This position is located in the National Capital Area Office Division. The purpose of this position is to perform routine and uncomplicated biological science tasks common to natural resource management. Open to the first 50 applicants or until 05/02/2025 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-05/02/2025-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience. Minimum Qualifications GS-5 To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level, you must possess the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement: EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience must include all of: 1) participating as a field crew team member for invasive plant control projects in remote natural settings or urban parks; 2) identifying target invasive plant species from desirable native plant species; 3) collecting invasive plant control data and records according to standard protocols; 4) assisting with processing of spatial data collected by program staff; 5) surveying and mapping invasive plant populations using GPS handheld devices or mobile devices; 6) handling and applying herbicides; 7) participating in native restoration programs; 8) and recording biological and plant data using computer software programs (such as Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, ArcGIS, or comparable software); assisting with maintenance of equipment used for vegetation control. You must include your resume with hours worked per week annotated. -OR- EDUCATION: Successful completion of successfully completed 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours of course work in a related field of scientific or technical study, such as in biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics, or other directly related subject matter. (At least 6 semester hours of this coursework must have been in subjects that were directly related to the work of this position, such as in botany, plants, or other natural resource topics related to vegetation management). You must include transcripts. -OR- COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Equivalent combination of experience and education that, together, equal 100% of the qualification standards listed above when combined. You must include transcripts. Volunteer 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.
The typical seasonal entry-on-duty is May - November but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: As soon as Possible The major duties of the Biological Science Technician (Seasonal) include, but are not limited to, the following: As a member of the National Capital Region Invasive Plant Management Team (IPMT) works on the management of non-native plant species and habitat restoration through a combination of manual and mechanical removal, biological control, and targeted pesticide applications. Assists with vehicle care, pesticide application, spray equipment repairs, chainsaws operations, fieldwork documentation and data integrity. Identifies non-native species of the Mid-Atlantic Region and prioritize control based on ecological principles. Assists with maintenance and inventory of equipment used for invasive plant control such as large trucks and trailers, vehicle mounted spray units, backpack sprayers, chainsaws, and brushsaws. Collects, analyzes, and summarizes field data related to invasive plant management work.