Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)

Employer
USDA, Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services
Job Description, Responsibilities and Required Qualifications or Skills

DUTIES:

  • Responsible for conducting direct control operations planned and organized by others to reduce wildlife damage within a geographical area or technical/subject area of program involvement.
  • Uses WDM tools/devices which may include some or all of the following depending on need in assigned area: firearms; foothold, body-grip, cage traps; foot snares; neck snares; chemical control methods; pyrotechnics; noise cannons/exploders; drop nets; rocket/cannon nets; various other scaring devices.
  • Utilizes working knowledge of WDM methods and strategies to independently recommend appropriate WDM strategies which alleviate wildlife damage for cooperators and the general public through technical assistance.
  • May be required to use chemical immobilization and euthanasia drugs to capture and handle wildlife under the general guidance of a higher-graded or more experienced employee.
  • Assists Wildlife Biologists or higher-graded staff by correctly identifying common, current or recent damage problems and relating them to the damage-causing species.
  • Determines and selects the most effective means of control through consultation with supervisor or other higher-graded or more experienced employees.
  • Provides appropriate technical assistance recommendations on typical wildlife and WDM issues on a limited basis. Appropriate recommendations require a general knowledge of Federal, State and local wildlife and WDM specific regulations and policies.
  • May recommend and facilitate the submission and receipt of depredation permits for the general public through the appropriate U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Migratory Bird Office.
  • Maintains inventories and compiles reports of government-provided equipment and supplies including locations, acquisitions, returns, losses, and reason therefore.
  • Enters data into established WDM database/system of record. Uses data to prepare and submit routine reports regarding daily, weekly or monthly activities, observations, events.
  • Responsible for reporting accomplishments, problems encountered, work locations, etc. to supervisor.
  • Maintains records of chemical control use to comply with State and Federal regulatory requirements.
  • On a limited basis, may assist in conducting basic demonstrations and training for cooperators or other interested groups on WDM methods, procedures, and program objectives.
    May assist in training others in certain aspects of the use of one or more WDM methods, under close supervision of a higher-graded employee or other recognized expert.
  • 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.
  • Must be familiar with a limited range of various threatened and endangered species, and their habitats, that are or may be affected by program activities within area of jurisdiction.
  • Complies with restrictions and mitigation measures established through consultation with relevant Federal and State agencies.
  • Demonstrates a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devices and materials, and equipment.
  • Conducts all operations using approved safety procedures and in accordance with local, State and Federal laws and regulations, and USDA, APHIS, and WS policies.
  • Identifies safety-related opportunities and challenges and communicates them to the supervisor.
  • Supports the WS safety program and procedures through participation in meetings, inspections, and implementation of safety requirements and protocols.
  • Obtains and maintains pesticide applicator licenses, permits, or other similar authorizations as necessary.
  • May assist WS research efforts by participating in field tests of proposed damage control materials, devices or methods or providing biological or other specimens.

MINIMUM ELIGIBLITY REQUIREMENTS:

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

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

General Experience at the GS-3 Grade Level: Applicants must have 6 months of work 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 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 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-4 Grade 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:
- Identifying North American wildlife species.
- Experience in the principles of wildlife ecology and management in support of a wildlife management program.
- Experience in preparing baits and setting traps in accordance with standard procedures.
- Experience keeping routine and basic records of daily activities and observations.
OR
Education Substitution at the GS-4 Grade Level: Successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must be in 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.

 

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.

 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: (if applicable to your position)

  • Must obtain or have a valid state driver’s license. Operation of Government-owned or leased vehicles is required. (if this applies)
  • 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.
  • 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)
  • Occasional travel may be required
  • Initial trial period may be required
Job Field:
Wildlife
Job Type:
Full Time
Location Detail:
Orangeburg County, SC
Salary:
GS 3: $36,103 - $44,329 per year
GS 4: $36,825 – 46,868 per year
GS 5: $40,332 - $52,426 per year
(Relocation expenses will not be paid)
Job Benefits:

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
Resume (include days/months/years worked, work schedule, and grade level if federal)
1) Personal information such as name, address, contact information
2) Education
3) Detailed work experience related to this position as described in the announcement including:
- Work schedule,
- Hours worked per week,
- Dates of employment;
- Title, series, grade (if applicable)
4) All supervisors' phone numbers and if they may be contacted 

5) Other qualifications

  • 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), if applicable for Veteran’s Preference

  • VA letter required if claiming disabled Veteran’s Preference
    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.

    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. Application materials sent by e-mail must be received by 4:00pm on closing date to be considered. Photographs of application materials are not allowed.

CONTACT OFFICE:

Noel Myers, State Director 400 Northeast Drive, Suite L Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 477-3151 noel.e.myers@usda.gov

Application Deadline:

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