This position is a Biological Science Technician, GS- 0404-5/6 working in Ludington, Michigan for the Ludington Biological Station or Marquette, Michigan for the Marquette Biological Station. Please see additional information section for further information on this Career Seasonal Appointment.

Duties

As a Biological Science Technician your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following: In a developmental capacity, incumbent works with senior staff to help lead 1-3 (and occasionally more) same and lower grade employees and contractors at remote locations to complete established work plan objectives and tasks according to established Program protocols. Adjusts schedules to adapt to variable weather, water and access conditions to maximize efficiency. Locates sampling sites and ensures adequacy of sampling within protocols. Coordinates, reviews work, and ensures completion of the daily fieldwork of same and lower grade employees and contractors at remote locations without direct daily contact with supervisor. In a higher graded capacity leads 1-3 (and occasionally more) same and lower grade employees and contractors at remote locations to complete established work plan objectives and tasks according to established Program protocols. Adjusts schedules to adapt to variable weather, water and access conditions to maximize efficiency. Locates sampling sites and ensures adequacy of sampling within protocols. Coordinates, reviews work, and ensures completion of the daily fieldwork of same and lower grade employees and contractors at remote locations without direct daily contact with supervisor. Works with senior staff to provide technical support and participate with other team members to conduct lampricide treatments, alternative controls, and assessment operations including pesticide application, chemical analysis of water, quality assurance procedures, bioassay tests, measurement of stream flow characteristics, velocity and discharge, sea lamprey sterilization, collection of biological specimens, instream and offshore assessments, studies to determine the distribution, growth and abundance of sea lampreys in the larval, parasitic and spawning life stages, and to measure the effect of lamprey control to non target species. Provides technical support and participates with other team members to conduct lampricide treatments, alternative controls, and assessment operations including pesticide application, chemical analysis of water, quality assurance procedures, bioassay tests, measurement of stream flow characteristics, velocity and discharge, sea lamprey sterilization, collection of biological specimens, instream and offshore assessments, studies to determine the distribution, growth and abundance of sea lampreys in the larval, parasitic and spawning life stages, and to measure the effect of lamprey control to non target species. Collects, measures, and records biological, physical, environmental, and geographical data. Records observed conditions that would affect the interpretation of data derived from samples. Prepares draft reports involving the tabulation or collection of data with comments on surrounding environments and conditions that could affect Program activities, Uses software including word processing, spreadsheet and databases to document activities (e.g., track equipment, log entries, review and proof data). Uses a variety of tools including maps, compass, GPS, computer and other resources to navigate in both populated and remote areas. Develops maps and other illustrative material using geographic information systems and other computer technology to interpret and utilize geographical data. Performs chemical analysis of applied larmpricides with calorimetric methods or high performance liquid chromatography and monitors lampricide concentrations. Adjusts lampricide application rates within pre-established targets.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Resume (See "Required Documents"). Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all information is provided on resume.
• Eligibility and Supporting documents - You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to AND submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section.
• Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.
• Medical Requirements: Selectees must pass a pre-employment medical examination and may be subject to post-employment medical examinations to determine if they are maintaining the fitness standards for this position.
• This position is subject to medical examination under the Sea Lamprey Control Program. The candidate must meet medical standards to assure the ability to perform field work safely.
• Certification: Ability to obtain certification in ATV operation, motorboat operation and safety, defensive driving, electrofishing, first aid and CPR.
• Uniform: Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform may required.
• Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• Certification: Incumbent may be required to be a certified pesticide applicator.
• Travel: May be required to work extensive Field travel 20 or more nights per month.
• Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. To verify registration, visit SSS.gov.
• Driver's License: Selectees will be required to possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during their tenure.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 02/07/2024 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess the Minimum Qualification. Minimum Qualification [GS-5] One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-4 in the Federal service related to aquatics and/or Fisheries. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include leading others as part of a technical team to accomplish aquatic or fisheries related objectives, collecting and recording biological, physical, or environmental data in an aquatic or fisheries related field setting; the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of sampling devices related to aquatic or fisheries related work; and ability to use computer software to manage and analyze data and draft scientific reports. OR Have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must have been directly related to this occupation such as ichthyology, invertebrate zoology, wildlife biology, fish and wildlife management, etc.. OR A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement Minimum Qualification [GS-6] One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-5 in the Federal service related to aquatics and/or Fisheries. Examples of qualifying specialized experience should include leading others as part of a technical team to accomplish aquatic or fisheries related objectives, collecting, recording and entering biological, physical, or environmental data in an aquatic or fisheries related field setting; the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of sampling devices related to aquatic or fisheries related work; training of field staff on standard operating procedures and equipment use; conducting program outreach to user groups and general public; and ability to use computer software to manage and analyze data and draft scientific reports. One full year (18 hours) of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree directly related to the position being advertised. A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience directly related to the position as described above. 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, knowledge, and skills 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

PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.

PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.

GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov)

Contacts

• Address Division of Human Resources 5600 American Blvd, West Suite 990 Bloomington, MN 55437 US
• Name: Human Resources Staffing Division
• Email: [email protected]