The Pacific West Region is recruiting for summer seasonal Biological Science Technician (Aquatics), GS-0404-4/5/6/7 positions intended to assist permanent staff with Biological Science Technician Aquatic field work.
Open to the first 125 applicants. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 EST on the 'applicant cut-off' date (which may be sooner than 03/26/2019) to be considered.
The duty stations for the parks are:
Kings Canyon National Park, CA
Sequoia National Park, CA
Summary
The Pacific West Region is recruiting for summer seasonal Biological Science Technician (Aquatics), GS-0404-4/5/6/7 positions intended to assist permanent staff with Biological Science Technician Aquatic field work.
Open to the first 125 applicants. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 EST on the 'applicant cut-off' date (which may be sooner than 03/26/2019) to be considered.
The duty stations for the parks are:
Kings Canyon National Park, CA
Sequoia National Park, CA
The Pacific West Region is recruiting for TEMPORARY seasonal positions not to exceed 6 months (1,039 hours) work in a service year. Dates of employment will vary between park sites depending on funding, weather conditions and visitation. Within regulatory limitations, the length of initial appointment may be shortened or extended depending on work availability and funding. For information about work season, government housing availability, and rate of pay, please review the "Duties" below.
The GS-04 & GS-05 positions will be stationed at Kings Canyon National Park with a projected start date of June 10, 2019. The GS-06 and GS-07 positions will be stationed at Sequoia National Park with a projected start date of May 28, 2019.. Both of the GS-06 positions and the GS-07 position will be traveling between Sequoia and Kings Canyon depending on program needs. The program's focus is to restore high elevation aquatic ecosystems in which native species have been adversely affected by non-native species.
GS-04 level: Duties are removing nonnative fish from alpine lakes; visual encounter surveys for amphibians and reptiles; setting, cleaning and repairing gill nets; electrofishing in streams; conducting fish, amphibian, and reptile surveys; collecting field data; killing nonnative fish; handling dead fish; 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.
GS-05 level: Additionally, interacting with the public regarding sensitive amphibian, reptile, or fisheries management issues; discussing scientific information with peers and public; and training other technicians, interns, volunteers, and field observers.
GS-06 level: Additionally, managing logistics in preparation for summer fieldwork; providing orientation, training and mentoring for summer field crews; overseeing and conducting summer field operations; manipulating aquatic datasets; providing logistic and field support to scientific research studies; conducting electronic entry, quality assurance/quality control and summary reporting of field data, and organizing and maintaining field equipment and supplies.
GS-07 level: Additionally, drafting technical reports summarizing scientific projects; compiling drafts of Sierra Nevada aquatic wildlife information for data collection spreadsheets, reports, and correspondence; evaluating and interpreting the significance of scientific findings; and analyzing biologic, chemical, and physical data as part of a multidisciplinary aquatic ecology program.
Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
Required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties. Prior to motor vehicle operation and routinely (should need exist), you will be required to submit a photocopy of your valid State issued driver's license and to sign an affidavit certifying to your possession of a valid State issued driver's license that is current and has not been revoked, suspended, canceled, or otherwise disqualified in any way to prohibit your operation of a motor vehicle. You may be required to submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that discloses all your valid driver's licenses, whether current or past. Please indicate in your application whether you possess a valid State driver's license.
You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
Strong backpacking and wilderness camping skills is required along with being comfortable in remote wilderness settings with limited human contact for 1-2 weeks at a time.
Must work well in a small crew for extended periods.
Strong attention to detail when collecting data and following protocols.
Work in a variety of difficult environmental conditions (cold/hot, wet, windy, buggy, and stormy conditions) .
Work schedules and project assignments may change depending on staffing needs, weather conditions, and funding.
You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle.
This is not a drug and/or alcohol testing designated position; however all Federal government employees are subject to reasonable suspicion testing as appropriate.
Travel, transportation & relocation expenses will not be paid. Relocation expenses will be the employee's responsibility.
Qualifications
All qualifications must be met by 11:59 EST when the 'applicant cut-off' is reached (which may be sooner than 03/26/2019).
SELECTIVE FACTOR: These positions require regular and recurring work and camping in rugged mountainous backcountry above 7000 ft. elevation for extended periods of time. Selectee(s) must be able to hike by foot in the backcountry at high altitude for extended periods of time while carrying backpacks, tools and supplies of at least 50 lbs. and be able to camp for several days at a time. Such wilderness travel skills require extensive experience to develop, and given the short duration of the summer season and immediacy of need, such skills cannot be acquired on-the-job in a reasonable amount of time. - AND - To qualify for this position at the GS-04 grade level, you must possess one of the following minimum qualifications: EXPERIENCE: At least six months of general experience and six months of specialized experience. General experience is any type of work that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of the position, or experience that provides a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation. Specialized experience demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of a Biological Science Technician. Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to: 1) assists others conducting aquatic ecology, wildlife or fisheries work; 2) assists with scientific surveys; and 3) records and enters data into databases. You must include hours per week worked; OR EDUCATION: Successfully completed 2 years (90 quarter or 60 semester hours) of study above high school, that included at least 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as biology, ecology chemistry, statistics, zoology, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture or mathematics. This MUST include at least 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) in wildlife management, ecology, herpetology, ichthyology, and/or fisheries courses. You must include transcripts;OR
Successful completion of a COMBINATION of education and specialized experience as described above that total at least one year. Specialized experience and education should be computed as a percentage of the overall requirements and must equal 100 percent when combined. You must include hours per week worked and transcripts.
