Biological Science Technician – GG-0404-04/05

OUTREACH NOTICE

FIELD ASSISTANT POSITION

TEMPORARY, NOT TO EXCEED 180 DAYS                                                      

Biological Science Technician

GG-0404-04 & 05

The purpose of this outreach notice is to notify eligible candidates of upcoming opportunities.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS), Western Ecological Research Center will soon be filling a few 180 Day Field Assistant, Biological Science Technician positions at the GG-0404-04 level, with a starting salary of $44,030 PA, and/or the Biological Science Technician positions at the GG-0404-05 level, with a starting salary of $49,262 PA.

We are interested in recruiting Biological Science Technicians with the experience, or education and experience combination as follows:

GG-0404-04 Qualifications include 6 months of field experience OR 2 years of sub-professional work experience OR 1 years of college with courses related to the work of the position to be filled (equivalent to 30 semester/45 quarter hours).

GG-0404-05 Qualifications include 9 months of field experience OR 3 years of sub-professional work experience OR 3 years of college with courses related to the work of the position to be filled (equivalent to 90 semester/135 quarter hours) plus 3 months of lab or field work experience. Sub-professional experience consists of working as a technician or aid in the field or in a laboratory or similar environment.

These positions will be open to applicants who meet all the requirements of the position.  Details about the Field Assistant position can be found below. Invertebrate Ecology Laboratory positions are located at Moffett Field, CA and waterbird field positions are located in Fremont, CA. 

About The Position    

GG-0404-04 & 05: Technical work in a laboratory or field environment in support of professional or technical employees engaged in data collection activities or analysis of biological data collection activities or analysis of biological samples. Performs one or more of the following duties:

• Collects biological, botany, fisheries, or wildlife data from study files or monitoring stations.
• Performs laboratory analysis of biological samples to determine specific chemical, biological, or physical characteristics.
• Operates a government motor vehicle or a boat as an incidental driver.                                 

Work Schedule: Full Time

Desirable skills and knowledge include

For positions in the Invertebrate Ecology Laboratory (IEL):

• processing (sieving, sorting, identifying) macroinvertebrates using a compound microscope
• opportunities to assist with data collection in the field are available on an as-needed basis
• Other lab duties include data entry, sample disposal, sample preparation, cleaning jars for re-use, summary analyses, and keeping the lab in good working order.

For positions in the field:

• good waterbird identification
• enjoy working outdoors year-round
• possess a willingness to work in conditions that require hiking long distances in wetland
• comfortable on small boats and in heavy, urban traffic conditions
• experience with the operation of large 4WD vehicles and small boats encouraged

Eligibility

• Be a US citizen;
• Submit an application package in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the recruitment bulletin;
• Meet the established field assistant qualification standard for the position to which you are applying to by the closing date of the posted recruitment bulletin;
• Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation;
• A valid state driver’s license and safe driving record are required;
• Selectee subject to successful completion of a pre-employment medical exam;
• Housing will not be provided;
• If selected you may be asked to provide information regarding your COVID-19 vaccination status for the purposes of implementing workplace safety protocols, such as those related to masking, physical distance, testing, travel, and quarantine.