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Seasonal Biological Science Technician (Plants)

Department of the Interior
National Park Service
Alaska Region

Summary

These positions are temporary and may not exceed 1039 hours (six months) in a service year. They may be terminated sooner or extended depending on management needs.

Positions may not be filled at every duty station.

Selectees may be moved between duty stations within park boundaries.

Open to the first 350 applicants or until 12/12/2025 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
12/08/2025 to 12/12/2025
This job will close when we have received 350 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$21.85 to - $35.19 per hour

Plus, a 1.49% or 3% Cost of Living allowance (COLA) depending on duty station, that is subject to annual adjustment and review.

Pay scale & grade
GS 5 - 7
Locations
Anchorage, AK
3 vacancies
Denali Park, AK
4 vacancies
Fairbanks, AK
14 vacancies
Port Alsworth, AK
4 vacancies
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
75% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Temporary - Not to exceed 1039 hours
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
AK-1537-AKRO-26-12828241-DE
Control number
851685400

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens, Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL).

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Duties

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The parks and duty stations hiring for these positions are below, as is each park's anticipated seasonal period. The typical seasonal period may vary during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: April/May 2026.

  • Alaska Regional Office (Anchorage): May - October.
  • Denali National Park & Preserve (Denali Park): April/May - September.
  • Kenai Fjords National Park (Seward): April - September.
  • Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (Skagway): April - September.
  • Southwest Alaska Network (Port Alsworth): May - October.
  • Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve & Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve (Fairbanks): April/May - September/October.

As a GS-05 Biological Science Technician (Plants), you will work under the direct supervision of experienced staff at all times as a crew member for the vegetation monitoring program. Duties typically include:
  • Assisting with collection of vegetation and environmental data in permanent plots in a variety of settings.
  • Taking detailed data on vegetation communities and assist with data entry using multiple software platforms.
  • Measuring tree diameters and heights and using traditional forest mensuration methods.
  • Assisting with photo documentation of long-term monitoring plots using digital cameras and using transect, quadrat and other methodologies to compile field data.
  • Participating with special projects including forest disturbance, fuels inventories, wetland studies, alpine monitoring, and invasive plant management.
  • Some positions may have a focus on invasive plant management, which includes the use of herbicide.

As a GS-06 Biological Science Technician (Plants), you will occasionally work under the direct supervision of experienced staff for the vegetation monitoring program, performing certain technical tasks independently with minimal supervision. Duties typically include:
  • Making voucher collections and taking detailed data on vegetation communities and assisting with data entry using multiple software platforms.
  • Working with less experienced staff to collect tree cores from the permanent plots.
  • Independently perform photo documentation of long-term monitoring plots using digital cameras.
  • Using transect, quadrat and other methodologies to compile field data.
  • Measuring tree diameters and heights, using traditional forest mensuration methods.
  • Participating with special projects including forest disturbance, fuels inventories, wetland studies, alpine monitoring, and invasive plant management. Assist less experienced field staff as needed.
  • Some positions may have a focus on invasive plant management, which includes the use of herbicide.

As a GS-07 Biological Science Technician (Plants), you will provide leadership for the field vegetation monitoring crew while working under the direct supervision of the program leader in lab and office situations. Duties typically include:
  • Collecting vegetation and environmental data in permanent plots.
  • Preparing reports and summaries of collected field data.
  • Performing detailed data entry and extracting data using multiple software platforms.
  • Working with less experienced staff, providing guidance and leadership for field studies.
  • Training others on how to measure tree diameters, tree heights, and orients staff on traditional forest mensuration methods.
  • Assisting with special projects including forest disturbance, fuels inventories, wetland studies, alpine monitoring, and invasive plant management.
  • Some positions may have a focus on invasive plant management, which includes the use of herbicide.

For all grades, GS-05, GS-06, and GS-07:
  • Performing work in demanding field conditions which include carrying a heavy backpack and field sampling equipment over steep and uneven terrain for including long periods and overnight camping in inclement weather and in areas with brown or black bears.

Please visit find a park for additional park information.

