The Pacific West Region is recruiting for summer seasonal Biological Science Technician (Plants), GS-0404-4/5/6/7 positions intended to assist permanent staff with vegetation monitoring and restoration field work.
Open to the first 200 applicants. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 EST on the 'applicant cut-off' date (which may be sooner than 12/18/2020) to be considered.
Summary
The Pacific West Region is recruiting for summer seasonal Biological Science Technician (Plants), GS-0404-4/5/6/7 positions intended to assist permanent staff with vegetation monitoring and restoration field work.
Open to the first 200 applicants. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 EST on the 'applicant cut-off' date (which may be sooner than 12/18/2020) to be considered.
The Pacific West Region is recruiting for TEMPORARY seasonal positions not to exceed 1039 or 1730 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.
Multiple positions will be filled at multiple locations.
Kings Canyon National Park
Sequoia National Park
Sierra Nevada Network: Based at Sequoia National Park, Three Rivers, CA (GS-05, 06 and 07 only)
Important duties include:
Perform routine and recurring testing of collected samples. Record all data collected and ensure adequate quality control. Make field observations of natural resource conditions.
Utilize a variety of computer programs to compile, reduce, store, retrieve, and report data and other resource management information.
Conduct routine resource monitoring programs for evaluating rare, threatened and endangered plant species, vegetation communities, population dynamics, ecosystem relationships, and public health/safety issues. Carry out a variety of field activities such as the plant surveys, control of non-native and invasive plant or insect species, and enhancement of native plant populations.
Utilize databases to enter and organize collected field data and uses standard statistical methods in the preparation of draft reports.
At the GS-06 level, in addition to duties listed above, you may:
Assist in preparing reports, plans, and guidelines. Maintain and organize computer databases.
Install, operate, and maintain resource management equipment. Perform equipment inventories, evaluate quality assurance compliance, order and calibrate parts and equipment/supplies.
Provide training to others involved in resource management projects and field research.
At the GS-07 level, in addition to duties listed above, you may:
Assist staff in planning field research and resource monitoring programs. Schedule, coordinate and carry out a variety of field activities.
Develop and using databases to enter, organize and perform preliminary analysis of collected field data using standard statistical methods.
Provide work direction and guidance to lower graded technicians, volunteers, or YCC enrollees.
Assist in preparing draft news releases and provide information to individuals, local organizations and schools.
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
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.
A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay.
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 will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
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 or when the 'applicant cut-off' is reached (which may be sooner than 12/18/2020).
SELECTIVE FACTOR: you must perform work and camp in rugged mountainous backcountry areas above 7,000 feet elevation for extended periods of time. You must be able to: 1) hike on foot for several miles at a time carrying a backpack weighing up to 50 pounds; 2) camp in the backcountry for extended periods of time and 3) perform work above 7,000 feet elevation.
- AND -
To qualify at the GS-04 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications: EXPERIENCE: At least 6 months of general experience AND 6 months of specialized experience related to the work of this position. Specialized experience equips one with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the GS-04 and included things such as the implementation of vegetation management and monitoring or ecological restoration, invasive plant survey, mapping and control, erosion control, hydrologic restoration, re-vegetation, the collection of plant data or plant materials for re-vegetation projects using routine sampling techniques and procedures, and inputting/retrieving data using computers and GPS units. You must include hours worked per week in your resume. -OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least 2 years of progressively higher level undergraduate education that included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must be directly related to the position to be filled. IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE: If you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your transcripts. -OR-
Successful completion of a COMBINATION of education and experience as described above. To combine education and experience, first take the number of semester hours (or equivalent) of education above high school and divide by 60 semester hours (or equivalent). Then take the number of months of full-time experience and divide by 12 months. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include hours per week worked and transcripts.
To qualify for the GS-05 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications: EXPERIENCE: At least at least one year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: 1) performing basic vegetation inventories, studies, and surveys; 2) assisting in routine and recurring resource monitoring programs for plant species and vegetation communities; 3) assisting in controlling non-native and invasive plant species and enhancement of native plant communities; 4) participating in revegetation activities (e.g., site preparation, transplanting, seeding, and applying mulch or erosion mats); and 5) inputting/retrieving vegetation data using computers and global positioning systems (GPS). You must include hours worked per week in your resume. -OR- EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least four years of progressively higher level undergraduate coursework leading to a bachelor's degree or equivalent undergraduate degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must have been directly related to the position to be filled. You must include transcripts. -OR- COMBINATION of education and experience as described above. To combine education and experience, first take the number of semester hours (or equivalent) earned towards a bachelor's degree, in excess of 60 semester hours, and divide by 60 semester hours (or equivalent). Then take the number of months of full-time experience and divide by 12 months. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include hours per week worked and transcripts.
To qualify for the GS-06 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications: EXPERIENCE: At least one 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: 1) executing field studies on plants and plant ecology; 2) working with field crews in non-native plant eradication; 3) implementing vegetation management and monitoring or ecological restoration; 4) reporting data and other resource management information (e.g., natural science research or long-term monitoring projects); and 5) providing advice, assistance, and training to lower graded employees and volunteers. You must include hours worked per week in your resume. -OR- EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least one year of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree with a major study in a related field such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours in any of these courses must be directly related to the position to be filled. You must include transcripts.
-OR- COMBINATION of education and experience as described above. To combine education and experience, first take the number of semester hours (or equivalent) earned towards a graduate degree and divide by 18 semester hours (or equivalent). Then take the number of months of full-time experience and divide by 12 months. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include hours per week worked and transcripts.
To qualify for the GS-07 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications: EXPERIENCE: At least one year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: 1) collecting monitoring data on assorted physical restoration and vegetation management projects using specified sampling techniques and procedures; 2) monitoring rare, threatened or endangered (RTE) plants and updating plant maps and files; 3) coordinating ecological restoration projects (e.g., scheduling personnel, purchasing supplies, implementing the project and completing photographic documentation); 4) using standard statistical methods in the preparation of draft reports; and 5) providing work direction and guidance to field crews in exotic plant control or restoration projects. You must include hours worked per week in your resume. -OR- EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least one year of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree with a major study in a related field such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours in any of these courses must be directly related to the position to be filled. You must include transcripts. -OR- COMBINATION of education and experience as described above. To combine education and experience, first take the number of semester hours (or equivalent) earned towards a graduate degree and divide by 18 semester hours (or equivalent). Then take the number of months of full-time experience and divide by 12 months. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include hours per week worked and transcripts.
Education
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/.
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.
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.
Additional information
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. 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.
Telework: 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: Temporary seasonal employees can only maintain their non-competitive rehire eligibility if they work no more than a combined total of Temporary NTE less than 1040 or 1730 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 temporary appointment less than 1040 hours during that period, you are still welcome to apply. However, please be aware that exceeding the limit of 1040 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 1040 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1040 hours, unless granted an exception by OPM.
Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations.
1,730 Waiver Information: Only for approved positions in identified geographic locations, the Not to Exceed limit for seasonal temporary time limited appointments is increased to 1,730 hours which will be determined upon selection.
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.
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 two categories:
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:
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 12/18/2020:
Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, dates specified in month and year format, and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience. If military or civilian, 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 90 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 below. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/18/2020. 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.
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 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 Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/18/2020:
Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, dates specified in month and year format, and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience. If military or civilian, 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 90 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 below. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/18/2020. 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.
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 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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
