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Biological Science Technician - FUL

Department of the Interior
National Park Service
Virgin Islands National Park

Summary

This position is located at Virgin Islands National Park, in the Resource Management Division

Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) rate of 11.88% is authorized.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$40,736 - $80,243 per year

The salary range given includes base pay and locality pay, you will also receive a 11.88% cost of living allowance, subject to change.

Pay scale & grade
GS 5 - 9
Promotion potential
9
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Not required
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
SE-1630-VIS-26-13008353-FUL
Control number
880577700

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

This position is being filled under the Field Unit Local Hiring Authority and is open to U.S. citizens and nationals who meet all eligibility requirements, including permanent and exclusive residency within the defined vicinity of the field unit as described in this announcement. Under this authority, veterans' preference and traditional rating and ranking procedures do not apply.

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Duties

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GS-5

  • Implements established natural resource management projects using standardized procedures.
  • Collects, organizes, and quality-controls field data; performs routine testing and preliminary assessments.
  • Makes field observations, evaluates resource conditions, identifies issues, and shares findings with specialists.
  • Assists in drafting reports, plans, and guidelines; conducts literature reviews and creates data visualizations.
  • Provides logistical support and technical information for contract or partner scientists; resolves routine operational issues.
  • Installs, operates, maintains, and inventories equipment; ensures quality assurance and orders supplies.
  • Trains and supports students and volunteers in resource management or field research.
  • Uses computer programs to manage, analyze, and report data; maintains digital databases and occasionally presents information.
GS-6
  • Implements projects by following procedures; collects, organizes, tests, and quality-checks field data, adjusting methods as needed.
  • Conducts field observations, evaluates conditions, identifies issues, and provides findings and recommendations to specialists.
  • Assists in preparing reports, plans, and guidelines; performs literature reviews, method descriptions, and data visualization.
  • Provides logistical support and site orientation for scientists; ensures quality control and resolves operational challenges.
  • Installs, operates, maintains, inventories, and calibrates equipment; monitors quality assurance and orders supplies.
  • Trains and assists students, conservation assistants, and volunteers.
  • Uses computer programs to compile, analyze, store, and report data; maintains databases for research and monitoring.
  • Shares program information with employees and visitors; may present interpretive programs.
GS-7
  • Organizes, schedules, and carries out diverse projects, selecting sites, methods, equipment, and logistics.
  • Collects, organizes, and quality-checks field data; performs analyses and records findings.
  • Conducts field observations, evaluates conditions, interprets trends, and recommends management actions.
  • Prepares draft reports, literature reviews, method descriptions, data analyses, charts, and recommendations; contributes to planning documents.
  • Provides logistical support and technical information for scientists; ensures quality control and resolves challenges.
  • Installs, operates, maintains, inventories, and calibrates monitoring and laboratory equipment.
  • Offers training and guidance to students, assistants, and volunteers.
  • Uses computer programs to manage, analyze, store, and report data; maintains databases and shares information.
GS-8
  • Adapts, modifies, and develops techniques for research, inventory, monitoring, restoration, and management.
  • Performs biological resource management studies using specialized equipment; installs, operates, maintains, inventories, and calibrates gear.
  • Collaborates with managers, scientists, GIS specialists, and partners to integrate data into national databases.
  • Participates in research phases, conducts complex technical tasks, and contributes to planning.
  • Makes field observations, evaluates conditions, interprets trends and relationships among variables.
  • Resolves technical issues, researches literature, collects and verifies samples, compiles data, and conducts statistical analyses.
  • Maintains chemical inventories, prepares solutions, and ensures safe disposal of waste.
  • Provides program information, maintains workspaces, and may serve as COR or ATR.
GS-9
  • Designs and develops project components, selecting methods and procedures to meet objectives.
  • Participates in planning, implementing, and interpreting research; assumes technical responsibility for experiments.
  • Operates, maintains, calibrates, and modifies specialized equipment; designs sampling/testing procedures; manages inventories and procurement.
  • Collects, prepares, verifies, and analyzes samples; keeps records; compiles and statistically analyzes data; manages monitoring datasets.
  • Supports data management by designing GPS data dictionaries, organizing spatial inventories, and maintaining system compatibility.
  • Prepares scientific manuscripts, reports, and publications; manages submissions and imagery; provides comments on planning documents.
  • Works closely with managers, scientists, GIS specialists, and personnel to integrate information into national databases and support plans.
  • Provides logistical and technical support for contractors and cooperators; assists with planning, schedules, cost estimates, and proposals; may serve as COR or ATR; shares program information.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Direct Deposit participation required.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit www.dhs.gov/EVerify/.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
  • You must have a current Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent) or higher level of recreational dive certification.
  • You are required to wear a uniform and comply with the uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • You may be required to travel occasionally away from home. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
  • You are required to obtain and maintain a Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC)
  • 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 or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-08/28/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. All candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements.