To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level, you must possess one of the following minimum qualifications: EXPERIENCE: One year of specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-04 grade level in the Federal Service (can be obtained in the public or private sector) that included activities such as: assists in collecting physical, chemical and nutrient sample profiles in lakes; identifies aquatic or marine fauna (amphibians, fish, invertebrates, etc.); surveys fish populations; accurately collects and records biological data in a field setting; assists in setting and cleaning fish from gill nets; and follows instructions and standardized procedures when gathering aquatic species data. You must include hours per week worked;OR EDUCATION: Successfully completed four (4) full years of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as wildlife management, ecology, zoology, biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. This MUST include at least 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) in wildlife management, ecology, herpetology, ichthyology, and/or fisheries courses. You must include transcripts; OR
Successful completion of a COMBINATION of education and experience as described above that total at least one year. Experience and education should be computed as percentage of the overall requirements and must equal 100 percent when combined. You must include hours per week worked and transcripts.
To qualify for this position at the GS-06 grade level, you must possess one of the following minimum qualifications: EXPERIENCE: One full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: prior specific work experience in wildlife or fisheries science presenting scientific information to peers and public; eradicating nonnative aquatic species or monitoring turtle species; setting and cleaning fish from gill nets using a float tube or boat; electro-fishing; conducting field work in remote wilderness doing wildlife restoration, research, or management; conducting amphibian, reptile, and/or fish surveys; using GPS technology to navigate and collect aquatic species data; following instructions and standardized procedures when gathering aquatic species data; and assisting in photo documentation of aquatic species sites. You must include hours per week worked; OR EDUCATION: Successfully completed one full year (18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours) graduate education leading towards a Master's Degree with a major study in any combination of scientific or technical courses directly related to this position such as wildlife management, ecology, herpetology, ichthyology, and/or fisheries courses. You must include transcripts;OR
Successful completion of a COMBINATION of education and experience as described above that total at least one year. Experience and education should be computed as percentage of the overall requirements and must equal 100 percent when combined. You must include hours per week worked and transcripts.
To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess one of the following minimum qualifications:
EXPERIENCE: One full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: conducting aquatic field studies including installation, operation, and maintenance of testing and sampling equipment in both the field and lab; leading surveys of aquatic wildlife populations (e.g., fish, amphibians, macro invertebrates, etc.); entering, managing and analyzing aquatic field data; preparing field and survey reports; and leading crews conducting aquatic or marine field work. You must include hours per week worked; OR EDUCATION: Successfully completed one full year (18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours) of graduate level education leading towards a Master's Degree with a major study in any combination of scientific or technical courses directly related to this position such as wildlife management, ecology, herpetology, ichthyology, and/or fisheries courses. You must include transcripts; OR
Successful completion of a COMBINATION of education and experience as described above that total at least one year. Experience and education should be computed as percentage of the overall requirements and must equal 100 percent when combined. You must include hours per week worked and transcripts.
Volunteer Experience: 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
To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.
You must include months, years and hours per week worked to receive credit for your work and/or volunteer experience. One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week. Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for experience that does not indicate exact hours per week or is listed as "varies". No additional credit is given for overtime. In describing the nature of your duties (your experience), please be clear and concise. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience. The Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standards are available for review at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
ICTAP/CTAP Statement: Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level on all competencies.
Additional information
For additional information about these positions, please contact:
Daniel Boiano - Danny_boiano@nps.gov 559-565-4273 OR
Adam Fuest - adam_fuest@nps.gov 559-565-4274
Temporary positions not-to-exceed 1039 regular hours in a service year may be terminated sooner or extended depending on management needs. Individuals selected under this vacancy announcement are eligible for the possibility of extensions or rehire in subsequent service years.
Physical Demands: The work requires physical exertion such as regular and recurring walking, hiking, or climbing over wet, rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; bending; crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching to observe, collect, or record field data; or in some situations the work may require physical exertion to scuba dive or operate a boat. Heavy items (e.g., equipment and packs up to 50 pounds) must be lifted and carried on a routine basis.
Working Conditions: The work is performed in an office or outdoors. The work performed involves regular and recurring exposure to extreme weather conditions and terrain, poisonous plants, biting insects, and wild animals.
Housing: Available rental housing units may include tent cabins, mobile homes, apartments, or traditional houses and housing/rooms will likely be shared with other employees, interns, volunteers, etc. Units may be rustic, located in wilderness areas, with few if any modern conveniences. Pets (other than service pets) and overnight guests are not allowed; units are to house assigned employees only.
Air Quality: Poor air quality afflicts Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, especially during summer months - generally May to October. High ozone levels may be the most harmful pollutant here. In summer months, concentrations often exceed the federal ozone health standards. For more information: http://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/nature/airqualityinfo.htm.
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.
