Biological Science Technician

*UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR, GEOLOGICAL SURVEY* *Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado* *Announcement Number: *FORT-24-002 *Hiring Agency: *INTERIOR, US Geological Survey *Position Title: *Biological Science Technician-Prairie Dog and Habitat Monitoring *Open Period: *3/20/2024 through 3/27/2024 or until filled *Type of Appointment:* Temporary, Excepted Service, Not-to-Exceed 180 days in a Service Year.
The work of this project will not exceed 1039 paid hours in a service year.
Positions may offer rehire eligibility for subsequent appointments, provided the employee has not exceeded 1039 hours of work in a 12 month period and has achieved an acceptable level of performance.
All qualified applicants, with or without Federal status may apply and be considered.
Appointment to this position, however, will not convey permanent status in the Federal service.
*Series/Grade: *GG-0404-05 *Salary:* Approximately $17/hour (depending on experience) *Promotion Potential: *The grade level for which you are selected is the full performance level.
*Duty Location:* Medora, ND, US.
*Duration Appointment: *There may be periods of full-time, part-time, and intermittent work.
*General Information: *This vacancy is limited to the first *50* applications received, and will close at midnight Mountain Time on the day this application limit is reached regardless of the closing date specified in this vacancy announcement.
Any application received prior to midnight Mountain Time of the day the application limit is reached will be accepted and considered.
You are strongly encouraged to submit all required supporting documents at the time of application should the vacancy close earlier than stated in this announcement due to the applicant limit being reached.
Supporting documents will not be accepted once the vacancy announcement closes.
*Supervisory Position: *No.
*Relocation Authorized:* No.
*Work Schedule:* Approximately 40 hours per week.
*Travel Required:* None (work at duty location).
*KEY REQUIREMENTS:* Applicants must be U.
S.
Citizens.
Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
Selectee must provide a valid driver's license and safe driving record.
Housing will be provided.
A background investigation will be required for this position.
Continued employment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication.
Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
Position requires completion of a medical examination at Federal expense.
You will be required to operate a government-owned or leased vehicle in the performance of your official duties.
Applicants for this position must meet the following requirements: (1) possession of a valid State driver’s license, and (2) possess a safe driving record.
If selected, you will be required to provide proof of a valid State license and a copy of your driving record.
*Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active.
Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update your information.
*THIS IS A TEMPORARY EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION for which all qualified applicants, with or without Federal status may apply and be considered.
Appointment to this position, however, will not convey permanent status in the Federal service.
Appointment will only be for the duration of the position, in this case, 1039 hours or less.
Positions may offer rehire eligibility for subsequent appointments, provided the employee has not exceeded 1039 hours of work in a twelve-month period and has achieved an acceptable level of performance.
*SUMMARY: *The USGS Fort Collins Science Center is seeking 2 Biological Science Technicians for the 2024 field season in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
The project is a comprehensive evaluation of prairie dog habitat extent and influences of weather and other factors on the abundance and dispersion of prairie dogs (see DUTIES below).
Positions begin approximately June 15, 2024 and will end by September 20, 2024 or earlier depending on field conditions.
*DUTIES: *This project will map prairie dog colonies in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, investigate streamlined colony mapping protocols (using remote sensing) that can be used by the Park in future years and may benefit other Parks who need to better understand their prairie dog colonies for the purpose of black-footed ferret management, monitor annual prairie dog density within each colony, analyze how annual variability of colony size impacts prairie dog densities, and determine which environmental factors most impact annual colony size and prairie dog density variations.
The work will be conducted under demanding field conditions and primarily involves mapping colony boundaries, conducting prairie dog burrow transects, and mapping prairie dog burrow locations.
The incumbents will operate government vehicles as incidental drivers.
The U.
S.
Geological Survey has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.
Precautions are in place in an attempt to best protect the incumbents against COVID-19.
For additional information on our internal telework policy, please reference the Department of the Interior Telework Handbook at: https://www.
usgs.
gov/humancapital/pb/telework.
html.
*PHYSICAL DEMANDS*: Field work will be strenuous at times.
Position demands hiking moderate distances in varying temperatures, carrying equipment, and lifting objects not to exceed 100 pounds.
*WORK ENVIRONMENT:* The work is performed in a field environment.
Field work involves moderate or sometimes extreme exposure to the discomforts of rain and snow, cold/hot weather, humidity, high wind speeds, etc.
The U.
