Biological Science Technician

Employer
USDA, Wildlife Services
Job Description, Responsibilities and Required Qualifications or Skills

DUTIES:

  • Utilizes working knowledge of Wildlife Damage Management (WDM) methods and strategies to independently recommend appropriate WDM strategies which alleviate wildlife damage for cooperators and the general public through technical assistance.
  • Independently determines and selects the most effective means of control for individual situations.
  • Provides extensive and appropriate technical assistance recommendations on a variety of wildlife and WDM issues. Appropriate recommendations require an expansive knowledge of Federal, State and local wildlife and WDM specific regulations and policies.
  • Enters data into established WDM database/system of record. Uses data to prepare and submit routine reports regarding daily, weekly or monthly activities, observations, and events.
  • Assists in conducting demonstrations and training for others, including other cooperators or other interested groups, on WDM methods, procedures, and program objectives.
  • Complies with restrictions and mitigation measures established through consultation with relevant Federal and State agencies.
  • Carries out duties in accordance with program decisions made in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) under guidance and oversight by supervisor.
  • Performs other duties, as required

MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
To qualify, applicants MUST meet all minimum qualification requirements, except Medical Requirements, by the closing date of the announcement.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

For the GS-5 Grade Level:
Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-4 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, federal) sectors which demonstrate 
experience in:
- Experience in wildlife damage mitigation methods and techniques.
- Experience using lethal and non-lethal animal control techniques.
- Conducting basic computer operations for record keeping, data analysis, report writing and correspondence.
OR
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 scientific or technical courses such as 
biology, chemistry, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics, with at least 6 semester hours in wildlife.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience at the GS-5 Grade Level:
Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.

For the GS-6 Grade Level:
Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-5 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, federal) sectors which demonstrates 
experience in:
- Dealing with human-wildlife conflicts and principles of wildlife damage management.
- The requirements of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Endangered Species Act, and National Environment Policy Act.
- Conducting wildlife damage assessments, counts and abundance surveys.
- The use of firearms, traps, snares, pesticides, immobilizing drugs, pyrotechnics, electronic harassment devices, and other non-lethal control tools.
- Creating/maintaining public contacts to formulate assistance strategies that incorporate technical assistance and operational control techniques
OR
Successfully completed 1 year of graduate education (18 semester hours) in wildlife.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience at the GS-6 Grade Level: 
Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Must obtain or have a valid state driver’s license. Operation of Government-owned or leased vehicles is required. (if this applies)
  • As a condition of employment, appropriate security clearance is required for this position
  • Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E- Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
  • Position is subject to random and applicant drug testing.
  • Must demonstrate a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devices, and equipment.
  • Occasional travel may be required
  • Initial trial period may be required
  • In order to perform the essential duties of this position, you must have the legal and physical ability to possess and discharge firearms. You must be able to pass a government background check and meet any additional requirements to carry and use firearms. A background check will include answering questions about where you’ve lived, worked, went to school, and any military history or police records. Selection and retention in this position is contingent on a successfully adjudicated FBI National Criminal History Check (fingerprint check).
Job Field:
Fisheries
Forestry
Parks, Recreation and Tourism
Water and Soil Resources
Wildlife
GIS/Technology
Policy/Administrative
Community Forestry & Arboriculture
Other
Job Type:
Full Time
Location Detail:
Moseley, VA
Salary:
$42,130 - 61,051 per year
Job Benefits:

How to apply:

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
Resume that includes:

  • Personal information such as name, address, contact information
  • Education
  • Detailed work experience related to this position as described in the 
    announcement including
    • Work schedule including hours per week
    • Dates of employment;
    • Title, series, grade (if applicable)
  • All supervisors' phone numbers and if they may be contacted
  • Other qualifications
    Resume cannot exceed two pages.

Transcripts (if qualifying on education, education must have been obtained from an accredited institution. Education completed in a foreign institution must include an evaluation by an organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs that it was deemed equivalent to an accredited U.S. education program, see: Foreign Education Evaluation. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.)

DD-214 (Member 4 copy)
VA letter required for applicable Veteran preference, if applies. Current active duty members must submit a certification that they are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. 

Additional materials not listed above (i.e. position descriptions, training 
certificates, etc.) may not be considered. Applicants who do not submit the required items listed above may not be considered. Applications with all supporting documents must be submitted to the contact office and must be RECEIVED by the CLOSING DATE of this announcement.

Interested individuals should send a resume (cannot exceed two pages), transcripts, veteran documentation (if applicable) to the address listed here:

CONTACT OFFICE:
Jennifer Cromwell 
Jennifer.S.Cromwell@usda.gov
USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services
PO Box 130
Moseley, VA 23120

Application Deadline:

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