This position is a Biological Science Technician, GS- 0404-5 working in Seneca Falls, NY for the R5-Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. The position will encompass work with wildlife, avian, habitat, plants, invasive species, data management and light mainteance. This is a temporary position expected to last 1 year but may be extended up to a total of 2 years at management's discretion.

Duties

As a Biological Science Technician your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following: The incumbent participates in multifaceted wildlife studies, including carrying out a variety of research and survey methods, analyzing established data, and monitoring environmental elements related to conservation, management, and/or control of wildlife. Assists with performing biological studies for determining the manner and extent to which wildlife populations are affected by management activities. Uses field equipment including cameras, GPS equipment, binoculars, rangefinders and computers in order to capture wildlife survey data or for other records. Independently identifies and collects data for studies. Surveys and observes avian populations, looking for abundance, behavior, habitat, sex and age structure, and seasonal movements. Identifies birds by sight and sound. Collects avian morphometric data and biological samples by capturing, measuring, bleeding, and marking birds. Uses field equipment including cameras, GPS equipment, binoculars, rangefinders and computers in order to capture avian survey data or for other records. The incumbent participates in multifaceted plant studies, including carrying out a variety of research and survey methods, analyzing established data, and monitoring environmental elements such as temperature, humidity, etc., and how it impacts plant health. Uses field equipment including cameras, GPS equipment, binoculars, rangefinders and computers in order to capture survey data or for other records. Conducts and/or monitors grazing activities, water control structures, and/or management monitoring studies. Identifies native and exotic flora and fauna. Survey's location for invasive species populations. Works with the biologists to outline a plan to minimize or remove invasive species. Uses field equipment including cameras, GPS equipment, binoculars, rangefinders and computers in order to capture survey data or for other records. Assists with invasive species removal projects, recording and submitting accomplishment data on the process of technical assistance and habitat restoration activities. The incumbent uses a variety of databases and reporting systems to store, compile, and analyze data from monitoring and studies. Loads and unloads materials and equipment, cleans grounds, collects and disposes of refuse and performs a variety of light maintenance and housekeeping tasks involving the use of hand and power tools and equipment. Assists with outdoor projects such as trail maintenance.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.
• Driver’s License: This position requires the incumbent to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of their official duties. Selectee must hold and maintain a valid state driver’s license throughout their employment in this position.
• Uniform: Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform is required.
• Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. To verify registration, visit SSS.gov.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by the closing date 11/12/2024 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Minimum Qualification. Minimum Qualification [GS-5] Possess at least one year of specialized experience that was equivalent to at least the GS-4 level in the Federal service that equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities needed in order to successfully perform the duties of this position and that was in the same field or field directly related to this position. Examples of specialized experience may include: 1) assisting with wildlife population surveys; 2) capturing, handling, and tagging a variety of wildlife; 3) assisting with the collection of seeds, propagation, handling, and caring for federally listed plants or host plants of federally listed species; 4) Identifying invasive species and organisms; 5) biological data collection and recording. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient detail at this level of work, e.g., begin/end dates, hours worked per week, duties performed, etc. for each timeframe for consideration. OR Successfully completion of 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 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 the position to be filled. NOTE: Transcripts required. OR A combination of specialized experience (as in A above) and education (as in B above), when prorated, combine to meet the qualification requirements of this position. Experience and education are each computed as percentages of their requirements and must equal 100 percent when combined. Only education beyond the second year is creditable to meet this standard. NOTE: Transcripts required, and Your resume must contain sufficient detail of this level of work, i.e., complete begin/end dates, hours worked per week, duties performed, etc. for each timeframe for consideration. 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 programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).

Contacts

• Address
• Name: Human Resources Staffing Division
• Email: [email protected]