Biological Science Technician (Fisheries)

Summary Explore a new career with the BLM – where our people are our most precious resource. We expect to fill a few vacancies. This is a temporary appointment. Appointment to this position will not convey permanent status and will be for a period not-to-exceed 1039 hours in a service year. Responsibilities Biological Science Technicians (Fish) assist in planning and conduct aquatic and riparian inventories and studies as well as plan and conduct fish population studies. Riparian studies may be conducted on wetland areas and along stream corridors and may include species inventory and condition assessments. Incumbent will also analyze inventory or study data; prepare data for inclusion in study reports; and make recommendations for aquatic and riparian enhancement projects or improvements in survey techniques and evaluation methods. Other duties may include work from an outline; check extensive data in the field of fish habitat condition (stream or lake); record results; make census counts of various species or record observations, on species condition or stream surveys. Biological Science Technicians (Fish) assist in planning and conduct simple water quality samplings of streams and lakes and assist in construction or placement of habitat improvement structures, fences, gabions, trash catchers, etc. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the qualification requirements – please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience. GS-6: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 level. Examples of specialized experience may include surveying, mapping and documenting a variety of fisheries related species, and habitat conditions; aquatic and riparian inventories, maps, and surveys; compiling of occurrence and distribution data, cover maps, and herbarium study mounts; assisting in performing fisheries or riparian studies and in constructing fish or stream/riparian habitat improvement structures; and compiling data obtaining through soil inventory and assembling data into a logical sequence for review; OR Successful completion of one full year of graduate education directly related to the work of the position; OR A combination of experience and education to meet total experience. GS-7: One (1) year of specialized work experience equivalent to GS-6 level. Examples of specialized experience may include researching, compiling and tabulating a full range of fisheries related inventory data or aquatic and riparian inventory data; recommending aquatic and riparian enhancement projects or improvements in survey techniques and evaluation methods; leading or conducting field inventories of soil types to develop intensive soil information; and collecting ecological site information for sensitive, threatened or endangered plants to determine factors limiting distribution and potential for enhancement; OR Successful completion of one full year of graduate education directly related to the work of the position; OR A combination of experience and education to meet total experience. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment, You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. Physical Demands/Work Environments: Work requires some physical exertion such as bending and walking/hiking in terrain that is rough, rocky, mountainous and densely vegetated that may also be steep, we and muddy. Required to lift and carry equipment necessary to perform the work of the position, this includes tools, personal protective equipment, food and water for extended periods away from a vehicle. Work while in the office is performed in adequately lighted, ventilated, cooled and heated area. Fieldwork is subject to cuts and bruises, extreme and adverse weather conditions and injuries and discomforts from pests and animals. Education If qualifying based on education, you will need to clearly state your undergraduate/graduate degree(s) and you must submit copies of all transcripts or a list of college courses that include hours and grades from an accredited U.S. college/university. If your degree is from a Foreign Institution See Foreign Education. Graduate education or an internship meets the specialized experience required above GS-5 only in those instances where it is directly related to the work of the position. One full year of graduate education meets the requirements for GS-6 and 7. Additional Information DOI uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit E-Verify. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority, you must: 1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well qualified for the position with a score of 90 or above; and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information: CTAP or ICTAP Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for Selective Service Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid by the Department of the Interior. Any travel, transportation and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the responsibility of the selected employee. This position is not eligible for Telework. Government facilities are required to provide a smoke free environment for their employees. This position may require you to wear an officially-approved uniform while in a duty status. At some duty locations this position may require you to have a current valid drivers license. At some duty locations you may need the ability to lift and move objects weighing over 50 pounds. All positions may not be filled or they may be filled at different times depending on budget, hiring needs, and requirements. These positions are temporary and are expected to last for up to 6 months. These positions have no promotion potential, if you want to be considered for a higher grade you must apply for the higher grade. If selected from this announcement you may be rehired for identical positions without further competition based on work needs, funding, or any other condition of employment. If selected from this or a similar competitive, seasonal announcement, your appointment may be creditable for consideration under PL-114-47, Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA). The Act allows certain individuals, who have or had time-limited appointments at land management agencies, to compete for any permanent position in the competitive service under “internal” merit promotion procedures. For more information, see the section under Eligibility, which starts with Question #15 (Q15. Who is eligible for appointment under these provisions?). For additional information about the BLM, please visit Our website.