To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.

This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. If you do not provide evidence that you possess the following selective factor(s) will be rated not qualified.

  • Applicants must have an Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) or higher level (Rescue Diver, Dive Master, Instructor) of recreational dive certification .
  • Applicant must possess a dive log with at least 20 documented scientific dives
  • Applicant must possess Boat Operation experience - This position requires demonstrated training and experience operating and crewing small vessels (up to 28' in length) with twin outboard engines in open ocean conditions.

Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level:

  • Specialized Experience Requirement: you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: Assists professional staff in conducting and implementing field research and resource monitoring programs; Implements and conducts a wide variety of field activities in support of such programs as the control of non-native and invasive plant species and enhancement of native plant populations. Provides logistic support and area orientation for contract or cooperating scientists. Utilizes databases to enter and organize collected field data and uses standard statistical methods in the preparation of reports; enters and retrieves data from a geographic information system (GIS) and other information management systems; uses a variety of computer software programs to develop graphs, charts, and illustrations for reports and technical publications. You must include hours per week worked. -OR-
  • Education: Successful completion of at least a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as those shown above for GS-3. At least 6 semester hours of courses must have been directly related to the position to be filled. The successful completion of a full course of study of at least 12 months in a school for clinical laboratory technicians may be substituted for the 1 year of specialized experience required at the GS-5 level for positions involving microbiology and biochemistry technician work. You must include transcripts. -OR-
  • Combination of education and experience: 6 months of the specialized experience described above (50% of the experience requirement), and 3 years of college study from an accredited institution (75% of the qualifying education) as specified in B above, equals greater than 100% of the total requirement. You must include transcripts indicating number of credit hours in order to qualify based on the combination option.

To qualify for this position at the GS-06 grade level:

  • Specialized Experience Requirement: you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: implementing established natural resource management projects; following instructions and standardized procedures; collecting and organizing field data; ensuring quality control of data collected; performing routine and recurring testing of collected samples; recording data collected and providing preliminary assessment and classification of the information; assisting in the preparation of resource management reports, plans, and guidelines. Duties are supportive of professional specialists in resource management; relevant to research, conservation, and management of natural resources such but not limited to wildlife (land or aquatic) monitoring or control; field studies on plant or forest ecology, inventorying, monitoring, and/or control of invasive plants, or making other field observations on the state of natural resource conditions. You must include hours per week worked. -OR-
  • Education: Successful completion of at least 1 full year of graduate education in an accredited educational institution (18 semester hour or 27 quarter hours) directly related to this position. Examples of directly related education are biology, botany, range science, forestry, ecology, environmental science, zoology, fisheries, animal husbandry, natural resource management or other directly related fields. You must include transcripts.

To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level:

  • Specialized Experience Requirement: you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: following instructions and standardized procedures; collecting and organizing field data; ensuring quality control of data collected; performing routine and recurring testing of collected samples; recording data collected and providing preliminary assessment and classification of the information; assisting in the preparation of resource management reports, plans, and guidelines. Additionally, experience must demonstrate ability to execute established natural resource management projects by independently planning and carrying out steps using established techniques to resolve problems. For example, planning field projects, independently choosing from among several possible courses of action at different stages of the project (e.g., selects site locations, sampling techniques, appropriate equipment, logistics, etc.). Duties are supportive of professional specialists in resource management; relevant to research, conservation and management of natural resources such as but not limited to wildlife (land or aquatic) monitoring or control; field studies on plant or forest ecology, inventorying, monitoring, and/or control of invasive plants, or making other field observations on the state of natural resource conditions. You must include hours per week worked. -OR-
  • Education: Successful completion of at least 1 full year of graduate education in an accredited educational institution (18 semester hour or 27 quarter hours) directly related to this position. Examples of directly related education are biology, botany, range science, forestry, ecology, environmental science, zoology, fisheries, animal husbandry, natural resource management or other directly related fields. You must include transcripts. -OR-
  • Combination of education and experience: 6 months of the specialized experience described above (50% of the experience requirement), and and half a year of directly related graduate level education.

