National Park Service
Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)(Seasonal)
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Summary
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/26/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your 2 page 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. 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. To qualify for this position at the GS-08 grade level, you must possess the following: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sector). Specialized experience is experience that equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. You must include hours per week worked. Examples of specialized experience include: Planning logistics and leading implementation of field-based complex natural resource monitoring protocols across multiple parks Leading, and training others to lead, large diverse field crews made up of park and network staff, interns and citizen scientists Performing expert, accurate identification of native wildlife species of the Sonoran Desert from images, tracks, and other sign, and managing these and other park resource data in existing program databases, as well as providing training and oversight for the work of lower graded technicians Setting an annual program schedule and working with cooperators to develop public education and citizen science programs related to wildlife biology and other related park resource themes. To qualify for this position at the GS-09 grade level, you must possess one of the following: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-08 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sector). Specialized experience is experience that equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience include: Independently setting annual work priorities, field schedules and staffing levels for field implementation of complex natural resource monitoring protocols across multiple parks Leading, and training others to lead, large diverse field crews made up of park and network staff, interns and citizen scientists Performing expert, accurate identification of native wildlife species of the Sonoran Desert from images, tracks, and other sign, while providing training and oversight for the work of lower graded technicians Managing data from collection to data publication, and interpreting and documenting research findings to be included in annual reports, presentations, or journals Increasing capacity and breadth of public education and citizen science programs by increasing partnerships with cooperators and parks, and collaboratively increasing volunteer program utilization across multiple science programs and park resource data themes. -OR- B. Successful completion of two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. -OR- C. Equivalent combination of experience and education that, together, equal 100% of the qualification standards listed above when combined. For example, six (6) months of specialized experience (50% of the experience requirement) combined with one year of education as outlined above (50% of the education above), along with 50% of the course-specific education stated above. NOTE: If you are qualifying based in part on education, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts. Specialties: All applicants will be reviewed for the Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) (Seasonal) position using the general qualification requirements. The specialties below are additional areas of consideration. To be referred for a specialty, your resume must clearly demonstrate that you meet the additional experience requirements for that specialty. Owl Specialty To be considered for the Owl Specialty, you must have experience working with and handling live owls. This experience must be clearly demonstrated in your resume. Bat Specialty To be considered for the Bat Specialty, you must have experience working with and handling live bats. This experience must be clearly demonstrated in your resume. You must also be willing to receive any required rabies vaccination. Insect Specialty To be considered for the Insect Specialty, you must have experience working with and handling live insects. This experience must be clearly demonstrated in your resume. Large Mammals/Carnivores Specialty To be considered for the Large Mammals/Carnivores Specialty, you must have experience working with large mammal or carnivore species, such as bears, coyotes, cougars, or wolves. Experience may include trapping, tagging, collaring, radio telemetry, tracking, wildlife capture, or immobilization. This work may involve strenuous field duties, including lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, hiking over rough terrain during the day or at night, working in extreme weather conditions, and working overtime, nights, or weekends. You must also have firearm experience and be willing to complete any required pre-employment drug testing associated with the position. Your qualifying experience must be clearly demonstrated in your resume. Avian Specialty To be considered for the Avian Specialty, you must have experience working with and handling live birds. Qualifying experience may include: Conducting surveys of avian species or other wildlife and recording scientific data; Collecting and recording information on avian species.; Assisting with bird banding; Collecting, identifying, marking, sexing, weighing, or measuring birds; Performing avian research, monitoring, or control activities in field or controlled settings. Your qualifying experience must be clearly demonstrated in your resume. Yosemite National Park Wildlife-Avian Selective FactorTo be considered for the Wildlife-Avian Specialty position at Yosemite National Park, you must meet the Biological Technician Wildlife qualification requirements AND all of the following requirements: Be proficient in ornithology. Have experience conducting surveys for passerine species native to the Sierra Nevada ecosystem, specifically using point counts and area searches. Be able to accurately identify at least 50 passerine species native to the Sierra Nevada ecosystem by both sight and sound. Be able to perform long, arduous days of hiking, including hiking up to 16 miles over rough terrain while carrying a backpack weighing up to one-third of your body weight. You must clearly demonstrate the required ornithology, survey, and species-identification experience in your resume. Your resume must contain enough information for us to determine that you possess these skills.Please see additional information for Work condition requirements.
Major Duties
The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is April - November but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Some of the Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) Standard Duties include but are not limited to: Coordinates field operations with park staff and field crews to ensure logistics (housing, campsites, working areas, keys, check in/out procedures) and scheduling needs are met, and that all activities are clearly communicated to park and field staff. Collects and organizes natural resource field data (e.g., plant, water, geomorphology, stream biology) using network monitoring protocols, standardized data collection procedures, and equipment. Makes field observations of natural resource conditions. Installs, operates, and maintains equipment. Enters data and follows quality assurance procedures to ensure accurate data entry and transcription in established databases. Utilizes a variety of computer programs to compile, reduce, store, retrieve, analyze, and report data and other resource management information. Conducts fieldwork in remote backcountry settings and under difficult conditions in a safe and efficient manner. Uses 4WD and off-trail hiking to access monitoring sites. Additional duties for GS-09: Oversees and trains field crew members in appropriate data collection and verification (quality control). Assists with protocol revisions, prepares reports and publications, and communicates results to various audiences.
Requirements
U.S. Citizenship required. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Males must meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement. Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program. Occupancy of government quarters may be required. Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed. Use find a park to contact specific parks for more information on government housing. You may be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. Use of non-LE firearms, you will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment for specific Biological Science Technician Wildlife Specialties. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use. Some locations may require employees who handle wildlife to have a current rabies vaccination or be willing to receive one as a condition of the assignment. You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and/or shift work. You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle. You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license will be required in such cases. You must be at least 18 years of age or older to operate government vehicles. You may be required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority. You 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.
Required Documents
ALL required documentation must be submitted to receive full consideration for eligibilities and veterans' preference selected. The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/26/2026: Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, with dates in month-year format (include month/day/year format if needed for 52 weeks of experience), and indicate hours worked per week (or full-time). Your resume must clearly show how long you have held each grade/rank. 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. 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. Your 2-page resume must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the specialized experience requirements. If you have federal experience, you should include series, and grade for each position held, and if experience is part of a career ladder position, you must clearly distinguish the job duties and length of time working for each grade level. More information on how to write a Federal Resume: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include Complete All Required Assessments. Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as: Veterans' Preference Documentation: 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 SF-15. 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. College transcripts if qualifying based on education. Documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan consideration if you are a displaced Federal employee within the local commuting area. You must include: 1) Proof you are a displaced Federal employee, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above 85 on the rating criteria for this position. Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. 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.
How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the 10/26/2026- unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement to receive consideration. **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.** The application process is as follows: Click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. To PREVIEW the application questionnaire, select the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13082978 Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status. Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration. WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR E-MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES.