Biological Science Technician

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.
At management's discretion, this appointment may be extended up to one-year with the possibility of extending an additional one-year.
As a Biological Science Technician (Sea Lamprey) your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following: Leads same and lower grade employees and contractors at remote locations to complete established work plan objectives and tasks according to established program 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.
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.
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.
Interprets data collected and provides supervisor with information needed to adjust treatment, alternative control, and assessment approaches.
Operates, maintains, repairs, fabricates and occasionally designs highly specialized fishery equipment (equipment for mixing and delivering concentration of liquid and powder forms of lampricides, lamprey sterilization equipment, fish holding and hauling facilities, water filtration apparatus, water sampling devices, electrofishing gear, electrical/mechanical weirs, nets, trawls and traps).
Uses a variety of tools including maps, compass, GPS, computer and other resources to navigate in both populated and remote areas.
Operates, maintains, and repairs motorized watercraft up to 26', non-motorized watercraft, and ATVs.
Operates and maintains light, medium and heavy-weight trucks and trailers on public highways and off-road situations.
Independently contacts landowners and other agencies to obtain access information and/or permission necessary to complete field work.
FORMAL TRAINING FOR THESE POSITIONS WILL BEGIN: MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2024, FOR THE LUDINGTON LOCATION AND MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2024, FOR THE MARQUETTE LOCATION; HOWEVER, EMPLOYMENT MUST BEGIN NO LATER THAN MAY 06, 2024.
Physical Capability: Much of the work is performed in a field environment and involves arduous labor.
The incumbent is required to be in excellent physical condition and capable of rigorous outdoor activities, including safely hiking over wet, rough, steep, slippery or rocky terrain.
Work requires frequent bending, stooping, walking, standing, working in cramped positions, climbing, and prolonged standing on concrete floors.
Duties of the position occasionally require driving on unimproved roads, considerable walking on steep terrain (80 percent or more), working in water with boots or waders, walking through or working in heavily timbered areas (sometimes walking 5 or more miles), at times carrying heavy packs, lifting and moving objects over 50 pounds, bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, climbing, or other similar activities.
The field work takes place outdoors during all seasons of the year, often under adverse weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 100 degrees (F), and in very dry to rainy and snowy conditions.
Field work is performed during the daytime, night, weekends, and holidays.
The nature of the work requires an adequate sense of sight and hearing to safely perform the duties.
Work requires the incumbent to wear potentially uncomfortable safety equipment, including a negative pressure respirator sometimes in excess of 8 hours.
Requirements Conditions of Employment 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.
Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
To verify registration visit SSS.
gov.
Selectees MUST pass a pre-employment medical examination and the selectee will require continued medical clearance through periodic medical examination.
Driver's License: Selectees WILL be required to possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during their tenure.
Uniform: Official U.
S.
Fish and Wildlife Service uniform WILL be required.
Extensive field travel of 20 or more nights per month during the April - September field season.
Selectees MUST be able to obtain certification in ATV operation, motorboat operation and safety, defensive driving, electrofishing, first aid and CPR.
Selectees MAY be required to be a certified pesticide applicator.
Incumbent is subject to medical surveillance testing before and after field seasons based on exposure to hazardous chemical agents.
Government Travel Card: Selectees are REQUIRED to apply for a government travel charge card within 30 days of their appointment.
Inability to clear the credit check required to obtain a government travel charge card may result in removal.
Qualifications Only experience and education obtained by 03/19/2024 will be considered.
In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Minimum Qualification.
Minimum Qualification [GS-05] Possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 grade level or higher 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.
NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information in these areas to be found qualified.
-OR- Successfully completion of a full four-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with at least 24 semester hours (36 quarter 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 coursework directly related to the position being filled, such as fishery biology, ichthyology, limnology, aquaculture, etc.
(Submit a copy of transcript with your application).
-OR- A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement.
Education must include 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 coursework directly related to the position being filled, such as fishery biology, ichthyology, limnology, aquaculture, etc.
(You are required to submit a copy of transcript(s) with your application).
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) Additional information PCS - Not Authorized Telework: This position is not suitable for telework.
Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.
S.
Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area.
Temporary Benefits: Most Federal employees earn both annual and sick leave.
For additional information, visit Leave Administration.
Effective January 2015, employees on temporary appointments may be eligible for health benefits through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program and, if eligible, will receive the same government contribution as full-time permanent employees.
To be eligible for consideration, temporary employees working full-time or part-time must be on appointments expected to last at least 90 days or be on an intermittent work schedule and expected to work 130 hours per month for at least 90 days.
Employees electing to participate in the FEHB will be responsible for the employee share of the premium while on the official agency roles, which is deducted from bi-weekly earnings.
After separating from federal employment, employees will be offered to continue participation in FEHB under the Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) option.
Employees electing to continue coverage under the TCC provision will be responsible for the full premium amount plus a 2% administration fee.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated.
Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application.
To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be well-qualified (i.
e.
, meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), score at least 85 on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry.
For information on CTAP and ICTAP visit: OPM's Employee Guide to Career Transition Reasonable Accommodation: The USFWS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.
Please visit USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy if you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process.
Benefits A career with the U.
S.
government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Once the announcement has closed, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement.
If you meet the qualifications your resume and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience.
Note: If, after reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications which resulted in you being listed in the highest quality category, you may lose consideration, or be assigned to a lower quality category for this position.
Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics): Ability to successfully interact with groups of people, work as a team member, cooperate with others, and be flexible and adaptable.
Ability to operate and maintain motor vehicles, various watercrafts, biological/physical sampling equipment, and laboratory instruments.
Ability to observe, collect, record, and report biological/physical data.
Ability to take the initiative, lead, set direction, and accomplish tasks.
Ability to identify fish, wildlife, and other organisms.
Ability to use computers and a variety of computer software to manage and extract data and develop maps.
All qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category.
The category assignment is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies required for this position.
The category ratings for this position are: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, and Qualified The category rating process protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category.
Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher).
Benefits A career with the U.
S.
government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Documents As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits.
Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee.
You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
You must submit a complete application package.
We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.
Required Documents: 1.
Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume.
If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes: Beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience.
Hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed.
Salary and description of job duties.
Name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number.
Additional information on what to include can be found here.
Your experience needs to address every required qualification.
Important Note: Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
USAJOBS Help Center | What should I include in my federal resume? Additional Documentation, if applicable: 1.
College Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.
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.
2.
Cover Letter 3.
Veterans' Preference Documentation: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 Member Copy 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged.
If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference in addition to the proof required by that form (i.
e.
VA letter).
You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.
4.
CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.
602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.
704 for ICTAP.
This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location.
Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.
Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply Review the appointment eligibility criteria in the application preview linked below.
The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement.
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 or the application text.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package.
See required documents section.
Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.
To preview the assessment questionnaire, click https://apply.
usastaffing.
gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12339590.
Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
Applications must be received by 03/19/2024, 11:59pm ET to receive consideration.
Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, in Applications tab, click the position title you applied to for the status.
For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.
usajobs.
gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office.
Please contact the Human Resources Office via email at fwshiring@fws.
gov.
Agency contact information Human Resources Staffing Division Phone 000-000-0000 Email fwshiring@fws.
gov Address Division of Human Resources 5600 American Blvd, West Suite 990 Bloomington, MN 55437 US Next steps Once you submit all the required documents and the online application in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful.
After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official.
If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted by the hiring official.
You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled.
Timelines for this process vary widely.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.
Fair and Transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent.
Please read the following guidance.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Reasonable accommodation policy Financial suitability Selective Service New employee probationary period Signature and false statements Privacy Act Social security number request Required Documents You must submit a complete application package.
We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.
Required Documents: 1.
Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume.
If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes: Beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience.
Hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed.
Salary and description of job duties.
Name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number.
Additional information on what to include can be found here.
Your experience needs to address every required qualification.
Important Note: Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
USAJOBS Help Center | What should I include in my federal resume? Additional Documentation, if applicable: 1.
College Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.
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.
2.
Cover Letter 3.
Veterans' Preference Documentation: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 Member Copy 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged.
If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference in addition to the proof required by that form (i.
e.
VA letter).
You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.
4.
CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.
602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.
704 for ICTAP.
This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location.
Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.
Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Help This job is open to Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL) Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
The public U.
S.
Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.
S.
Clarification from the agency Open to all U.
S.
Citizens.
ICTAP/CTAP eligibles.