QUALIFICATIONS CONTINUED IN EDUCATION SECTION BELOW.......

Education

QUALIFICATIONS SECTION CONTINUED..........

To qualify for this position at the GS-08 grade level:

  • Specialized Experience Requirement: you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: Independently organizing, scheduling and executing natural resource management projects from several courses of action, collecting and organizing field data, making field observations, evaluating observed conditions and problems, interpreting variables, trends, correlations and interrelationships among data and conditions, recommending management actions based on prescribed guidelines, preparing draft project reports, and providing logistical support and area orientation for contract or cooperating scientists. You must include hours per week worked. -OR-
  • Education: Successful completion of two full years (36 semester/54 quarter hours) of graduate level education or a master's degree with a major study directly related to this position. Examples of directly related education are biology, botany, range science, forestry, ecology, environmental science, zoology, fisheries, animal husbandry, natural resource management or other directly related fields. You must include transcripts. -OR-

To qualify for this position at the GS-09 grade level:

  • Specialized Experience Requirement: you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-08 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: adapting, modifying or developing new techniques and/or procedures to satisfy the needs of research, inventory, monitoring, restoration projects, performing a variety of complex technical duties, in a laboratory, field, or similar location, independently initiates action to resolve or correct technical difficulties and results, tabulating, statistically analyzing and summarizing research data. You must include hours per week worked. -OR-
  • Education: Successful completion of two full years (36 semester/54 quarter hours) of graduate level education or a master's degree with a major study directly related to this position. Examples of directly related education are biology, botany, range science, forestry, ecology, environmental science, zoology, fisheries, animal husbandry, natural resource management or other directly related fields. You must include 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.


You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualification

Probationary Period: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.

This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider:

  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Additional information

This position will be filled under the Field Unit Local Hiring Authority. Eligibility is limited to applicants who reside within the defined local commuting area at the time of application. For this announcement, the local commuting area is the area from which individuals can reasonably commute to the duty station under normal conditions. The defined vicinity for this position is: Islands of St. John and St. Thomas. You must provide proof of residency within the defined vicinity (e.g. mortgage or property deed, lease/rental agreement, utility bill, insurance policy, etc.). See the Required Documents section for information on how to verify current residence.

Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.

Career Ladder: Promotion to the full performance level is neither guaranteed nor implied and will be based solely on your ability to satisfactorily perform the work of the position, existing work at the higher grade level, and recommendation by the position's supervisor.

Physical Demands: The work is partially sedentary with prolonged standing, walking, and bending often required. 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, 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.

All Department of Interior (DOI) employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here, https://www.doi.gov/ethics/ethics-prohibitions.

The duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.

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.

This position is being filled under the Field Unit Local Hiring Authority. Under this authority, competitive rating, ranking, and veterans' preference procedures do not apply. The Servicing Human Resources Office will determine whether applicants meet the qualification and eligibility requirements described in this announcement. Applicants who meet these requirements may be referred to the selecting official on a certificate of eligibles for consideration.

You must certify that you will maintain a permanent and exclusive residence within the defined vicinity of the field unit(s) listed in this announcement.

Upon receipt of a completed application package, the Servicing Human Resources Office will review your resume and supporting documentation to determine whether you meet the minimum qualification requirements described in this announcement.

Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages. Resumes longer than two pages will not be reviewed. Applicants may submit only one resume. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine qualifications and eligibility. If more than one resume is submitted, only the most recent submission will be reviewed.

If your resume is incomplete or does not demonstrate that you meet the qualification requirements or specialized experience described in this announcement, you may be determined ineligible or not qualified for further consideration.

Providing false or misleading information on your resume or supporting documentation may result in removal from consideration or other action consistent with applicable federal hiring regulations. Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.

National Park Service

The Department of the Interior protects and manages the Nation's natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated Island Communities. Click here to learn more about The Department of the Interior and its bureaus.

The mission of the National Park Service is to preserve the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. You can make a difference by bringing your unique experience, background, and perspective to our work. Click here to learn more about The National Park Service.

Agency contact information

DOI Service Delivery Team 1 Unit D (SER)
Email
StaffingTeam1_SER@ios.doi.gov
Address
Virgin Islands National Park
1300 Cruz Bay Creek
Saint John, VI 00830
US

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