Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our most precious resource. We expect to fill many vacancies. This is a temporary appointment. Appointment to this position will not convey permanent status and will be for a period not-to-exceed 1039 hours in a service year.

Duties

Biological Science Technicians (Plants) (BST) make observations and record data relating to plant studies; document occurrence and distribution of identified species; inventory rare and endangered species habitat. BSTs participate in environmental studies documenting factors affecting plant species and habitat; conduct field searches for populations of sensitive, threatened or endangered plant species, weeds (non-native invasive plant species). Photograph, collect and mount plant specimens encountered at different stages of development; collect ecological site information for population distribution, condition, trend, associated species, geology and soil type. May include controlling noxious weeds through IPM activities such as manual hand digging/pulling, mowing, or spraying noxious weeds with herbicides, as well as assisting with surveys of sprayed plants. Prepare reports and summarizing findings. At the Lakeview, OR location, field work is performed at elevations ranging 4,000 to 8,000 feet. During the field season temperatures can range from 30 degrees to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Work is located from 1 to 3 hours away from the office For Lakeview, the work requires driving 4/x/4 vehicles while towing trailers loaded with UTVs and other field equipment on unimproved roads, as well as operating UTVs on rough rock roads to access remote field sites.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Be sure to read the 'How to Apply' and 'Required Documents' Sections.
• You cannot hold an active real estate license: nor can you have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Lands.
• Direct Deposit Required.
• Appointment will be subject to a favorably adjudicated background/suitability investigation/determination.
• Your resume must contain enough information to show that you meet the qualification requirements as defined in the announcement. In addition, your responses to the questions must adequately reflect in your resume.
• Some locations may require that you possess (or obtain within 30 days of entrance on duty) and maintain a valid state driver's license while employed in this position.
• Your location may be covered by a bargaining unit position.

Qualifications

In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the qualification requirements - please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience. GS-4: 6 months of general experience and 6 months of specialized experience. Examples of general experience may include working in any professional, technical, or other responsible field that provided you with a familiarity of native plants in their natural habitat or techniques of collecting scientific data. Examples of specialized experience may include experience related to plant studies such as following specific instructions to check extensive data relating to the survey/study area; collecting samples; or observing and recording specific information (i.e., vegetative cover, water quality samples, flora or fauna). -OR- Successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must be directly related to the position to be filled. -OR- A combination of experience and education to meet total experience. GS-5: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-4 level. Examples of specialized experience may include experience related to plant studies such as inventorying rare and endangered plants and species habitat based on guidelines; taking soil samples by layer; and taking root samples. -OR- Successful 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 scientific or technical 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 the position to be filled. -OR- A combination of experience and education to meet total experience. 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. You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. Physical Demands/Work Environments: Work requires some physical exertion such as bending and walking/hiking in terrain that is rough, rocky, mountainous and densely vegetated that may also be steep, wet and muddy. Required to lift and carry equipment necessary to perform the work of the position, this includes tools, personal protective equipment, food and water for extended periods away from a vehicle. Work while in the office is performed in adequately lighted, ventilated, cooled and heated area. Fieldwork is subject to cuts and bruises, extreme and adverse weather conditions and injuries and discomforts from pests and animals.

Education

If qualifying based on education, you will need to clearly state your undergraduate/graduate degree(s) and you must submit copies of all transcripts or a list of college courses that include hours and grades from an accredited U.S. college/university. If your degree is from a Foreign Institution See Foreign Education.

Contacts

• Address BLM Oregon State Office BLM Oregon State Office, OR-953 1220 SW Third Portland, OR 97204 US
• Name: Deena Huckabee
• Email: [email protected]