Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)

DUTIES:

• Responsible for organizing and conducting direct control operations to reduce wildlife damage.

• Serves as a Biological Science Technician responsible for technical work involved in animal disease control in livestock and poultry and disease vector eradication programs within an assigned geographic area.

• Inspects and surveys livestock and poultry facilities located on ranches, farms, auction markets, etc., for possible wild vertebrate disease vectors.

• Independently recommends or implements the most effective tools/devices to mitigate the possibility of livestock and poultry encountering vertebrate disease vectors.

• Maintains records of chemical control use to comply with state and federal regulatory requirements.

• Maintains responsibility for and knowledge of government-provided equipment and supplies.

• Responsible for communicating accomplishments, safety-related issues, problems encountered, work locations, etc. to supervisor.

• Enters data into established database/system of record. Uses data to prepare and submit routine reports.

• May author formal reports or other documents that summarize and analyze both work accomplished and benefits to cooperators/stakeholders.

• Assists in conducting demonstrations and training for others, including preliminary instruction and training of new personnel on technical aspects of the program including pesticide use.

• Carries out duties in accordance with program decisions made in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA).

• Conducts all operations using approved safety procedures in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles and equipment.

• Conducts all operations in accordance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations, and USDA, APHIS, and WS policies.

MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

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 sectors which demonstrate (must meet 2 of the 3 listed below):

  • Experience in research or management activities related to biology, agriculture or wildlife.

  • Experience assisting in the production of domestic livestock or poultry on farms, keeping routine records of activities and observations.

  • Experience answering questions from the public or cooperators regarding managing wild animals near feedlots, farms or ranches.

• OR Education Substitution: 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.

• OR Combination of Education and Experience.

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 sectors which demonstrate experience in (must meet 2 of the 3 below):

  • Experience in basic farm management practices that prevent disease, such as bird and rodent control, clean water and feed, hand and boot washing, and controlling vehicle contamination.

  • Experience working directly with stakeholders, communicating goals and objectives of a project, and determining effective strategies to achieve those goals.

  • Conducting basic computer operations for record keeping, data analysis, report writing, and correspondence.

• OR Education Substitution: 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.

• OR Combination of Education and Experience.

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 sectors which demonstrate experience in (must meet 3 of the 4 below):

  • Experience working with disease vector management in livestock or poultry, such as fencing, pyrotechnics, reducing wildlife habitat around farms, or vaccinations.

  • Applying the requirements of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Endangered Species Act, and National Environment Policy Act to work performed.

  • Conducting animal assessments, counts and abundance surveys.

  • Creating/maintaining public contacts to formulate assistance strategies that incorporate technical assistance and operational control techniques in relation to biology, agriculture, or wildlife.

• OR Education Substitution: Successful completion of one full year (18 semester hours) of graduate level education in a field directly related to the position to be filled.

• OR Combination of Education and Experience.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must obtain or have a valid state driver’s license.

• Appropriate security clearance is required.

• Direct Deposit is required.

• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.

• Position is subject to random and applicant drug testing.

• Must demonstrate respect for safety in all operations.

• Occasional travel may be required.

• Must have the legal and physical ability to possess and discharge firearms, and pass a government background check.

• Initial trial period may be required.

• May be asked or assigned to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments to support emergency programs.