FL Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)

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

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for organizing and conducting direct control operations to reduce wildlife damage within a geographical area or technical/subject area of program involvement. Primary duties will be animal damage control and taking biological samples for disease surveillance. Primary wildlife dealt with will be feral swine causing damage to natural areas. 

 

DUTIES:

Inspects and surveys areas and, as necessary, will revise existing WDM programs in close consultation with higher-level management.

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.

Independently determines and selects the most effective means of control for individual situations.

Modifies or adapts established damage control techniques as necessary to meet local conditions and address specific environmental, economic or political considerations.

Assists in the negotiation of cooperative service agreements with landowners, lessees, or administrators to accomplish the goals outlined for the WS program.

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

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AT 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: 

  • Identifying North American wildlife species.
  • Experience in wildlife ecology and management in support of a wildlife damage management program.
  • Conducting basic computer operations for record keeping, data analysis, report writing and correspondence.
  • Experience using lethal and non-lethal animal control techniques.
  • Experience in wildlife damage mitigation methods and techniques.

 

EDUCATION SUBSTITUTION AT THE GS-5 GRADE LEVEL: 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 management.

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.

 

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-6 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the GS-5 level in the Federal service. This experience may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors.  

  • 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.

 

EDUCATION SUBSTITUTION AT THE GS-6 GRADE LEVEL: 

GS-6: One year of graduate–level education with an emphasis in wildlife.

OR 

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-6 GRADE LEVEL: 

Equivalent combinations of successful completed education and experience may be used to meet the total qualification requirements. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Must obtain or have a valid state driver’s license. Operation of Government-owned or leased vehicles is required. (if this applies)
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
  • 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/.
  • Must demonstrate a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devices, and equipment.
  • Occasional travel will be a part of the position.

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:
Wildlife
Job Type:
Full Time
Location Detail:
Duty stations will be home duty locations within the following pairing of listed counties. (1 vacancy in each pairing)

When applying please list the announcement number (WSER-05-2023-FL) and which counties you are applying to, by number (below).
1- Escambia/Santa Rosa
2- Okaloosa/Walton
3- Bay/Gulf
4- Franklin/Wakulla
Salary:
$37,696 – $54,625 per year (depending on GS level qualified for. Relocation costs will not be paid for this position)
Job Benefits:

HOW TO APPLY: Additional materials not listed below (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. 

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

  • Resume (include days/months/years worked, work schedule, and grade level if federal)
    • Personal information such as name, address, contact information
    • Education
    • 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)
    • All supervisors' phone numbers and if they may be contacted
    • Other qualifications, such as transcripts (if qualifying on education)
  • Transcripts (if qualifying on education)
  • 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. 

Interested individuals should send a resume, transcripts, veteran documentation (if applicable) to the contact office in each state where the position is located:
CONTACT OFFICE FOR FLORIDA:
Richard Hinnah
North District Supervisor
11152 NW State Road 20 
Bristol, FL 32321
(352) 281-1992
richard.c.hinnah@usda.gov (preferred)

Application Deadline:

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