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Position Title
Biological Science Technician (Seasonal)
Agency
National Park Service
Announcement Number
NE-1612-GETT-25-12618155-OC Opens in new window
Open Period
Monday, December 2, 2024 to Monday, May 19, 2025
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. Would you accept a temporary appointment? (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in the temporary 1039 Biological Science Technician (Plants) positions. For each question, choose the response that best describes your experience and training. Mark only one response for each question. DO NOT overstate or understate your level of experience and capability. You should be aware that your ratings are subject to evaluation and verification of references as appropriate. Later steps in the selection process are specifically designed to verify your stated level of experience and demonstrated capability. 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. (limit characters)
1. From the descriptions below, select the response that best describes how your background meets the minimum experience or education requirements for a Biological Science Technician (Plants) GS-0404-05. Read all responses before making your selection. If you 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. Your application materials must support the answers you claim in this assessment. If not, you may be found not qualified or your rating may be lowered.
(limit characters)
COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE SECTION: THE RESUME OR APPLICATION MATERIALS YOU SUBMIT FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MUST SUPPORT THE ANSWERS YOU CLAIM WITHIN THIS SECTION. IF NOT, YOU WILL BE FOUND NOT QUALIFIED OR YOUR SCORE WILL BE LOWERED. (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. Identify and categorize native and non- native plants in the Northeastern and/or Mid-Atlantic United States by sight or with a dichotomous key.
(limit characters)
3. Assess conditions and implement treatments for New England and/or Mid-Atlantic natural and cultural landscapes (wetlands, forests, gardens, and meadows).
(limit characters)
4. Diagnose specific plant problems and care methods to improve plant health.
(limit characters)
5. Identify vascular plants of the Eastern US to species level in the field at all stages (vegetative, flowering, fruiting, and dormant (leaf-off)).
(limit characters)
6. Monitor invasive exotic plant treatment sites using quantitative (plot sampling) and qualitative (photography) methods.
(limit characters)
7. Conduct field inventories for invasive exotic plants.
(limit characters)
8. Collect geo-referenced data on vegetation outdoors using GPS, GNSS, and mobile devices for download into ArcGIS or other GIS software
(limit characters)
9. Create maps with ArcGIS and/or equivalent GIS software that include base layers (such as satellite images), field-collected data, symbology, and scale bars.
(limit characters)
10. Use digital cameras to capture natural resource imagery.
(limit characters)
11. Use MS Office (Word, Excel, Access) computer software to write reports and manage data.
(limit characters)
12. Identify and control of invasive, non-native plants, pests, and pathogens using integrated pest management protocols.
(limit characters)
13. Knowledge and experience using a variety of methods to improve ecological health of natural habitat areas.
(limit characters)
14. Implement natural resource treatments using population dynamics, host-insect interactions, and control measures for pest-related problems.
(limit characters)
15. Transport and mix pesticides for controlling invasive exotic plants.
(limit characters)
16. Read and understand pesticide labels and safety data sheets (SDS/MSDS)
(limit characters)
17. Control invasive exotic plants using manual (hand pulling) and mechanical (cutting) methods.
(limit characters)
18. Ability to carry out a wide variety of field activities with safety protocols in an outdoor setting.
(limit characters)
19. Ability to lift, push, and pull objects as part of conducting vegetation management operations.
(limit characters)
20. Ability to navigate over or around obstacles while conducting field work in an outdoor environment.
(limit characters)
21. Use, maintain, and store hand and power tools used in invasive exotic plant management (including backpack and power sprayers, hand and power saws, hatchets, and string trimmers).
(limit characters)
22. Assist with implementation of natural resource management projects and gather feedback from project team.
(limit characters)
23. Implement work plan that incorporates safety, occupational health, and job hazard analyses.
(limit characters)
24. Assist with schedules and identification of goals and objectives for natural resource management projects.
(limit characters)
25. Guide interns and volunteers using oral communication in care of biological resources (plants), including data collection, field work, and record-keeping.
(limit characters)
26. Evaluate, mitigate, and communicate risk and challenges prior to conducting operations such as field work.
(limit characters)
27. Communicates effectively with supervisors, co-workers, park staff, volunteers, and members of the public through oral communications.
(limit characters)
28. Please take this opportunity to review your ratings to ensure their accuracy. By agreeing to the statement below, you are confirming that you: 1) understand this warning, 2) have reviewed your responses to this questionnaire for accuracy, and 3) verify that your responses accurately describe your current level of experience and capability. Failure to agree to this statement will disqualify you from further consideration for the position.
(limit characters)