Backpack electrofishing for larval sea lamprey in Great Lakes tributaries.
As a Biological Science Technician your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
In a developmental capacity, incumbent works with senior staff to help lead 1-3 (and occasionally more) same and lower grade employees and contractors at remote locations to complete established work plan objectives and tasks according to established Program protocols. Adjusts schedules to adapt to variable weather, water and access conditions to maximize efficiency. Locates sampling sites and ensures adequacy of sampling within protocols. Coordinates, reviews work, and ensures completion of the daily fieldwork of same and lower grade employees and contractors at remote locations without direct daily contact with supervisor.
In a higher graded capacity leads 1-3 (and occasionally more) same and lower grade employees and contractors at remote locations to complete established work plan objectives and tasks according to established Program protocols. Adjusts schedules to adapt to variable weather, water and access conditions to maximize efficiency. Locates sampling sites and ensures adequacy of sampling within protocols. Coordinates, reviews work, and ensures completion of the daily fieldwork of same and lower grade employees and contractors at remote locations without direct daily contact with supervisor.
Works with senior staff to provide technical support and participate with other team members to conduct lampricide treatments, alternative controls, and assessment operations including pesticide application, chemical analysis of water, quality assurance procedures, bioassay tests, measurement of stream flow characteristics, velocity and discharge, sea lamprey sterilization, collection of biological specimens, instream and offshore assessments, studies to determine the distribution, growth and abundance of sea lampreys in the larval, parasitic and spawning life stages, and to measure the effect of lamprey control to non target species.
Provides technical support and participates with other team members to conduct lampricide treatments, alternative controls, and assessment operations including pesticide application, chemical analysis of water, quality assurance procedures, bioassay tests, measurement of stream flow characteristics, velocity and discharge, sea lamprey sterilization, collection of biological specimens, instream and offshore assessments, studies to determine the distribution, growth and abundance of sea lampreys in the larval, parasitic and spawning life stages, and to measure the effect of lamprey control to non target species.
Collects, measures, and records biological, physical, environmental, and geographical data. Records observed conditions that would affect the interpretation of data derived from samples. Prepares draft reports involving the tabulation or collection of data with comments on surrounding environments and conditions that could affect Program activities,
Uses software including word processing, spreadsheet and databases to document activities (e.g., track equipment, log entries, review and proof data). Uses a variety of tools including maps, compass, GPS, computer and other resources to navigate in both populated and remote areas. Develops maps and other illustrative material using geographic information systems and other computer technology to interpret and utilize geographical data.
Performs chemical analysis of applied larmpricides with calorimetric methods or high performance liquid chromatography and monitors lampricide concentrations. Adjusts lampricide application rates within pre-established targets.
HOW TO APPLY
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marquette and Ludington Biological Stations are currently recruiting for several permanent-seasonal Biological Science Technician positions. The positions are being recruited through USAJOBS at the GS-5 and GS-6 levels. The open period is from January 23 to February 7, 2024.