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.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • 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.
  • Positions in Port Alsworth and some (not all) positions in Fairbanks are subject to drug testing based on the collateral duty requiring firearms in the back-country or other locations for non-law enforcement reasons such as protection from animals.
  • Positions in Port Alsworth are required to operate motorboats. Selectees will receive appropriate training in motorboat operations and will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
  • Special requirement for Skagway: Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card for entry into Canada which is essential to this position.
  • 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 may 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 travel overnight away from home from 5 to 25 nights per month. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
  • You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-12/12/2025-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 number of hours worked per week, full-time, or part-time. If you indicate part-time, you MUST indicate the number of hours worked per week so that your qualifying experience can be prorated for credit.

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:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sector). Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience may include: assisting resource specialists in data collection and report preparation; identifying and/or collecting vascular and non-vascular (lichens, bryophytes) plants in the field; using a variety of software to compile, summarize and report information; and communicating the results of field studies through technical reports and/or oral presentations. You must include the number of hours worked per week within your resume.

-OR-

EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least four years of education above high school (120 semester hours, 180 quarter hours, or equivalent) leading to a bachelor's degree with a major study in a related field of scientific or technical study, such as in biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, mathematics, or other directly-related subject matter; or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as those shown above. At least 6 semester hours must be directly related to Botany. You must submit a copy of your transcripts.

-OR-

A COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION as described above: To combine education and experience, first take the number of semester hours, or equivalent, earned, in excess of the first 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours), or equivalent, and divide by 60 (or 90), or the equivalent. Take the number of months of full-time experience and divide by 12 months. Add the two percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must submit a copy of your transcripts and include hours worked per week in your resume.

To qualify for this position at the GS-06 grade level, you must possess the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the federal service (obtained in either the public or private sector). Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience may include: planning field projects and collecting and summarizing field data; using taxonomic keys to identify vascular and non-vascular plants in the field; using compound and dissecting microscopes and taxonomic keys to identify vascular and non-vascular species in the lab; collecting and preparing herbarium-quality specimens of vascular and non-vascular plants; operating and maintaining equipment (e.g., data loggers, dendrometers) used in vegetation monitoring; using a variety of software to compile, summarize and report information; and providing information to other employees and visitors about the natural resources programs. You must include the number of hours worked per week within your resume.

To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level in the federal service (obtained in either the public or private sector). Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience may include: planning field projects and collecting and summarizing field data; using taxonomic keys to identify vascular and non-vascular (lichens, bryophytes) in the field; using compound and dissecting microscopes and taxonomic keys to identify vascular and non-vascular species in the lab; collecting and preparing large numbers of herbarium-quality specimens of vascular and non-vascular plants; preparing draft project reports; installing, operating, and maintaining equipment (e.g., data loggers, dendrometers) used in vegetation monitoring; using a variety of software to compile, summarize and report information; and providing information to other employees and visitors about the natural resources programs. You must include the number of hours worked per week within your resume.

-OR-

EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least one full year (18 semester hours, 27 quarter hours, or equivalent) of graduate level course work, that is directly related to the work of the position from an accredited college or university. Examples of directly related studies include scientific or technical study, such as botany, plant physiology, plant anatomy, plant taxonomy or related courses in the field of plant biology. You must submit a copy of your transcripts.

-OR-

A COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION as described above: To combine education and experience, first take the number of semester hours, or equivalent, earned towards a graduate degree that are directly related to the work of the position, and divide by 18 semester hours (27 quarter hours), or the 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 submit transcripts and include hours worked per week in your resume.

Volunteer 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 1039 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 1039 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1039 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.

Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. All travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the sole responsibility of the selected employee.

Alaska currently does not have a state income tax. Salary and COLA subject to annual review and adjustment.

Government housing may be available in Denali Park, Port Alsworth, Seward, and Skagway.

Government housing is not available in Fairbanks or Anchorage.

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), and the responses you provide on the application questionnaire 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:
  • Botany
  • Research
  • Technical Competence
  • Technology Application
  • Writing

In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process.

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