, including use of global positioning systems (GPS) and geographic information systems (GIS). (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
5. Use geographic information systems (GIS) and other spatial platforms for mapping project locations, invasive species, and habitat cover types for habitat restoration purposes.
(limit characters)
6. Use Lidar data, soil survey information, and wetland mapping tools for identifying potential wetland restoration opportunities.
(limit characters)
7. Interpret aerial photos for the purpose of mapping habitats.
(limit characters)
Knowledge of basic statistical analysis methods. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
8. Use computer technology to maintain and retrieve information from automated data systems such as word processing and statistical software programs in order to assist in drafting and developing reports.
(limit characters)
9. Perform preliminary analysis of collected data using standard statistical methods in preparation of fish, wildlife, and botany reports.
(limit characters)
10. Analyze population, habitat, and other biological data to determine values and trends through statistical methods related to natural resource conservation.
(limit characters)
Skill in oral and written communication for designing reports and delivering informative presentations to staff, stakeholders, and partners. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
11. Establish, maintain, and/or strengthen partnerships utilizing effective interpersonal communication.
(limit characters)
12. Communicate information consistently and frequently with staff and team members in order to complete mission projects and responsibilities.
(limit characters)
13. Assess the degree of invasive plants infestations through site visits, communication with collaborating personnel, or providing written documentation to land managers.
(limit characters)
Certification Screen-Out (limit characters)
14. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001); my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in me not being considered for this position. (limit characters)