Biological Science Technician

Summary There are (3) vacancies for the position of Biological Science Technician, GS- 0404-6 working in Carbondale, IL, for the R3-Carterville F and W Conservation Office. This is a term position expected to last 13 months but may be extended up to a total of 10 years at managements discretion. Responsibilities As a Biological Science Technician your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following: Assist in planning and conducting biological surveys of waters in the Mid-west for the conservation and rehabilitation of fisheries resources. Assist in the surveillance and detection (locating, capturing, marking, and tagging) of both native and invasive aquatic species using standard fish sampling gear (such as trawls, gillnets, fyke nets, and/or electrofishing equipment). Utilize databases to enter, organize, and perform preliminary analysis of collected field data, using standard statistical methods in preparation of fisheries reports. Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot a variety of field equipment commonly used in fishery studies, including small watercraft, fish sampling gear. Enter and retrieve data from geographic information systems and assist in the preparation and processing of various laboratory samples. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Only experience and education obtained by 10/29/2024 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must satisfy Minimum Qualification. Minimum Qualification [GS-6] One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-5 grade level in the Federal service. Qualifying experience may include: collecting biological samples from fish; taking measurements and assessing readings of fish; executing tests on fish; documenting observations of fish and relating the significance of the results to a project/program; collecting, storing, organizing, and transferring raw data sheets related to fish and/or wildlife to digital files; inputting data into computer databases; performing Quality Assurance/Quality Control on entered data. OR One full year of graduate-level education with major study/coursework in or directly related to the work of the position (e.g., fish biology, ichthyology, aquaculture, limnology, etc.). OR A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement. 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. Education PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institutions registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts. PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society. GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate schools definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study. FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov) Additional Information PCS INFORMATION: No PCS entitlements authorized Telework: This position is suitable for telework and may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval. Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), score at least 85 on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. Click here for more information on CTAP and ICTAP. Reasonable Accommodation: The USFWS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please visit USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy if you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process.