Biological Science Technician, GS-0404-09 TERM (DB)
As a Biological Science Technician within the Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, some of your specific duties will include:
-Plans and implements wildlife investigations related to grizzly bears and habitat use. -Serves as a Trapping Team/Crew Leader and participates in location of instrumented and non-instrumented grizzly bears through radio telemetry and conventional tracking techniques. -Serves as curator of biological samples collected from grizzly or black bears. Responsible for sample accessioning, to include sample preparation, labeling and cataloging. -Provides training and orientation of seasonal employees in proper use of snares, traps, and immobilization drugs in the capture of grizzly bears, in the handling of live grizzly bears for the purpose of obtaining biological data, and in the use of telemetry and tracking techniques used in the study of grizzly bears. -Summarizes research efforts by analyzing data, interpreting results, and writing reports. Provides written results to appropriate state wildlife agencies and other federal partners. -Operates a government vehicle as an incidental driver. Physical Demands:
Bending, lifting heavy objects, and carrying backpacks of variable weight is required. Physically handling and positioning of large (650 pounds) anesthetized grizzly bears is an occasional necessity. Work requires a high degree of safety consciousness, and the incumbent must be constantly alert to physical and biological hazards. Use of firearms is required. Work Environment:
Work is primarily conducted within mountains, backcountry wilderness areas within and surrounding Yellowstone National Park. Exposure to widely fluctuating weather such as snow, thunder showers, and hot sun is constant. Frequent encounters with grizzly bears and other large mammals are made. Occasional flight in fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters over the study area is required. Final reports and analyses are conducted in an office and laboratory setting. For information on basic qualifications, which includes information on whether you may substitute education for specialized experience, please click on the following:
https:
//www.usgs.gov/about/organization/science-support/human-capital/biological-science-technician-gs-0404 GS-0404-09:
Applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-9 level:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-8 level. Examples of GS-8 level work may include:
performing varied and complex assignments such as designing and conducting experiments and/or collecting and analyzing data; performing field identification of biological information; administering a segment of a limited project; maintaining production levels in a laboratory setting; analyzing, evaluating, and consolidating reports; and developing new procedures and techniques for use by others. Work at this level is performed independently within the general instructions relating to scope, objectives, time limitations, priorities, etc. provided at the outset of the assignment/project. Significant discretion is exercised in selecting from among a large variety of feasible alternatives. Approval is obtained prior to implementing significant deviations from established guides. OR applicants may substitute successful completion of 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education (36 semester hours, 54 quarter hours or the equivalent) leading to a master's degree or possession of a master's degree in the biological sciences or other field of study directly related to the work of this position for the required 1 year of specialized experience if it provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of this position. OR applicants may substitute a combination of appropriate specialized experience (as described above) and appropriate graduate level education (as described above) that is beyond the first 1 1/2 years of progressive graduate study to meet the qualification requirements. (CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE GRADUATE EDUCATION AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE.) Screen Out Element:
The person selected for this position has to have extensive knowledge and experience leading a field crew in the live capture of grizzly and black bears utilizing foot snares and culvert traps and in the use of immobilizing drugs. In addition, the selectee must have knowledge of grizzly bear biology and behavior. The trapping/immobilization process is similar between the two species, but the potential for adverse consequences to personnel or bears resulting from poor judgment or human error is significantly higher when trapping grizzly bears. Black bears can be quite docile when in or near a trap. Such is not the case for grizzly bears, which at times can be quite aggressive. First-hand knowledge and understanding of grizzly bear behavior is requisite to being a skilled grizzly bear trapper. The person selected for this position will be required to successfully complete the USGS firearms safety training (for protection against wild animal attacks) and IGBST drug training. You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
-Plans and implements wildlife investigations related to grizzly bears and habitat use. -Serves as a Trapping Team/Crew Leader and participates in location of instrumented and non-instrumented grizzly bears through radio telemetry and conventional tracking techniques. -Serves as curator of biological samples collected from grizzly or black bears. Responsible for sample accessioning, to include sample preparation, labeling and cataloging. -Provides training and orientation of seasonal employees in proper use of snares, traps, and immobilization drugs in the capture of grizzly bears, in the handling of live grizzly bears for the purpose of obtaining biological data, and in the use of telemetry and tracking techniques used in the study of grizzly bears. -Summarizes research efforts by analyzing data, interpreting results, and writing reports. Provides written results to appropriate state wildlife agencies and other federal partners. -Operates a government vehicle as an incidental driver. Physical Demands:
Bending, lifting heavy objects, and carrying backpacks of variable weight is required. Physically handling and positioning of large (650 pounds) anesthetized grizzly bears is an occasional necessity. Work requires a high degree of safety consciousness, and the incumbent must be constantly alert to physical and biological hazards. Use of firearms is required. Work Environment:
Work is primarily conducted within mountains, backcountry wilderness areas within and surrounding Yellowstone National Park. Exposure to widely fluctuating weather such as snow, thunder showers, and hot sun is constant. Frequent encounters with grizzly bears and other large mammals are made. Occasional flight in fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters over the study area is required. Final reports and analyses are conducted in an office and laboratory setting. For information on basic qualifications, which includes information on whether you may substitute education for specialized experience, please click on the following:
https:
//www.usgs.gov/about/organization/science-support/human-capital/biological-science-technician-gs-0404 GS-0404-09:
Applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-9 level:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-8 level. Examples of GS-8 level work may include:
performing varied and complex assignments such as designing and conducting experiments and/or collecting and analyzing data; performing field identification of biological information; administering a segment of a limited project; maintaining production levels in a laboratory setting; analyzing, evaluating, and consolidating reports; and developing new procedures and techniques for use by others. Work at this level is performed independently within the general instructions relating to scope, objectives, time limitations, priorities, etc. provided at the outset of the assignment/project. Significant discretion is exercised in selecting from among a large variety of feasible alternatives. Approval is obtained prior to implementing significant deviations from established guides. OR applicants may substitute successful completion of 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education (36 semester hours, 54 quarter hours or the equivalent) leading to a master's degree or possession of a master's degree in the biological sciences or other field of study directly related to the work of this position for the required 1 year of specialized experience if it provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of this position. OR applicants may substitute a combination of appropriate specialized experience (as described above) and appropriate graduate level education (as described above) that is beyond the first 1 1/2 years of progressive graduate study to meet the qualification requirements. (CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE GRADUATE EDUCATION AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE.) Screen Out Element:
The person selected for this position has to have extensive knowledge and experience leading a field crew in the live capture of grizzly and black bears utilizing foot snares and culvert traps and in the use of immobilizing drugs. In addition, the selectee must have knowledge of grizzly bear biology and behavior. The trapping/immobilization process is similar between the two species, but the potential for adverse consequences to personnel or bears resulting from poor judgment or human error is significantly higher when trapping grizzly bears. Black bears can be quite docile when in or near a trap. Such is not the case for grizzly bears, which at times can be quite aggressive. First-hand knowledge and understanding of grizzly bear behavior is requisite to being a skilled grizzly bear trapper. The person selected for this position will be required to successfully complete the USGS firearms safety training (for protection against wild animal attacks) and IGBST drug training. You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.
- Department:
0404 Biological Science Technician - Salary Range:
$52,905 to $68,777 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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