This Biological Science Technician (Seasonal) position is with National Park Service (Department of the Interior) in Petrified Forest National Park, AZ.
Biological Science Technicians perform field and technical work to monitor, manage, and protect natural resources, including plants, wildlife, aquatic resources, and their habitats. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for Seasonal Staffing Office-Intermountain Region is April-November, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: April-June 2027.
Key duties:
• Some of the Biological Science Technician (General) Standard Duties include but are not limited to: Conduct surveys and monitoring of natural resources, including plants, wildlife, aquatic resources, habitats, and other ecological conditions. Collect biological and environmental data and specimens using established field methods, protocols, and equipment. Record and maintain project data using Global Positioning System (GPS), Geographic Information System (GIS), and other data-management technology. Organize, enter, and maintain natural resource project data. Additional duties for GS-06: You may independently conduct natural resource monitoring and management activities using established methods; operate and maintain specialized field equipment; organize and evaluate project data; and assist with project implementation, data analysis, and preparation of reports and plans. Additional duties for GS-07: You may coordinate and lead natural resource field projects and provide technical guidance to field staff, interns, and/or volunteers. You may organize, schedule, and execute established natural resource monitoring and management projects; train personnel in resource identification, field methods, data and sample collection, mapping, and equipment use; ensure quality control of field data; evaluate and summarize project results; and prepare draft project reports and recommendations.
Qualifications:
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/13/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your 2 page 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. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. You may only submit one resume. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed. To qualify for this position at the GS-06 grade level, you must possess one of the following: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sector). Specialized experience is experience that equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience include: Work involving biological science support such as: collecting, analyzing and processing samples, performing laboratory work, assisting in the management of field projects, collecting, processing and managing field data, and performing habitat restoration through management of exotics and/or native planting; using statistical methods and procedures to perform testing of field data collected; installing, monitoring, and maintaining resource management equipment (tools, sampling and monitoring, photographic, and laboratory equipment); preparing graphs, charts, and illustrations for reports and technical publications relating to plant management activities; and assisting in the development of improved methods of controlling weeds and plant diseases or other related work, etc. -OR- B. Successfully completed a half year (9 semester hours or 13.5 quarter hours) of graduate level course work, from an accredited college or university, leading to a Master's degree with a major study directly related to the position to be filled. Graduate study must have been in a field of study that is directly related to the work of this position such as: botany, forest ecology, silviculture, plant ecology, wildlife biology, zoology, ornithology. -OR- C. Equivalent combination of experience and education that, together, equal 100% of the qualification standards listed above when combined. For example, six (6) months of specialized experience (50% of the experience requirement) combined with one year of education as outlined above (50% of the education above), along with 50% of the course-specific education stated above. To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess one of the following: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sector). Specialized experience is experience that equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience include: Assisting in planning and implementation of resource management plant, wildlife, and fisheries censuses and surveys; using statistical methods and procedures to perform testing of field data collected; installing, operating, and maintaining resource management equipment (tools, sampling and monitoring, photographic, and laboratory equipment); preparing graphs, charts, and illustrations for reports and technical publications relating to plant management activities; organizing, scheduling, and executing a wide variety of established natural resource management projects; and planning field projects, choose possible courses of action at different stages of each project. -OR- B. Successfully completed one full year (18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours) of graduate level course work, from an accredited college or university, leading to a Master's degree with a major study directly related to the position to be filled. Graduate study must have been in a field of study that is directly related to the work of this position such as: botany, forest ecology, silviculture, plant ecology, as wildlife biology, zoology, ornithology. -OR- C. Equivalent combination of experience and education that, together, equal 100% of the qualification standards listed above when combined. For example, six (6) months of specialized experience (50% of the experience requirement) combined with one year of education as outlined above (50% of the education above), along with 50% of the course-specific education stated above. NOTE: If you are qualifying based in part on education, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts. Qualifying experience may be obtained in the private or public sectors. The OPM Qualification Standards Handbook is available for review at: OPM Qualification Standards. 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.
View the full announcement and apply on USAJOBS.gov.