Biological Science Technician

Role Overview

The Biological Science Technician will engage in diverse duties related to plant propagation, wildlife and botanical surveys, environmental monitoring, habitat restoration, and public outreach. The position offers a multi-grade career path from GS-5 to GS-7 levels, with progressively advanced responsibilities and opportunities for promotion based on performance and availability.

Key Responsibilities

• At GS-5 level, assist with propagation and planting of rare or native species and greenhouse upkeep; conduct wildlife and plant surveys, gather field data, and maintain databases; organize wildlife camera imagery; support environmental monitoring and GIS data entry; perform habitat restoration tasks and public outreach.
• At GS-6 level, independently propagate rare/native plants and develop habitat restoration plans; conduct surveys and data management; analyze wildlife camera data; monitor environmental factors, create GIS visualizations and reports; carry out vegetation management and occasional outreach.
• At GS-7 level, lead propagation and habitat restoration coordination; undertake advanced surveys with comprehensive data management; interpret wildlife camera monitoring data; oversee environmental monitoring and GIS reporting; guide habitat restoration activities and conduct public outreach and education.

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. citizenship proof required.
• Subject to background check and favorable adjudication.
• Males born post-December 31, 1959, must register with Selective Service.
• Enrollment in direct deposit mandatory.
• Pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Must maintain valid driver's license throughout employment.
• Uniform wear is required; allowance provided.
• Potential 1-year probation period evaluating fitness and employment continuation.

Qualifications

Applicants must fulfill the qualification criteria by August 2, 2026. Specific grade level experience requirements are:

• GS-5: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-4 or a completed bachelor's degree with at least 24 semester hours in relevant scientific or technical disciplines including biology, chemistry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics.
• GS-6: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 or one full year of graduate education in a relevant field.
• GS-7: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-6 or one full year of relevant graduate study.

Specialized experience includes activities such as rare plant surveys, habitat assessments, data compilation, soil and root sampling, mapping, and habitat improvement projects. Volunteer experience qualifying under official programs may also be considered.

Education & Documentation

• Applicants using education must submit transcripts showing coursework, grades, credit hours, GPA or class rank, institution and student names.
• If coursework is unclear, an official letter clarifying applicable credits is required.
• Pass/fail course considerations apply if over 10% of coursework was taken pass/fail.
• Foreign education must be evaluated by accredited agencies to confirm equivalence to US standards.

Additional Information

• Additional vacancies may be filled through this announcement.
• Promotion to full performance level depends on demonstrated capability, availability of higher-grade work, and supervisor recommendation; not guaranteed.
• Reasonable Accommodations for disabilities in assessment processes are available upon request before testing.
• Relocation or recruitment incentives may be offered case-by-case.
• Federal ethics restrictions apply to DOI employees and related individuals.
• Applicants using inappropriate language will be disqualified.
• Candidates should be dedicated to public service ideals, efficiency, and constitutional values.
• Federal employment includes comprehensive benefits tailored to employment type and schedule.