S.
Geological Survey has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.
*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 experience that translates directly to paid employment.
You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
*EDUCATION:* If you are qualifying based in whole or part on education, you are required to provide all unofficial transcripts (undergraduate, graduate, etc.
) or list of course work, which includes semester hours earned and grade received, by the closing date of this announcement or you will be disqualified from further consideration.
This proof may be emailed to the point of contact listed in the “How to Apply” section of this announcement.
Please ensure that all documentation is legible.
If you are currently employed by the Federal government in the same occupational series as the advertised position, you are not required to submit transcripts at this time.
Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements.
You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received.
*QUALIFICATIONS:* 3 months field party experience.
Field party experience includes activities associated with making and recording geologic, hydrologic, or topographic field observations; collecting geologic, biological, or water samples for laboratory analysis; applying accepted data collection techniques and methods in the performance of field work in support of scientific investigations; and using a variety of surveying instruments and electronic or mechanical instrumentation in the making and recording of field measurements and observations designed to collect data for geologic physical science investigations.
Only time actually spent in the field can be credited when qualifying individuals under the field party experience option.
OR 3 years sub-professional experience.
Subprofessional experience is defined as technical work performed in support of field or laboratory investigation relating to the biological sciences which provided basic knowledge or skills in gathering, recording, and assembling scientific data; using scientific instruments; setting up and operating test apparatus; and manipulating quantitative data.
Experience may include assisting professional employee in such duties.
Knowledge of small mammal trapping and handling is beneficial.
OR 3 years of college study related to biology plus 3 months of lab or field work experience.
_*You must me et all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.
*_ *BASIS OF EVALUATION: *Applicants will not be rated or ranked.
All applicants that meet the basic eligibility and qualification requirements of the position will be referred to the selecting official in preference eligible order.
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
*REQUIREMENTS: *A background investigation will be required for this position.
Continued employment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication.
Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
Applicants for this position must meet the following requirements: (1) possession of a valid State driver's license, and (2) possess a safe driving record.
Further, if selected you may be asked to provide information regarding your COVID-19 vaccination status for the purposes of implementing workplace safety protocols, such as those related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
If selected, you will be required to provide proof of a valid State License and a copy of your Motor Vehicle Driving Record (DMV issued).
Familiarity with 4WD vehicles and manual transmissions is desirable.
*BENEFITS:* Temporary appointees expected to work at least 130 hours per month for at least 90 days will be eligible to enroll in a Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) plan.
Individuals eligible under this rule receive the full government contribution to their premiums regardless of work schedule and will also be eligible to participate in the Flexible Spending Accounts and Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program.
Temporary appointees are not covered by the Federal Employee Retirement System and are ineligible for Federal life, dental, or vision insurance.
*OTHER INFORMATION: *Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid.
Overnight travel of 1-5 nights per month may be required.
Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.
Under Executive Order 11935, only United States citizens and nationals (residents of American Samoa and Swains Island) may compete for civil service jobs.
Agencies are permitted to hire non-citizens only in very limited circumstances where there are no qualified citizens available for the position.
The application contains information subject to the Privacy Act (P.
L.
93-579, 5 USC 552a).
The information is used to determine qualifications for employment, and is authorized under Title 5, USC, Section 3302 and 3361.
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.
_*THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
*_ *HOW TO APPLY:* Carefully read all information and instructions.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the application is completed.
This office will not be responsible for soliciting additional information from applicants and will consider individuals based on their applications and supporting documentation as submitted.
*IMPORTANT NOTE:* You only need to submit one application for any combination of the locations (projects) and grade levels in which you are interested, but you can only be considered for the locations and grade levels that you specify in your application and/or cover letter.
Thus, we strongly suggest that you apply for multiple positions and grade levels to improve your chances of fitting our needs, but if you have preferences please make them clear.
Applications must be received via Email by the closing date on the announcement to be considered.
All application materials must arrive by 5:00 p.
m.
MDT on the closing date of the announcement and must include the announcement number of the job for which you are applying.
Submit the following to complete the application process: (a) Cover Letter and Resume.
_You must indicate the locations and grade level for which you want to be considered.
If you do not indicate specific locations and grade levels your application will be considered incomplete and you will not be further considered.
_ (b) If you are qualifying for each grade level based on education, you must submit college transcripts (can be unofficial) or a list of college courses, specifying title of coursework, completion date, semester or quarter hours earned by course title, and grade earned.
