- Position Title
- Biological Science Technician (Plants)(Seasonal)
- Agency
- National Park Service
- Announcement Number
- NE-1612-HOFU-25-12624021-OC Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Wednesday, December 11, 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?
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 temporary appointment?
Conditions of Employment
1.
You must be able to obtain a Pesticide Application License within 2 months of onboarding.
Assessment 1
1.
From the descriptions below, select one response that best describes how your background meets the basic experience or education requirements for a Biological Science Technician, GS-404-07 position. 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.
Biology: Knowledge of plant and animal living tissue, cells, organisms, and entities, including their functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
2.
Observe and monitor areas to determine the effectiveness of restoration or control efforts.
3.
Implement established natural resource monitoring projects.
4.
Collect, process, and assist in evaluating conditions of habitat (forage, range or streams, etc.).
5.
Identify native/non-native flora in a field setting using a dichotomous key or field guide.
6.
Determine ecosystem relationships of local flora/fauna.
Botany: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of plants, including structures and functions, classification, taxonomy, plant communities, distribution, habitat requirements, life histories, reproduction, conservation, and care of plant species.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
7.
Monitor impact on plants for insects and diseases.
8.
Identify native/non-native flora in a field setting using a dichotomous key or field guide.
9.
Participate in revegetation activities including transplanting, seeding and/or applying mulch or erosion mats.
10.
Collect, clean, and store native seeds for restoration.
11.
Perform exotic plant treatments through chemical, manual, and mechanical methods.
12.
Perform greenhouse/nursery operations (plant care, propagation from seed, cuttings, and transplants, etc.).
13.
Mitigate and restore disturbed areas with native vegetation.
Pest Control: Knowledge of pest species and the methods and materials, including chemicals, for control or prevention.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
14.
Use mechanical methods to control non-native plants. Examples of mechanical methods include hand tools (hand saw, lopper) and power tools (weed whip, mower)
15.
Mix and apply pesticides for plants and insects
16.
Install and repair fencing to protect plant communities.
17.
Clean, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair herbicide spray equipment including backpack sprayers and/or powered sprayers.
18.
Deploy biocontrol for control of invasive insects.
Research: Knowledge of the scientific principles, methods, and processes used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
19.
Collect, process, and assist in evaluating vegetation data gathered during the course of management activities.
20.
Make field observations and record natural resource conditions.
21.
Recommend modifications to field activity procedures.
22.
Prepare preliminary project reports that may include results summaries, data tables, diagrams, graphs, statistics, and maps.
23.
Provide advice, assistance, and training to lower graded technicians, volunteers and/or YCC enrollees in gathering field data.
Self-Management: Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
24.
Works independently in the field with minimal supervision.
25.
Works independently in the field while following all safety protocols.
26.
Follows protocols for checking in and out.
27.
Manages time, meets deadlines, keeps supervisor apprised of status of projects
28.
Demonstrates sound judgment and decision making regarding pest control methods.
Technology Application: Uses machines, tools, instruments, or equipment effectively; uses computers and computer applications to analyze and communicate information in the appropriate format.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
29.
Operate and maintain equipment used for mechanical vegetation control methods including loppers, handsaws, weed wrenches, and other hand tools.
30.
Use Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment to record relevant vegetation management data by mapping point, line, and polygon features identified in the field.
31.
Use standard software such as ArcPro or AGOL to organize, analyze, and display field data and depict basic geographic layers such as roads, trails, streams, and treatment areas.
32.
Use cameras to photograph and record treated areas and/or prospective areas for treatment.
33.
Clean, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair herbicide spray equipment including backpack sprayers and/or powered sprayers.
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34.
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.