NOTE: OPM has identified this position as eligible for an exception to the typical 1039-hour season. This exception allows up to 1560 hours which may extend the season(s) reflected in this announcement. See the Additional Information section for details.
The typical season for this position is April - September but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. The anticipated entry on duty is April 2026.
Summary
NOTE: OPM has identified this position as eligible for an exception to the typical 1039-hour season. This exception allows up to 1560 hours which may extend the season(s) reflected in this announcement. See the Additional Information section for details.
The typical season for this position is April - September but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. The anticipated entry on duty is April 2026.
This position is being filled using the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) local hiring authority (16 USC 3198).
Any U.S. Citizen who has acquired special knowledge or expertise regarding the natural or cultural resources of Denali National Park and Preserve, by reason of having either lived or worked in or near the unit may apply. See Qualifications section for eligibility requirements.
If selected, you will work as a Biological Science Technician at Denali National Park and Preserve.
Duties of the position include but are not limited to the following:
Assist professional staff in implementing wildlife and vehicle traffic inventory and monitoring programs related to a variety of possible species including seabirds, water birds, passerine birds, small mammals, ungulates, bears, and raptors in the front country and the remote backcountry areas of Denali National Park and Preserve.
Assist in planning, logistical arrangements, field work, data entry and result summarization. Selectee(s) will typically be stationed in the front country, but may be expected to live in primitive, remote backcountry camps in remote portions of the park for up to 10 days at a time for travel, collecting natural resource data. Work will include field surveys to document and assess vehicle presence and behavior, animal presence, abundance, reproduction, management issues, and population dynamics in various areas of the park using established protocols and standard equipment (including GPS). Field work may include long days making observations from a government vehicle or public bus.
The incumbent will use computer software applications (e.g., Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, ArcGIS, Pathfinder Office, etc.) to store, retrieve, manage and analyze data, generate maps, and assist with creating reports and recommendations for natural resources projects.
Duties at the GS-07 grade level include the duties listed above and the following:
Surveys for amphibians, birds (including seabirds, shorebirds, raptors, land birds, etc.), or mammals (bears, wolves, marine mammals, etc.).
Participates in planning, managing, conducting, analyzing data and writing reports on a variety of wildlife oriented biological survey, monitoring and research activities.
Performs a wide variety of complex biological science technical support functions under the supervision of a professional specialist.
Plans study design and field sampling schemes, logistical arrangements, leading field work, data entry and analysis and completing reports or other documents related to the project.
Wildlife surveys, GPS mapping, GIS data management, map production, weather data collection, water quality data collection, data entry, managing and manipulating digital images and web or journal based research and training other employees and volunteers to efficiently conduct these tasks.
Please visit find a park for additional park information.
Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also 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 disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle.
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, and overtime.
You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 15 nights per month.
You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.
Applicants must be at least (1) 18 years old.
Qualifications
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 02/27/2026 unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Special knowledge or expertise concerning the park's or preserve's natural and/or cultural resources and the management thereof is required. Local knowledge of the resources and the typical conditions that affect the work to be accomplished will be applied in the performance of duties.
-AND-
To be eligible your application package must clearly show periods of time having lived or worked in or near the area of consideration. The area of consideration can be found in the below paragraphs.
Areas considered "near" Denali National Park and Preserve include only: Anderson, Cantwell, Chulitna, Clear, Curry, Denali Park, Ferry, Healy, Kantishna, Lake Minchumina, McKinley Village, Nenana, Nikolai, Petersville, Talkeetna, Tanana, Telida, and Trapper Creek.
-ALSO-
The following are the competencies identified for this position. Applicants are not required to address these competencies in a separate document but are encouraged to include in their resumes experience related to these competencies:
GS-05 grade level:
1) Ability to make field observations of natural resource conditions in remote field locations.
2) Skill with computer and personal device use and associated software programs.
3) Ability to recognize, record, and adapt to unusual conditions or data encountered in the normal course of field or laboratory work.
4) Ability to prepare field trip reports.
5) Ability to communicate effectively (interpersonal skills).
6) Skill ensuring adequate quality control of data collected.
GS-07 grade level:
1) Knowledge of the principles and practices of wildlife biology and wildlife management.
2) Ability to communicate effectively (interpersonal skills).
3) Skill with computer use and with computer software programs.
4) Knowledge of standard Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) procedures and other data management systems relating to natural resource management activities.
Education
There is no substitution of education for the required special knowledge or expertise concerning the park's or preserve's natural and/or cultural resources and the management thereof as outlined in this announcement.
Additional information
NOTE: In support of Executive Order (EO) 14189 "Celebrating America's 250th Birthday" and EO 14314 "Making America Beautiful Again by Improving our National Parks," the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has approved an exception to the 1039-hour time limitation for this position. This approval may extend the time limitation up to 1560 hours for this temporary seasonal appointment.
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.
This is an excepted service appointment that does not confer competitive status.
Government housing is not available.
All travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the sole responsibility of the selectee.
Alaska currently does not have a state income tax.
Selectee may be moved between duty stations within park boundaries.
Physical Demands: The works 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 works 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.
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.
Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents, responses to the questions in the assessment). If your application package does not clearly reflect having lived / worked within the area of consideration, does not clearly reflect special knowledge of the natural and/or cultural resources of the park or preserve, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible' or 'not qualified'.
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.
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 02/27/2026:
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. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
Complete All Required Assessments.
To be eligible, your application package must clearly show periods of time having lived or worked in or near the areas of consideration as described in the Qualifications section of this announcement.
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, or Mother 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.
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.
There are multiple options for applying to this position, please see application options and instructions below:
To apply online: You must 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 02/27/2026. You must provide documentation to support your eligibility claim.
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.
To apply via mail: Mailed applications must be postmarked by the closing date of the announcement. If applying via mail, you must include answers to the Application Questionnaire. The Application Questionnaire can be accessed via the link in the instructions above. If your application is postmarked by the closing date, it must be received in a sealed envelope no later than seven calendar days after the closing date. The seven-day waiting period may be extended if weather delays mail delivery.
Applications may be mailed to:
National Park Service
Alaska Regional Office
Attn: Human Resources
240 W. 5th Ave.
Anchorage, AK 99501
Applications must include the vacancy announcement number. If you are applying to multiple vacancy announcements, you must submit a separate application for each vacancy.
Alaska Regional Office
240 W 5th Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
US
Next steps
If 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 02/27/2026:
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. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
Complete All Required Assessments.
To be eligible, your application package must clearly show periods of time having lived or worked in or near the areas of consideration as described in the Qualifications section of this announcement.
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, or Mother 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.
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.
There are multiple options for applying to this position, please see application options and instructions below:
To apply online: You must 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 02/27/2026. You must provide documentation to support your eligibility claim.
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.
To apply via mail: Mailed applications must be postmarked by the closing date of the announcement. If applying via mail, you must include answers to the Application Questionnaire. The Application Questionnaire can be accessed via the link in the instructions above. If your application is postmarked by the closing date, it must be received in a sealed envelope no later than seven calendar days after the closing date. The seven-day waiting period may be extended if weather delays mail delivery.
Applications may be mailed to:
National Park Service
Alaska Regional Office
Attn: Human Resources
240 W. 5th Ave.
Anchorage, AK 99501
Applications must include the vacancy announcement number. If you are applying to multiple vacancy announcements, you must submit a separate application for each vacancy.
Alaska Regional Office
240 W 5th Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
US
Next steps
If 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.
