- Position Title
- Biological Science Technician (Plants) (Seasonal)
- Agency
- National Park Service
- Announcement Number
- SE-1630-BISO-25-12751551-DE Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Monday, June 23, 2025 to Sunday, July 6, 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?
Assessment 1
Minimum Qualification Requirements for Biological Science Technician GS-0404-05
1.
Select the one statement that best describes the education and/or experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform Biological Science Technician work at the GS-0404-05 level or equivalent. Read all responses before making your selection. 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.
For each item, select the one response that most accurately describes your current level of experience and capability using the scale below. THE RESUME OR APPLICATION MATERIALS YOU SUBMIT FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MUST SUPPORT ALL RESPONSES. IF NOT, YOUR SCORE WILL BE LOWERED AND/OR YOU WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
2.
Identify vascular plants of the Southern Appalachians and Cumberland Plateau by site or by utilizing dichotomous keys and/or regional floral manuals; identify vascular plants to species level for rare plant surveys, plant community inventories, forest health assessment and invasive plant control; make field observations to guide vegetation management and evaluate potential impacts of management activities to vegetative resources.
3.
Collect detailed botanical data; record accurate written or electronic data in the field using established forms/protocols in a variety of field settings, including remote, off-trail locations; utilize databases to enter and organize field data; provide summary reports of observations with recommendations to professional staff for future vegetation management, protection, and mitigation activities.
4.
Distinguish at least 10 non-native invasive plant species, common to the Southeastern Appalachians and Cumberland Plateau, from similar native species.
5.
Manage non-native invasive plants and forest pests using integrated pest management techniques, including pest identification, pesticide selection and application, and monitoring and mapping.
6.
Keep accurate records for pesticide applications; ensure pesticides are handled in a safe and legal manner, including mixing, application, storage, transport and disposal; maintain a complex inventory of pesticides and equipment.
7.
Assemble, repair, and perform troubleshooting for spray equipment used in the application of pesticides.
8.
Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) for field tasks such as pesticide application and chainsaw operation.
9.
Safely operate 4-wheel-drive trucks, ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) and UTVs (utility task vehicles) on various terrain; perform routine maintenance on fleet vehicles, ATVs and UTVs; safely load, transport and unload ATVs, UTVs using utility trailers.
10.
Organize, schedule, and assign daily crew tasks, train others on established protocols, tasks, and safety measures.
11.
Maintain and use necessary field gear and personal protective equipment (PPE) for each assigned task; conduct safety briefs; report unsafe conduct or working conditions to the immediate supervisor.
12.
Work as a leader and team member; motivate others to achieve program goals; foster team commitment, pride and trust; encourage and facilitate cooperation among field crew members; attend to crew needs and demonstrate concern for their wellbeing.
13.
Communicate effectively with coworkers including junior and senior employees.
14.
Work long hours in outdoor settings that routinely involve exposure to poison ivy, severe weather such as high heat and humidity, biting and stinging insects (e.g., ticks, chiggers, yellow jackets, and wasps), poisonous snakes, and extensive foot travel through thick brush and over steep, rocky terrain.
15.
Hike 2-3 miles each way, on or off trails, to work sites carrying required equipment (e.g., chainsaws, backpack sprayers, 3 to 5 gallons of water, pesticides, etc.) on a routine basis.
16.
Perform laborious tasks that require frequent bending, lifting, or twisting; perform tasks that require repetitive movements, standing, hiking, or paddling kayaks for long periods of time.
17.
Use GPS (global positioning system) units for cross-country navigation and scientific documentation; create points, tracks, and polygons using GPS units.
18.
Use topographic maps, compass, or other means to navigate off trail in backcountry settings, with or without a GPS unit.
19.
Accurately describe field locations using maps and written directions.
20.
Download and upload spatial data to and from GPS units using DNR GPS or similar software; use spatial data to create maps using ArcGIS Pro or similar software.