_If selected you will be required to provide official transcripts.
_ If claiming 5-point veteran’s preference, a DD-214 showing character of discharge is required.
If claiming 10-point veteran’s preference a DD-214 showing character of discharge is required and a VA letter showing % of disability is required.
*APPLY on Indeed.
com and TO: *David Eads, USGS *APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE:* JOB INFORMATION: -Cover letter and resume -Announcement number, title, and grade(s) and duty station(s) of the job(s) for which you are applying PERSONAL INFORMATION: -Full name, mailing address (with zip code) and day and evening phone numbers (with area code) -Country of Citizenship -Veteran’s Preference -Highest Federal civilian grade held, if applicable (also give job series and dates held) EDUCATION: -High School (name, address, including zip code if known) -Colleges and universities (address including zip code if known) -Major(s) -Type and year of any degrees received -Copy of your college transcripts or list of college courses completed.
Specify title of course, semester or quarter hours earned for each course, date completed, grade earned.
WORK EXPERIENCE: -Give the following information on your paid and unpaid work experience related to the job: -Job Title (include series and grade if Federal job) -Duties and accomplishments -Employer’s name and address -Supervisor’s name and phone numbers -Starting and ending dates (month, day, and year) -Hours per week -Salary -Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: -Job-related training courses (title, length, date taken) -Job-related skills (i.
e.
, other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, first aid, etc.
) Job-related certificates and licenses (current only) Job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments (i.
e.
, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership activities, public speaking, and performance awards).
Give details but do not send documents unless requested.
*Definitions of Experience: *Please note that if qualifying based on education; unofficial transcripts MUST be submitted as part of the application in order to receive consideration.
You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.
*Field Survey Party:* Experience with a field survey party includes activity associated with making and recording geologic, hydrologic, biologic, or topographic field observations; collecting geologic, biological, or water samples for laboratory analysis; applying accepted data collection techniques and methods in the performance of field work in support of scientific investigations; and using a variety of surveying instruments and electronic or mechanical instrumentation in the making and recording of field measurements and observations designed to collect data for physical/ biological science investigations.
Only time actually spent in the field can be credited when qualifying individuals under the field party experience option.
*Sub-professional Experience: *Sub-professional experience is defined as technical work performed in support of field or laboratory investigations relating to the biological sciences, physical sciences, or closely related disciplines which provided basic knowledge or skills in gathering, recording, and assembling scientific or engineering data; using scientific instruments to measure angles, degrees, weights, strengths, intensities, etc.
; setting up and operating test apparatus, and manipulating quantitative data.
Experience may include assisting professional employees with such duties as calibrating and operating measuring instruments mixing solutions, making chemical analyses, setting up and operating test apparatus, and compiling and processing scientific data.
Experience as a laboratory mechanic or in a trade or craft may be credited as experience when the work was performed in close association with physical or biological scientists or other technical personnel and provided a good working knowledge of appropriate scientific principles, methods, and techniques.
*Professional Experience: *Professional work experience in the physical and biological sciences may be credited in lieu of or in conjunction with sub-professional experience as defined above.
*VETERAN’S PREFERENCE and ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: *If you are claiming veterans' preference you must provide a legible copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, member 4 copy or any official documentation or statement from the Armed Forces that confirms your dates of service and that your separation, discharge, or release from active duty was under honorable conditions (i.
e.
, Honorable or General Discharge).
*Note:* If you have more than one DD-214 for multiple periods of active duty, submit a copy for each period of service.
If you are currently on active military duty, you must provide documentation (e.
g.
, campaign document, award citation, etc.
), that verifies entitlement to veterans’ preference and that your character of military service is honorable.
If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, in addition to the documents specified above, you must also submit documentation that supports your claim, e.
g.
, an official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs (dated 1991 or later) or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying the existence of a service-connected disability, or the award of the Purple Heart, etc.
The overall rating must be identified on your certification letter or separation orders.
Documentation must be received by the closing date shown in this vacancy announcement.
If you fail to submit any of the required documentation, you will not be granted veterans’ preference.
Additional information on veterans' preference can be found in the Vet Guide.
*WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT: *If you are rated as one of the most highly qualified candidates, you will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview.
We expect to make a selection within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
You will be notified via email.
Personnel Office Contact Person: Kendra Terrell, 970-226-9303.
Job Type: Temporary Schedule: * 8 hour shift Work Location: In person