Biological Science Technician

This career-seasonal position is located within the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 5, Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, Errol, New Hampshire.

Career-Seasonal appointments are permanent positions and include the same benefits as permanent appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis. You will work for approximately 8-9 months per year and you will be in a non-pay status for the remainder of the year. Estimated start date is March 2027.

Duties

• Assists biologist with wildlife surveys, habitat management, and maintenance of avian nesting structures.

• Surveys and observes avian populations. Documents: abundance, behavior, habitat, sex and age structure, territory occupancy, reproductive success, survivorship, band re-sights, and seasonal movements. Identifies birds by sight and sound. Work will be performed independently by motorboat on rivers and open lake conditions.

• Uses a variety of databases and reporting systems to store, compile, and analyze data from studies. Collects biological samples ensuring correct documentation, reporting, storage, transport and delivery of samples taken. Uses established automated databases to enter, organize and perform preliminary analysis of collected data, using standard statistical methods in preparation of reports. Determines approach and then summarizes data using a variety of database software programs or other presentation approaches, ensuring records are detailed, precise and accurately transferred (e.g., terrestrial, geologic, geographic, hydrologic, ecologic, and environmental data).

• Enters and retrieves data from geographic information systems (GIS) and/or other information management systems.

• Monitors and assists in control of invasive plants.

• Provides basic information on conservation resources and the United State Fish and Wildlife Service to groups and individuals. May be responsible for providing work direction for volunteers.

• Assists team as needed for general tasks around the duty station/office. Loads and unloads materials and equipment, cleans grounds, collects and disposes of refuse and performs a variety of light maintenance and housekeeping tasks involving the use of hand and power tools and equipment. Assists with outdoor projects such as trail maintenance.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.

• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.

• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.

• Direct Deposit participation required.

• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.

• Required to wear a uniform and comply with the uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.

• Required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Must possess or be able to obtain and maintain USFWS approved Motorboat Operator Certification (MOCC) certification(s) within 6 months of employment or June if hired prior to the field season.

• May be required to serve a 1 year probationary period.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

• Possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 grade level or higher in the Federal service. Specialized experience is described as 1) conducting surveys of avian species or wildlife; 2) recording scientific data and preparing reports; 3) assisting in collecting and recording information on avian species; and 4) identifying, observing population dynamics, and conducting nest searches for avian species. OR

• Have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelors degree in wildlife science or a related field such as natural resource management, or at least 24 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 have been directly related to this occupation. OR

• Possess a combination of specialized experience and education, when prorated, combine to meet the qualification requirements of this position.