You will serve as a Biological Science Technician within the USDA, APHIS, WS and performs duties relating to wildlife management and use of techniques aimed at controlling damage caused by wildlife to help protect agriculture, natural resources, property, and threats to human health and safety.

Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Responsible for organizing and conducting direct control operations to reduce wildlife damage within a geographical area or technical/subject area of program involvement. Inspects and surveys areas and, as necessary, will revise existing WDM programs in close consultation with higher-level management. Uses WDM tools/devices which may include some or all of the following depending on need in assigned area: firearms; foothold, body-grip, cage traps; foot snares; and chemical control methods. Utilizes working knowledge of WDM methods and strategies to independently recommend appropriate WDM strategies which alleviate wildlife damage. May be required to use chemical immobilization and euthanasia drugs to capture and handle wildlife. Assists Wildlife Biologists by correctly identifying current, and forecasting future damage, problems and relating them to the damage-causing species. Modifies or adapts established damage control techniques as necessary to meet local conditions and address specific environmental, economic or political considerations. Provides extensive and appropriate technical assistance recommendations on a variety of wildlife and WDM issues. Maintains inventories and compiles reports of government-provided equipment and supplies including locations, acquisitions, returns, losses, and reason, therefore.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Testing Designated Position: Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• Must maintain a valid state driver's license. Operation of Government-owned or leased vehicles is required.
• Must demonstrate a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devices, and equipment.
• Selection and retention in this position is contingent on a successfully adjudicated FBI National Criminal History Check (fingerprint check). As a condition of employment, appropriate security clearance is required for this position.
• In order to perform the essential duties of this position, you must have the legal and physical ability to possess and discharge firearms.
• You must be able to pass a government background check and meet any additional requirements to carry and use firearms.
• Background check will include answering questions about where you've lived, worked, went to school, and any military history or police records.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. FOR THE GS-06 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Dealing with human-wildlife conflicts and principles of wildlife damage management. Carry out and enforce the requirements of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Endangered Species Act, and National Environment Policy Act. Create and maintain public contacts to formulate assistance strategies that incorporate technical assistance and operational control techniques. Proficient in the use of firearms, traps, snares, pesticides, pyrotechnics, electronic harassment devices, dogs, and other non-lethal control tools. Experience in using specialty equipment such as: ATV's, dogs, and thermal imagers or night vision equipment. OR One full year (18 semester hours) of graduate education in wildlife. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-06 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service USDA APHIS MRPBS 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401 US
• Name: MRP Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]