- Position Title
- Biological Science Technician
- Agency
- National Park Service
- Announcement Number
- WO-1614-IMD-25-12645357IMP Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Friday, December 20, 2024 to Friday, January 3, 2025
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
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.
2.
Are you a current career/career-conditional Department of the Interior Federal employee and meet the following Competitive Merit Promotion Eligibility:
Current Department of the Interior Federal employee with a career or career- conditional appointment in the competitive service that holds, or have held a career or career-conditional position at a lower grade level as the position being announced.
To verify your eligibility as a current Department of the Interior Federal employee, you must provide a copy of your current Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) reflecting your competitive status showing that you are a current Department of The Interior employee. All required documentation will be outlined in the Job Opportunity Announcement.
Current Department of the Interior Federal employee with a career or career- conditional appointment in the competitive service that holds, or have held a career or career-conditional position at a lower grade level as the position being announced.
To verify your eligibility as a current Department of the Interior Federal employee, you must provide a copy of your current Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) reflecting your competitive status showing that you are a current Department of The Interior employee. All required documentation will be outlined in the Job Opportunity Announcement.
3.
Are you a former member of the Public Lands Corps (PLC) who has served the time required for completing a PLC project carried out on Federal land within the preceding 2 years (an individuals eligibility for NCE under this authority shall not exceed 2 years after completion of his/her last PLC project), and:
• Served as a qualified youth on an appropriate conservation project completing a minimum of 640 hours of satisfactory service that included at least 120 hours through the PLC (individuals must provide a copy of the "Certificate of Eligibility for NCE Hiring Based on PLC Service" and the complete PLC Participant Work Hours Verification Form with your application package in order to be considered under this hiring authority), and
• Meet OPM qualification standards and any other qualification requirement(s) stated in this vacancy announcement for the position in which you are applying.
• Served as a qualified youth on an appropriate conservation project completing a minimum of 640 hours of satisfactory service that included at least 120 hours through the PLC (individuals must provide a copy of the "Certificate of Eligibility for NCE Hiring Based on PLC Service" and the complete PLC Participant Work Hours Verification Form with your application package in order to be considered under this hiring authority), and
• Meet OPM qualification standards and any other qualification requirement(s) stated in this vacancy announcement for the position in which you are applying.
4.
Are you a current or former employee of a land management agency (Forest Service; Bureau of Land Management; National Park Service; Fish and Wildlife Service; Bureau of Indian Affairs; or Bureau of Reclamation) who:
To verify your eligibility, you must provide documentation for the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) eligibility, which includes ALL Appointment AND Termination SF-50s for EACH appointment as well as ALL performance evaluations, for each qualifying period of temporary employment claimed.
For more information, review Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA).
- was originally hired to a time-limited position under a competitive appointment; and,
- served one or more time-limited appointments at a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two or more years; and,
- performed at an acceptable level of service during each period of service; and,
- if no longer employed by the land management agency, have been separated for no more than two years, and departed that position in good standing.
To verify your eligibility, you must provide documentation for the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) eligibility, which includes ALL Appointment AND Termination SF-50s for EACH appointment as well as ALL performance evaluations, for each qualifying period of temporary employment claimed.
For more information, review Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA).
5.
Are you a current career/career-conditional Department of the Interior Federal employee and meet the following Non-competitive Merit Promotion Eligibility:
Current Department of the Interior Federal employee with a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service that hold, or have previously held a career or career-conditional position at the same or higher grade level with the same or higher promotion potential as the position being announced.
To verify your eligibility as a Department of the Interior Federal employee, you must provide a copy of your current Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) reflecting your competitive status showing that you are a current Department of the Interior employee. All required documentation will be outlined in the Job Opportunity Announcement.
Current Department of the Interior Federal employee with a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service that hold, or have previously held a career or career-conditional position at the same or higher grade level with the same or higher promotion potential as the position being announced.
To verify your eligibility as a Department of the Interior Federal employee, you must provide a copy of your current Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) reflecting your competitive status showing that you are a current Department of the Interior employee. All required documentation will be outlined in the Job Opportunity Announcement.
Preferences
1.
Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position.
Due Weight
1.
My performance is at an acceptable level and I am not serving under a formal Performance Improvement Plan (PIP).
Qualifications Statement Instructions
A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score will be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you can lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions can affect your rating.
Local Commuting Area - Tucson, AZ
1.
To receive consideration for this position, you must reside within a 50-mile radius of the duty station listed.
Do you reside within a 50-mile radius of Tucson, AZ?
Do you reside within a 50-mile radius of Tucson, AZ?
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in the Science Communication Technician position. Please answer the following questions pertaining to your experience and qualifications.
Minimum Qualifications Requirements for the GS-06 Biological Science Technician (Science Communication Technician) position
1.
From the descriptions below, select one response that best describes the experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform Biological Science Technician (Science Communication Technician) work at the GS-06 level or equivalent.
Read all responses before making your selection. If you do not meet these minimum qualifications, you will be considered not qualified and will not receive consideration for this position.
Read all responses before making your selection. If you do not meet these minimum qualifications, you will be considered not qualified and will not receive consideration for this position.
Minimum Qualifications Requirements for the GS-07 Biological Science Technician (Science Communication Technician) position
2.
