GS-4 Student Pathways Trainee (Aquatics)

The National Park Service is seeking several full-time, temporary aquatic technicians for the 2024 summer field season in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (SEKI). This announcement is for GS-4 ($17.35/hr) Pathways Internship positions.

Mountain yellow-legged frog technician (4 GS-4): Technicians will restore high elevation lake and stream ecosystems in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to benefit native species, including endangered mountain yellow-legged frogs (Rana muscosa and Rana sierrae). The GS-04 and positions will be stationed in Kings Canyon National Park with projected start dates of early- to mid-June.

• GS-04 level: Duties are removing nonnative fish from lakes using gill nets and from streams using backpack electrofishers; setting, cleaning and repairing gill nets; conducting visual encounter surveys for fish, amphibians, and reptiles; collecting field data; following detailed protocols; recording environmental parameters; using topographic maps, compass, and/or global positioning systems (GPS) for navigation; providing an overview of the project to park visitors, and occasional assistance with research projects.

Northwestern pond turtle technician (1 GS-4): Technicians will survey pond turtles using multiple methods. The GS-4 positions will be stationed in Sequoia National Park with projected start date of early-May to June.

• GS-04 level: Duties are surveying streams for aquatic species via snorkeling; capturing turtles by hand or with traps; radio transmitter attachment and genetic sample collection; radio telemetry; habitat measurements; following detailed protocols; recording environmental parameters; using topographic maps, compass, and/or global positioning systems (GPS) for navigation; providing an overview of the project to park visitors, and occasional assistance with research projects.

Requirements common to all positions: Technicians working on projects located in the wilderness must have strong backpacking and wilderness camping skills, the ability to hike safely across challenging on- and off-trail terrain and be comfortable in remote wilderness setting with limited human contact. Technicians must have experience in conducting amphibian, reptile, fisheries, or other wildlife surveys, and a strong commitment to conducting ecological restoration. Technicians must be able to work well in a small crew, be detail oriented, and able to work in cold or hot, wet, windy, buggy, and stormy conditions. 

To be eligible for the Pathways Internship Program you must be currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited college (including 4-year colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges); professional, technical, vocational, and trade school; advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate on at least a half-time basis.