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Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)

Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Summary

As a Wildlife Biological Science Technician, you will perform duties relating to wildlife management and use of techniques aimed at controlling damage caused by wildlife to help protect agriculture, natural resources, property, and threats to human health and safety.

Qualified applicants will be considered weekly and referred as vacancies become available.

This announcement is intended to collect applications through the closing date listed above.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
03/12/2026 to 06/01/2026
Salary
$17.47 - $28.35 per hour
Pay scale & grade
GS 3 - 4
Location
Many vacancies in the following location:
Location Negotiable After Selection
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Multiple
Work schedule
Multiple Schedules
Service
Excepted
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
EL-12897478-26-WS
Control number
862558200

This job is open to

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Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen. Veterans Preference applies to these vacancies.

Duties

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  • The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.
  • Inspects and surveys areas and, as necessary, will revise existing wildlife damage management programs in close consultation with higher-level management.
  • Assists Wildlife Biologists by correctly identifying current, and forecasting future damage, problems and relating them to the damage-causing species.
  • Modifies or adapts established damage control techniques as necessary to meet local conditions and address specific environmental, economic or political considerations.
  • Enters data into established wildlife damage management database/system of record. Uses data to prepare and submit routine reports regarding daily, weekly or monthly activities, observations, and events.
  • Responsible for organizing and conducting direct control operations to reduce wildlife damage within a geographical area or technical/subject area of program involvement.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must obtain or have a valid state driver’s license. Operation of Government-owned or leased vehicles is required. (if this applies)
  • As a condition of employment, appropriate security clearance is required for this position.
  • Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E- Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
  • Position is subject to random and applicant drug testing.
  • Must demonstrate a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devices, and equipment.
  • You must have the legal and physical ability to possess and discharge firearms. You must be able to pass a government background check and meet any additional requirements to carry and use firearms.
  • You must be able to pass a government background check and meet any additional requirements to carry and use firearms.
  • A background check will include answering questions about where you’ve lived, worked, went to school, and any military history or police records.
  • Selection and retention in this position is contingent on a successfully adjudicated FBI National Criminal History Check (fingerprint check).
  • As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • You must be a US Citizen or US National.
  • Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ELIGIBLITY REQUIREMENTS:
To qualify, applicants MUST meet all minimum qualification requirements, except Medical Requirements, by the closing date of the announcement.

General Experience at the GS-3 Grade Level:
Applicants must have 6 months of work experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position or experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation.

OR
Education Substitution at the GS-3 Level:
Successful completion of l year of study that included at least 6 semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics.

OR
Combination of Education and Experience at the GS-3 Level:
Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and general experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.


For the GS-4 Grade Level:
Applicants must have 6 months of general experience and 6 months of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-03 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:

  • Identifying North American wildlife species.
  • Experience in the principles of wildlife ecology and management in support of a wildlife management program.
  • Preparing baits and setting traps in accordance with standard procedures.
  • Keeping routine and basic records of daily activities and observations.
OR

Education Substitution at the GS-4 Grade Level: Successful completion of 2 years of study 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 in wildlife.

OR

Combination of Education and Experience at the GS-4 Grade Level:
Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.

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 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

Please see above for education qualification information.

Additional information

  • First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected.
  • Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee.
  • Locality pay will vary based upon the selectee's duty location. A final salary determination will be made upon selection.
  • Must demonstrate a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devices, and equipment.
  • Temporary appointments can be extended one additional year. Any additional extensions beyond a second service year will be restricted to 1039 hours per year.
  • Term appointments not to exceed 13 months may be extended up to four years without competition.
  • This position mayinvolve Mobile Work: Mobile work is characterized by routine and regular travel to conduct work in customer or other worksites as opposed to a single authorized alternative worksite. Examples of mobile work include site audits, site inspections, investigations, property management, and work performed while commuting, traveling between worksites, or on Temporary Duty (TDY).
  • Either the GS or the AD pay plan can be used at time of selection, depending on location.
  • Position description and full-performance level will be determined at time of selection.

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.

Applicants who meet basic minimum qualifications may be referred to the hiring manager for selection. Qualified candidates eligible for veterans' preference will receive referral and selection priority over non-veterans.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, you may be found ineligible. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12897478

Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

You can make a difference! The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) needs bright, energetic and committed professionals to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. MRP offers an array of occupations and is committed to diversity in the workplace. We operate in domestic and global markets. Be part of an organization that protects the health and agriculture of the American people. Join our team!

To learn more about what it's like to work at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, what the agency does, and the types of careers, please visit the APHIS careers site.

APHIS is an emergency response agency. This means that all Agency employees may be asked or assigned to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments to support emergency programs at some time during their careers with APHIS. For details click: APHIS Emergency Response

Agency contact information

MRP Human Resources
Phone
612-336-3227
Email
MRP.Application.Help@usda.gov
Address
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
USDA APHIS MRPBS
250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410
Minneapolis, MN 55401
US

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