Skip to main content
Skip to main menu Skip to spotlight region Skip to secondary region Skip to UGA region Skip to Tertiary region Skip to Quaternary region Skip to unit footer

Slideshow

Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)

Deadline:
Employer:
USDA
Job Field:
Wildlife
Job Type:
Full Time
Location:
Arizona
Location Detail:
Seligman
Job Description:

INTRODUCTION

This position is located in the Wildlife Services (WS) Program, Animal and Plant Health

Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The assignment involves the performance of duties relating to wildlife management and use of control techniques aimed at controlling wildlife damage, particularly that of predatory animals, when they conflict with man’s economic interest, health or safety. The work is primarily concerned with WS operations relating to the cessation, alleviation or mitigation of problems created by carnivores, rodents, birds and other animals in urban or rural environments.

 

DUTIES

· Serves as a member of the WS workforce engaged in wildlife damage management operations.

· Incumbent will be required to be familiar with and know how to use various capture devices, chemicals, tools, firearms and related equipment utilized in wildlife damage management operations.

· Incumbent may be required to collect biological samples from wildlife and the environment. Follow instructions in wildlife disease surveillance plans as directed by Supervisor.

· Must be able to correctly identify current, and forecast future, damage problems and relate them to the depredating species and determine/select the most effective means of control.

· Must be highly skilled in the use of various WS control methods and procedures including the use of firearms. Means of control utilized may include the use of snares, traps, pesticides, calling, shooting or den hunting.

· Must be able to discuss Endangered Species concepts, and be familiar with the ranges of the various threatened and endangered species that might come in conflict with any phase of WS programs.

· Responsible for, and may instruct others in, the maintenance, repair and safekeeping of tools, supplies and equipment issued. When using toxic materials, must maintain records pursuant to the State Pesticide statutes, Drug Enforcement Agency and Board of Pharmacy statutes, and Environmental Protection Agency use restriction.

· Must be able to identify wildlife species by sight, sound, tracks, type of depredation or damage present, examine other appropriate evidence and correctly identify such damage situations and relate them to the depredating species.

· Incumbent may be required to serve as instructor and conduct demonstrations and training for cooperators or other interested groups on WS control methods, procedures, and program objectives. This may include preliminary instruction and training of new personnel or WS equipment, devices, chemicals, firearms, etc., reporting procedures, field responsibilities and other technical aspects of the program.

· Prepares and submits routine and special reports regarding daily, weekly or monthly activities, observations, events and other relevant data collected.

· May participate in aerial hunting of predators as a gunner or ground crew member in areas where it is authorized by State law.

· May be required to pass Restricted Use Pesticide Applicator examination, as required of persons who use restricted-use pesticides.

· Must demonstrate a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devices, and equipment.

· Must have a valid State Motor Vehicle Operator’s or Commercial License, as appropriate. Operation of Government-owned or leased vehicles is required.

Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including the following specialized experience and/or education, as identified by grade level.

 

FOR THE GS-03 LEVEL: Six months of general experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position, or experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation.

 

OR

Education Substitution at the GS-3 Grade Level Successful completion of l year of study that included at least 6 semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics.

 

OR

Combination of Education and Experience at the GS-3 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-04 LEVEL: Applicants must have 6 months of general experience and 6 months of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-03 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:

· Experience using lethal and non-lethal animal control techniques.

· Ability to identify various species of animals.

· Experience working within local, state and national rules and regulations as they apply to wildlife policies and procedures.

· Experience preparing reports regarding activities, observations, events, and other relevant data collected.

OR Successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must be directly related to the position to be filled (Wildlife).

OR COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-4 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: (if applicable to your position)

 

· Must obtain or have a valid Arizona driver’s license. Operation of Government-owned or leased vehicles is required.

· 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/.

· As a condition of employment, appropriate security clearance is required for this position.

· Position is subject to random and applicant drug testing.

· Must have a knowledge of and be capable of using:

o Working with the public and other cooperating agencies

o Communication skills

o Electronic equipment (GPS, Trimble, computer)

· Must demonstrate a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devices, and equipment.

· Must have the ability to use computers, GPS units, and associated software to effectively communicate through e-mail and official correspondence, record data in web based systems, and conduct basic analyses using spreadsheets and databases.

· 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).

· Work requires physical exertion such as walking over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces, bending, crouching, stooping and stretching. Agility and dexterity are required.

· Incumbent spends a considerable amount of time outdoors. The terrain may be uneven, rocky or in vegetation. There may be exposure to extremes of weather and temperature. The incumbent is also exposed to toxic chemicals.

Salary:
$33,906 - $43,801 per year
How to Apply:

HOW TO APPLY: 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, transcripts, veteran documentation (if applicable) to the address listed here: EMAILED APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTABLE

 

ARIZONA-WS CONTACT OFFICE:

 

USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services-Arizona Program

Christopher D. Carrillo, District Supervisor

8836 N. 23rd Avenue, Suite 2

Phoenix, AZ 85021

(480)292-1830 Chris.D.Carrillo@usda.gov

Support Warnell

We appreciate your financial support. Your gift is important to us and helps support critical opportunities for students and faculty alike, including lectures, travel support, and any number of educational events that augment the classroom experience. Learn more about giving.