- Position Title
- Biological Science Technician
- Agency
- National Park Service
- Announcement Number
- SE-1628-BISC-24-12207406-DE Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Tuesday, November 21, 2023 to Tuesday, December 5, 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?
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.
Would you accept a term appointment?
Assessment 1
BASIC EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION SECTION: It is important that your application package submitted, including a resume or application form, clearly shows how you possess the experience and skills levels you claim in this questionnaire. Each of your responses must be clearly supported by your education, training, and/or specific work experience you describe in your application packet submitted for this position (application form or resume, transcripts, list and description of training completed, and/or other items you submit). If not, your score will be lowered, or you will be found not qualified. The information you provide will be verified. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for rating you ineligible, not hiring you, or for firing you after you begin work.
1.
From the descriptions below, select one response that best describes how your background meets the basic experience and/or education requirements for a Biological Science Technician, GS-0404-08 position. Read all responses before making your selection. MARK ONLY ONE RESPONSE. If you 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 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.
YOUR 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.
Selective Placement Factor - Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) or equivalent and substantial experience operating vessels in open water marine environments
2.
In addition to meeting the minimum requirements you must also meet the additional boat operation requirement. From the descriptions below, select one response that best indicates if you possess current Department of the Interior Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) or an acceptable training program which meets MOCC standards. This position also requires demonstrated substantial and experience operating and crewing small vessels (up to 28' in length) in coastal waters. You must submit documentation of how you meet this requirement.
Selective Placement Factor - Scuba Certification
3.
In addition to meeting the minimum requirements you must also meet the additional Scuba diving requirement. From the descriptions below, select one response that best indicates if you possess advanced open water SCUBA certification (e.g., NAUI, PADI, SSI) and a minimum of 50 logged scientific and/or commercial dives. You must submit documentation of how you meet this requirement.
Conditions of Employment. The following skills will be necessary to enter into and maintain employment as a GS-0404-08 Biological Science Technician at Biscayne National Park. Please indicate if you have the ability to complete the following conditions of employment.
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
4.
This position requires the ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. including dive equipment. Do you have the ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.?
5.
This position requires the ability to pass and maintain the requirements of the National Park Service Diving Examination (Blue Card), including:
-Swim 25 yards underwater without swim aids. Swim 400 yards without swim aids within 15-minute time limit.
-Kick on the surface 330 yards while wearing scuba gear, but not breathing from scuba unit.
-Swim 900 yards within 18 minutes, using mask, fins and snorkel and any stroke.
-Surface dive without swim aids to least 10 feet and recover an object.
-Without swim aids, perform an in-water swimming rescue of a swimmer and transport a distance of 25 yards.
-Tread water for 10 minutes, or 2 minutes without the use of hands/arms, without swim aids.
-Complete a simulated emergency swimming ascent.
THE ABOVE LISTED REQUIREMENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY & CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN PARK DIVE PROGRAM. Are you able to complete the above listed requirements for the position?
-Swim 25 yards underwater without swim aids. Swim 400 yards without swim aids within 15-minute time limit.
-Kick on the surface 330 yards while wearing scuba gear, but not breathing from scuba unit.
-Swim 900 yards within 18 minutes, using mask, fins and snorkel and any stroke.
-Surface dive without swim aids to least 10 feet and recover an object.
-Without swim aids, perform an in-water swimming rescue of a swimmer and transport a distance of 25 yards.
-Tread water for 10 minutes, or 2 minutes without the use of hands/arms, without swim aids.
-Complete a simulated emergency swimming ascent.
THE ABOVE LISTED REQUIREMENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY & CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN PARK DIVE PROGRAM. Are you able to complete the above listed requirements for the position?
COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE SECTION: 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 knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies needed to perform the work of this position. Be sure to describe your experience that supports your answers to the questions below, in your resume or application materials. It is important that your application package submitted, including a resume or application form, clearly shows how you possess the experience and skill levels you claim in this questionnaire. Each of your responses must be clearly supported by your education, training, and/or specific work experience you describe in your application packet submitted for this position (application form or resume, transcripts, list and description of training completed and/or other items you submit). If not, your score will be lowered or you will be found not qualified. The information you provide will be verified. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for rating you ineligible, not hiring you, or for firing you after you begin work. A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task. B- I have had education or training in performing this task, but I have not yet performed it on the job. C- I have performed this task on the job, with close supervision from supervisor or senior employee. D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job, independently and usually without supervision from senior employee. E- I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist or train them in doing this task because of my expertise.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
6.
Makes field observations of natural resource conditions. Evaluates observed conditions and problems. Recommends management actions based on prescribed guidelines in existing park plans.
7.
Conducts routine and recurring resource monitoring programs for evaluating rare, threatened and endangered marine species, population dynamics, ecosystem relationships, exotic marine species, and public health/safety issues.
8.
Coordinates underwater ecological restoration projects in the marine environment (e.g. coral reef and/or seagrass restoration) to improve resource conditions following disturbances from storms, vessel groundings, marine debris, diseases, etc.
9.
Identifies marine organisms (e.g., corals, fish, turtles, seagrasses, macroalgae, invertebrates) of the Western Atlantic/Caribbean region.
10.
Participates in the planning and execution of complex studies and investigations concerning biological, chemical, and physical processes that affect ecosystems. Analyzes data to obtain statistically valid results.
11.
Installs, operates, maintains and makes simple repairs to resource management equipment (e.g., GPS instruments, tools, traps, and sampling, monitoring, photographic, and laboratory equipment).
12.
Utilizes a variety of computer programs to compile, reduce, store, retrieve, analyze, and report scientific data and other resource management information, including for research and long-term monitoring projects.
13.
Collects, organizes, stores, retrieves, analyzes, reports, and maps GPS and GIS data using a variety of GPS instruments and ESRI GIS software.
14.
Operates and participates in the care and maintenance of motorized vessels (e.g. single and dual engine vessels ranging in size from 18' to 30') used in marine and aquatic resource management projects. Assists with record and log maintenance, regular minor maintenance actions, and repair schedules, upgrades, and annual maintenance.
15.
Engages in SCUBA diving or snorkeling to conduct majority of field work and collect data.
16.
Develops, maintains, and/or organizes computer databases and gathers, analyzes, tabulates, and summarizes scientific data.
17.
Utilizes a variety of computer programs to compile, reduce, store, and retrieve data and other information from research, assessment, and/or long-term monitoring projects.
18.
Ensures adequate quality control of data as it is processed, including error-checking data in various computer software programs.
19.
Prepares draft project reports which include literature research, descriptions of methods, preliminary data analysis, graphs and charts, results, and recommendations for planning, protection, and mitigation activities.
20.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with a wide variety of individuals and/or groups including co-workers, project personnel, cooperating scientists from universities and other agencies, and other partners.
21.
Provides logistical support and area orientation for contract or cooperating scientists; provides technical information, ensures quality control, and solves logistical or operational problems within the scope of the incumbent's ability.
22.
Provides information to other employees and partners about the natural resource management program.
23.
Uses principles of operational leadership to conduct fieldwork safely.
24.
Provides advice, assistance, and training to junior employees, students, interns, and volunteers involved in resource management projects.
25.
Recognizes, records, and adapts to unusual conditions or data encountered in the normal course of field or laboratory work.
26.
Independently applies precedents and established techniques to new situations.
27.
Chooses from among several possible courses of action at different stages of each field project (e.g., select site locations, sampling techniques, appropriate equipment, logistics, etc.).
28.
Performs assignments in planning the approach and collecting data needed to carry out less complex studies or portions of larger biological science investigations.
29.
Coordinates, schedules, and executes a wide variety of established and novel natural resource management and restoration projects. Leads team decisions on several possible courses of action at different stages of each project (e.g., selects site locations, project techniques, appropriate equipment, logistics, etc.).