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Position Title
Biological Science Technician (Fisheries) (Seasonal)
Agency
National Park Service
Announcement Number
NE-1612-SHEN-25-12619825-OC Opens in new window
Open Period
Thursday, December 19, 2024 to Friday, March 28, 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. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
2. Would you accept a temporary appointment? (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in the temporary 1039 Biological Science Technician (Fisheries) positions at Shenandoah National Park. 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. Select the one statement that best describes the education/or experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform Biological Science Technician (Fisheries) work at the GS-05 level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service. 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)
2. Select the one statement that best describes the education/or experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform Biological Science Technician (Fisheries) work at the GS-06 level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service. 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)
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)
3. Use fish capture techniques such as backpack electrofishing gear, seines, hoop nets, and/or gill nets to perform fish inventory and monitoring activities.
(limit characters)
4. Identify fish species common to mountain habitats in the Eastern U.S. without use of a dichotomous key.
(limit characters)
5. Use sampling gear (Surber, PIBS, kick-net) to sample aquatic macroinvertebrates.
(limit characters)
6. Use standard techniques to quantify stream habitats such as measuring width and depth, stream gradient, estimating substrate, estimating riparian cover, etc.
(limit characters)
7. Collect surface water quality data in a field setting.
(limit characters)
8. Follow established protocols to assess or measure characteristics of the natural environment.
(limit characters)
9. Evaluate quality assurance compliance and calibrate/maintain laboratory and field equipment.
(limit characters)
10. Use standard laboratory equipment such as pH meter to measure water quality.
(limit characters)
11. Complete data sheets legibly and show an understanding of the importance of maintaining high standards in the collection of scientific data.
(limit characters)
12. Set up or help select field site locations, sampling techniques, appropriate equipment, logistics, etc.
(limit characters)
13. Perform error checking, data backup, and data entry quality control.
(limit characters)
14. Use computer software spreadsheet programs such as Microsoft Access or Excel, to record, manage and report scientific data.
(limit characters)
15. Use word processing software to prepare narrative written documents such as correspondence or reports.
(limit characters)
16. Enter data into computer databases.
(limit characters)
17. Adapts quickly to new tasks and working conditions.
(limit characters)
18. Responds well to feedback and adjusts behavior accordingly.
(limit characters)
19. Follow detailed protocols to implement new tasks.
(limit characters)
20. I am able to frequently hike long-distances (3+ miles) at a relatively high rate of speed (3-4 miles per hour) on and off-trail with a 45 pound backpack to reach a destination.
(limit characters)
21. I am able to walk in steep mountain streams carrying a bucket of water while netting fish.
(limit characters)
22. I am able to walk in steep mountain streams carrying a 40 pound electrofisher to perform surveys, counts, etc. (limit characters)
23. Instruct, provide guidance and direct field operations of a crew of 3 or more interns volunteers, and other employees involved with resource management projects and field research.
(limit characters)
24. Train others to perform a wide variety of fisheries techniques in a safe and effective manner.
(limit characters)
25. Demonstrate initiative in problem solving in remote locations.
(limit characters)
26. I have used backpack electrofishing gear at least 200 hours to sample small streams for fish.
(limit characters)
27. 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)