Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results
 

Seasonal Biological Science Technician

Department of the Interior
National Park Service
Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Summary

The purpose of the position is to perform routine and uncomplicated biological science tasks common to natural resource management.

Open to the first 50 applicants or until 02/02/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.

Overview

Help
Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
01/27/2026 to 02/02/2026
This job will close when we have received 50 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$19.52 to - $28.29 per hour

Pay will vary based on grade level.

Pay scale & grade
GS 5 - 6
Location
4 vacancies in the following location:
Medora, ND
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 3 nights per month. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Temporary - not to exceed 1560 hours. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is Apr - Oct, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: May 2026.
Work schedule
Full-time - Shift work, Weekend, Evening, Holiday and Overtime hours may be required.
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
MW-1542-THRO-26-12858616-DE
Control number
855616200

This job is open to

Help

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens, Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)

Videos

Duties

Help

MAJOR DUTIES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

GS-05

  • Work as part of a team, as well as independently, to treat invasive plant populations throughout the park using broadcast herbicide spraying techniques and manual removal. Ensure that herbicides are used in a safe manner, following label instructions, and that equipment is calibrated appropriately for the task at hand.
  • Work closely with supervisors, volunteers, coworkers, and team leaders, on a daily basis, to ensure the safety of the team and maximize project success in the field.
  • Routinely operate field radios, Trimble GPS devices, telemetry equipment, optics, and navigational equipment. Map invasive species locations using Trimble devices.
  • Work as part of a team, as well as independently, to map prairie-dog populations in the park.
  • Perform elk population surveys, in rugged back-country terrain, using GPS locations and telemetry equipment to find and record elk group locations and demographics.
  • Record field data and collect biological and morphological samples/measurements for various projects, in addition to assisting in record-keeping and shipping samples to appropriate labs.
  • Potential to assist with bison management and capture events in the park and work as part of an expansive team to ensure staff safety, animal welfare, and project success.
GS-06
  • Lead biological field studies and record and assemble data.
  • Coordinate volunteers and youth work groups in stewardship and science activities.
  • Assist with horse management data collection and processing.
  • Develop and/or update standardized procedures on collecting Wildlife, Fisheries, or Plants data.
  • Use Geographic Information System (GIS) software to compile and report data and other resource management information.
  • Prepare graphs, charts, and illustrations for reports and technical publications related to biological management activities

PLEASE NOTE: This position requires you to use firearms for lethal removal of animals, requiring you to have access to firearms and ammunition to include safe handling, storing and use of firearms for wildlife management purposes while performing duties such as protection from dangerous animals, wildlife management and capture. You will be required to handle and use firearms as a regular part of this position. Prior extensive experience with firearms is desirable.

Area Information:
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in the badlands of western North Dakota and includes the Theodore Roosevelt Wilderness Area. The park consists of three separate units: South Unit, Elkhorn Ranch Unit, and North Unit. The colorful Little Missouri River badlands provide a scenic backdrop to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which is home to a variety of plants and abundant wildlife.

The headquarters office for the park is located in the South Unit in Medora, ND (population 100). This is a seasonal town with a variety of services available from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Complete services and a university are located in Dickinson (population 25,000), 35 miles to the east.

The North Unit is located 16 miles south of Watford City, ND (population 2,500), and is 70 miles by road from park headquarters. Limited medical facilities and shopping are located in Watford City. Complete services and a college are located in Williston, 60 miles northwest, and complete services and a university are located in Dickinson, 70 miles southeast.

Summers are warm and sunny with temperatures occasionally reaching above 100 degrees F. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

GOVERNMENT HOUSING MAY BE AVAILABLE.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
  • Direct Deposit: Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
  • Drug Testing: You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use due to the collateral duty requiring firearms in the back-country or other locations for non-law enforcement reasons such as protection from animals.
  • Incidental Driving: You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties. Prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and every year thereafter (or more frequently if need exists), 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 valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. Please indicate in your application whether you possess a valid State driver's license.
  • Uniform: You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • Firearms: This position requires the incumbent to have access to firearms and ammunition and must use safe handling, storing and use of firearms for wildlife management purposes. You must maintain firearm proficiency.
  • Security Investigation: You must be free of any domestic violence convictions. Under certain provision of the Federal Gun Act, any person who has been convicted of a qualifying crime or domestic violence or who is subject to a qualifying protection order is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
  • Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Qualifications

Qualifications:
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-02/02/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), 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.

To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
EXPERIENCE: At least one full 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: Participating in biological field studies; Collecting data on Wildlife, Fisheries, or Plants following standardized procedures; Mixing and spraying herbicide to treat invasive plant species; Performing testing of field data collected; and safely handling firearms. -OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of a full four (4) year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture or mathematics. At least six (6) semester hours are directly related to the position such as botany, forest ecology, silviculture, plant ecology, wildlife biology, zoology, ornithology etc. -OR-
COMBINATION: A combination of specialized experience as described above, and education as described above which total 100 percent. Only education beyond the first 60 semester hours above high school is considered qualifying when combined with specialized experience. Thirty semester hours beyond the first 60 is equivalent to 6 months of specialized experience. For example, 6 months of specialized experience (50% of the specialized experience requirement) and 90 semester hours with at least 12 semester hours related to the position and three (3) hours directly related to the position (50 % of the education requirement) would be considered qualifying. NOTE: If you are qualifying based in part, upon education, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts.

To qualify for this position at the GS-06 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
EXPERIENCE: At least 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: Leading biological field studies and assembling the information; Leading or coordinating volunteers or youth work groups in carrying out science related activities; Using Geographic Information System (GIS) software to compile and report data; Mixing and spraying herbicide to treat invasive plant species; Using radio telemetry to locate collared animals; and unsupervised safe use and handling of firearms. -OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion one (1) full year of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position. NOTE: Graduate education meets the specialized experience required above GS-5 only in those instances where it is directly related to the work of the position. One (1) year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent one (1) year of full-time study. If that information cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours should be considered as satisfying the one (1) year of full-time study requirement. Part-time graduate education is creditable in accordance with its relationship to a year of full-time study at the school attended. -OR-
COMBINATION: A combination of specialized experience as described above, and graduate education as described above which total 100 percent. Completion of a percentage of the specialized experience and education listed above and when combined totals 100%. NOTE: If you are qualifying based in part, upon education, you MUST submit a copy of your 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.

Additional information

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.

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

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 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.

Physical Demands: The work is partially sedentary with prolonged standing, walking, and bending often required. Heavy items (e.g., packs and equipment up to 50 pounds) must be lifted and carried on a routine basis.


Working Conditions: The work is performed in an office, laboratory, and in the field. Field work includes exposure to extreme weather conditions and terrain, pesticides, poisonous plants, biting insects, and wild animals. Laboratory work may involve exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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 based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the additional assessments required for this position. 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.

Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. You may only submit one resume. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.

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:
  • Biology
  • Research
  • Technology Application
  • Self-Management (GS-06 only)
In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process.

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.