Non-Competitive Rehire Eligibility: Effective May 26, 2018, please note that a temporary seasonal employee can only maintain their non-competitive rehire eligibility if they work no more than a combined total of 1,039 hours anywhere in the National Park Service (NPS) within their established service year. Accordingly, non-competitive rehire eligibility allows for re-appointment to the same position or another position appropriate for temporary appointment with the same qualification requirements (5 CFR 316.402[b][7]), based on series and grade, anywhere in the major subdivision (NPS).
If you have held a temporary seasonal appointment in the past 12 months, and have already worked the maximum 1,039 hours during that period, you are still welcome to apply. However, please be aware that exceeding the limit of 1,039 hours in your established service year will result in the loss of your non-competitive rehire eligibility. The limit can be exceeded by working multiple temporary seasonal positions that result in a combined total greater than 1,039 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1,039 hours, unless granted an exception by OPM.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score will be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you can lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions can affect your rating.
Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. These procedures place candidates with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans with a service connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher. Under Category Rating, candidates will be rated and ranked into one of three categories:
Best Qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position
Well Qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in most of the requirements of the job
Qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in some, but not all of the requirements of the job.
You will be evaluated on the following competencies:
Fishery Biology
Research
Teamwork
Oral Communication (GS-05, GS-06 and GS-07)
Technology Application (GS-05, GS-06 and GS-07)
Leadership (GS-06 and GS-07)
Technical Competence (GS-06 and GS-07)
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on the 'applicant cut-off' date (which may be sooner than 03/26/2019):
Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, with dates specified in month and year format, and, indicate hours worked per week. If military or civilian (current or former), please include your rank and/or grade.
A complete Occupational Questionnaire
Documentation that you meet Selective Factors
College transcripts, if qualifying based on education
Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:
If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, orMother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.
Documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan consideration if you are a displaced Federal employee within the local commuting area. You must include: 1) Proof you are a displaced Federal employee, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above 85 on the rating criteria for this position.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.
Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.
To apply for this position: You must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST when the 'applicant cut-off' is reached (which may be sooner than 03/26/2019). WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR E-MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES.
Select Apply. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to login or create an account.
Prompted to Start the Application Process by selecting "Start Application."
Select documents you want included in this application.
Review package to acknowledge your documents were reviewed.
Select if you want to include your demographic information.
After reading and certifying the application is true and submitted in good faith, select "Continue to Agency Site."
Follow onscreen prompts and instructions to complete your application.
Add the supporting documents by indexing your documents with the dropdown.
Upload any missing required documents or optional documents.
Review and Submit Application.
While logged in, you can check the status of your application by selecting "+" next to the job title for this position.
You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement.
To update an application, you should log into your USAJOBS account and select "+" next to the job title for this position. Select "Update Application" for this job.
Note: When you click Update Application, you will be prompted to re-select your documents from USAJOBS. Documents submitted with the first application will no longer be associated with the applicant record. So it is important that you select all documents you want to use in the re-application.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
47050 Generals Highway
Three Rivers, CA 93271
US
Next steps
Once the Occupational Questionnaire is received you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful.
If you can go back to the Application section of your USAJOBS account, your application status will say Received if the application went through. Please note, this process may take several hours to reflect this status. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents are uploaded and legible.
If you are among the most qualified candidates and your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.
The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on the 'applicant cut-off' date (which may be sooner than 03/26/2019):
Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, with dates specified in month and year format, and, indicate hours worked per week. If military or civilian (current or former), please include your rank and/or grade.
A complete Occupational Questionnaire
Documentation that you meet Selective Factors
College transcripts, if qualifying based on education
Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:
If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, orMother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.
Documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan consideration if you are a displaced Federal employee within the local commuting area. You must include: 1) Proof you are a displaced Federal employee, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above 85 on the rating criteria for this position.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.
Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.
To apply for this position: You must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST when the 'applicant cut-off' is reached (which may be sooner than 03/26/2019). WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR E-MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES.
Select Apply. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to login or create an account.
Prompted to Start the Application Process by selecting "Start Application."
Select documents you want included in this application.
Review package to acknowledge your documents were reviewed.
Select if you want to include your demographic information.
After reading and certifying the application is true and submitted in good faith, select "Continue to Agency Site."
Follow onscreen prompts and instructions to complete your application.
Add the supporting documents by indexing your documents with the dropdown.
Upload any missing required documents or optional documents.
Review and Submit Application.
While logged in, you can check the status of your application by selecting "+" next to the job title for this position.
You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement.
To update an application, you should log into your USAJOBS account and select "+" next to the job title for this position. Select "Update Application" for this job.
Note: When you click Update Application, you will be prompted to re-select your documents from USAJOBS. Documents submitted with the first application will no longer be associated with the applicant record. So it is important that you select all documents you want to use in the re-application.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
47050 Generals Highway
Three Rivers, CA 93271
US
Next steps
Once the Occupational Questionnaire is received you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful.
If you can go back to the Application section of your USAJOBS account, your application status will say Received if the application went through. Please note, this process may take several hours to reflect this status. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents are uploaded and legible.
If you are among the most qualified candidates and your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.
