Job opening: Biological Science Technician (Avian)
Salary: $21 - 28 per hour
Published at: Dec 03 2024
Employment Type: Full-time
This position is a Biological Science Technician (Avian), GS-0404-5.
Cost of Living Allowance: In addition to the yearly salary, this position is entitled to a 1.69% or 3.21% cost-of-living allowance (COLA). This allowance is subject to annual review, adjustment, and rate decrease.
Please see additional information about each vacancy here.
Duties
This is a temporary appointment intended for seasonal work that is less than 6 months or 1040 hours from the date of appointment/service year. It is expected this position will be terminated upon completion of the seasons work. The agency may non-competitively rehire an eligible temporary seasonal worker in subsequent years who works less than 6 months or 1040 hours in their service year.
As a Biological Science Technician (Avian) your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
The incumbent serves as a Biological Science Technician (Avian) assisting with Avian surveys and conservation projects.
Assists biologists in studying and preparing reports on effects to ecosystems from development proposals of local, state, and Federal government organizations.
Surveys avian populations 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, breeding, and marking birds.
Use a variety of databases and reporting systems to store, compile, and analyze data from studies. Collects biological samples ensuring correct documentation, reporting, storage, transport and delivery of samples taken.
Uses established databases to enter, organize and perform preliminary analysis of collected data, using standard statistical methods in preparation of reports.
Uses field equipment including cameras, GPS equipment, binoculars, rangefinders and computers in order to capture avian survey data or for other records. Locates nesting locations, constructs predator exclosures around nests and other forms of predator control, monitors nesting success, handles and bands birds, and documents disturbance factors affecting reproductive success.
Requirements
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation
- See Additional Information section for link to additional conditions of employment applicable to each position advertised
- Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.
Qualifications
A selectee receiving a temporary appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected and are not entitled to within grade increases. The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay.
Only experience and education obtained by 12/09/2024 will be considered.
In order to qualify for this position you must possess the Minimum Qualification.
Minimum Qualification [GS-05]
One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-04 in the Federal service. Experience includes conducting surveys of avian species or wildlife; recording scientific date and preparing reports; assisting in collecting and recording information on avian species; assisting in banding of waterfowl; collecting, identifying, marking, sexing, weighing and measuring birds; and any other work that is performed in a controlled environment which includes research activity or control program work. OR
Successfully completed a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree in wildlife science or a related field such as natural resource management, 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 avian ecology, ornithology, wildlife biology, animal biology, field zoology, etc. OR
A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement
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).