From the descriptions below, select one response that best describes the experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform Biological Science Technician (Science Communication Technician) work at the GS-07 level or equivalent.
Read all responses before making your selection. If you do not meet these minimum qualifications, you will be considered not qualified and will not receive consideration for this position.
Read all responses before making your selection. If you do not meet these minimum qualifications, you will be considered not qualified and will not receive consideration for this position.
Ecology - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of the interrelationships among organisms and their environment, including competition and predation, evolution and natural selection, population dynamics, and the impact of natural phenomena or human actions on natural systems, processes, and biota.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
3.
Collects ecological monitoring data (plants, soils, hydrology, mammals, amphibians, etc). using established network monitoring protocols.
4.
Accurately identifies common Sonoran Desert plants and animals to the species level in the field and lab by sight or using standard keys and other identification materials.
5.
Identify native and nonnative amphibians and other aquatic animals in wetlands (springs and rivers) of the American Southwest by sight (visual encounter surveys), sound (hearing calls in the field and from autonomous recorder units), and indirect methods (environmental DNA or eDNA, remote wildlife cameras).
6.
Measure plant species diversity, abundance, species composition, vegetation community structure, plant productivity, and/or plant phenology using standard methods.
7.
Accurately maps monitoring plots and ecological features (ex., wetland locations) using tapes, rulers, and GPS instruments in backcountry settings.
Teamwork - Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
8.
Provides advice, assistance, and training to lower graded technicians, volunteers, and/or interns.
9.
Maintain clear and effective communication for the purpose of exchanging or distributing information about safety and other work topics between any or all of the following: supervisor, peers, other staff or volunteers
10.
Work efficiently and effectively individually as well as part of a team.
11.
Demonstrate understanding, courtesy, tact, empathy, honesty, trust, and concern in relating to people from varied backgrounds and situations.
12.
Works closely with other crew members to proactively complete daily tasks in changing conditions.
Technical Competence - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
13.
Plan and lead field operations for natural resources vegetation monitoring, including coordination, arranging logistics and rosters, and scheduling trips.
14.
Develop Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), Green-Amber-Red (GAR), backcountry travel routes and other safety aids to assist in risk management for field planning.
15.
Manage data throughout the life cycle, from pre-season preparation through active field data collection and season close-out including certification procedures.
16.
Lead field monitoring efforts effectively to meet program data collection and scientific quality standards.
17.
Communicate and collaborate with and work alongside a team of other technicians from partnering organizations and other networks to achieve shared goals and promote partnership success and growth.
Writing - Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
18.
Writes short summaries of monitoring findings for managers and other technical audiences (ex: park partners, scientific community) using briefs, notes, and trip reports.
19.
Copy edits technical reports, scientific manuscripts, web reports and other comprehensive reporting documents drafted by protocol lead and program scientists.
20.
Develops short communication products (briefs, handouts, posters, web reports, social media posts) to summarize monitoring findings to non-technical (park interpreters, envirnmental education staff, general public) an effective and appropriate manner.
21.
Edits written and web content to be accessible to all audiences (including the visually impaired) and is compliant with Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
22.
Creates and edits graphs, maps, images, charts and illustrations for reports and technical publications using computer software (including R, ArcGIS, InDesign, Photoshop, Excel)
23.
Authors original science and technical writing to scientific manuscripts, monitoring reports (such as annual or trend reports), or comprehensive administrative reporting materials.
Mathematical Reasoning - Solves practical problems by choosing appropriately from a variety of mathematical or statistical techniques.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
24.
Applies standard descriptive statistics and mathematical reasoning to monitoring data using procedures outlined in established protocols.
25.
In a team setting, analyzes, interprets and summarizes routine statistical results into text and graphical materials.
26.
Use R or other coding approaches (such as Python, SAS, Java, SQL) to process and perform standard descriptive statisitcal and mathematical
27.
Explore monitoring datasets using multivariate statistics, covariate analyses, and graphical approaches
Physical Strength and Agility - Ability to bend, lift, climb, stand, and walk for long periods of time; ability to perform moderately heavy laboring work.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
28.
Safely undertake work assignments in backcountry areas and/or under arduous field conditions such as inclement weather, steep terrain, exertion/heat stress, and with prickly plants, wildlife, and insects pests.
29.
Able to conduct work that requires standing, bending, lifting and carrying heavy field gear outdoors all day under extremely hot and dry conditions (greater than 100 deg F).
30.
Maintain safe work practices and a safe working environment for self, co-workers, volunteers, and others working in the field. Promote a culture of safety on crew in day to day activities
31.
Hike more than 5 miles per day off-trail over rough terrain.
32.
Camp in remote settings with a small group of people for up to 8 days at a time.
33.
Uses 4-wheel drive and off-trail hiking to access monitoring sites.
Communications and Media - Knowledge of the production, communication and dissemination of information and ideas to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
34.
Collects and manages photos, quotes, and short stories of resources during field work to support development of network communication products.
35.
Develops suitable social media posts for official network accounts that highlight resources, management, and monitoring activities.
36.
Contributes to and edits newsletters, public information briefs, and interpretive materials.
37.
In team setting, develops and manages systems for organizing and sorting digital photos of resources, management actions, and monitoring activities to support the development of technical and non-technical communication materials.
Verification Statement
38.
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 an appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 CFR part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in my not being considered for this position.