These positions are located in Inventory and Monitoring Data Networks, in the Natural Resource and Science I&M Division. The incumbent of the position will perform routine and uncomplicated biological science tasks common to natural resource management. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for Inventory and Monitoring Data Networks is March-September, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: March 2026.
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-01/01/2026-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. To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level, you must possess all of 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 includes: (1) performing a variety of measured data collection activities in support of field resource management projects; (2) assist in conducting biological surveys related to plant species; (3) collecting biological data on plant species; and/or (4) utilizing various techniques to gather biological samples; identifying, measuring, or counting organisms or the environment, and recording the data. You must include hours per week worked. -OR- EDUCATION: 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 courses such as those shown above for GS-3. At least 6 semester hours of courses must have been directly related to the position to be filled. The successful completion of a full course of study of at least 12 months in a school for clinical laboratory technicians may be substituted for the 1 year of specialized experience required at the GS-5 level for positions involving microbiology and biochemistry technician work. You must include transcripts. -OR- Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. You must include your resume with hours worked per week annotated, as well as transcripts. To qualify for this position at the GS-06 grade level, you must possess all of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that equips the applicant with particular knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the duties of this position. Experience at this level must include: (1) collecting and organizing field data related to plants; (2) taking and recording scientific measurements; (3) utilizing various techniques to gather biological samples; and/or (4) using monitoring protocols, field forms, and shared databases. There is no substitution of education for experience at the GS-6 grade level. You must include months, years and hours per week worked to receive credit for your work and/or volunteer experience. One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week. Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for experience that does not indicate exact hours per week or is listed as "varies". Experience listed as full-time will be credited at 40 hours per week. 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 major duties of the Biological Science Technician include but are not limited to: Collecting plant, soil, geomorphology, and other associated data using established network monitoring protocols. Accurately identifying vegetation to the species level in the field or office using standard floras. Conducting fieldwork in remote backcountry settings and under difficult conditions in a safe and efficient manner. Entering data and following quality assurance procedures to ensure accurate data transcription into established databases. Maintaining field and camping equipment.