Bureau of Land Management
Summary Explore a new career with the BLM – where our people are our greatest natural resource. We expect to fill many vacancies. This is a temporary appointment. Appointment to this position will not convey permanent status and will be for a period not-to-exceed 1039 hours in a service year. Responsibilities Biological Science Technicians (Fish) may plan and conduct aquatic and riparian inventories and studies as well as plan and conduct fish population studies. Riparian studies may be conducted on wetland areas and along stream corridors and may include species inventory and condition assessments. Incumbent will also analyze inventory or study data; prepare data for inclusion in study reports; and make recommendations for aquatic and riparian enhancement projects or improvements in survey techniques and evaluation methods. Other duties may include: Work from an outline; check extensive data in the field of fish habitat condition (stream or lake); record results; make census counts of various species or record observations, on species condition or stream surveys. Biological Science Technicians (Fish) may also plan and conduct simple water quality samplings of streams and lakes and assist in construction or placement of habitat improvement structures, fences, gabions, trash catchers, etc. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the qualification requirements – please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience. GS-4: 6 months of general and 6 months of specialized work experience. Examples of general experience may include working in any professional, technical, or other responsible field that provided you with a familiarity of fisheries, or fisheries habitat characteristics or techniques of collecting scientific data. Examples of specialized experience may include prior specific work experience in wildlife, fisheries, hydrology, plants, or soils, working from an outline checking extensive data relating to the specific area; and collecting samples, or observing and recording specific information (i.e., vegetative cover, water quality samples, flora or fauna); OR Successful completion of 2 years (90 quarter or 60 semester hours) of study above high school, that included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must be directly related to this position; OR A combination of experience and education to meet total experience. GS-5: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-4 level. Examples of specialized experience may include, depending on assignment participating in, fish population counts, banding, tagging and releasing fisheries related species; water quality sampling of streams and lakes; aquatic and riparian inventories; inventorying rare, and endangered species habitat based on guidelines; and taking soil samples by layer and root samples; OR Successful completion of a full 4 year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must be directly related to this position; OR A combination of experience and education to meet total 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 meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. Physical Demands/Work Environments: Work may be performed indoors or outdoors. Work may occur in steep, wet and muddy terrain, in campgrounds, recreation sites, visitor centers, offices, fee booths, bathrooms, trails or remote areas requiring extended camping. Positions may require physical exertions such as extended walking/standing, driving, stooping/crouching, digging, or lifting/carrying. Individuals should be able to work alone or with people; during day/night/weekend/holiday hours. Education If qualifying based on education you will need to clearly state your undergraduate/graduate degree(s) and you must submit copies of all transcripts or a list of college courses that include hours and grades from an accredited U.S. college/university. If your degree is from a Foreign Institution See Foreign Education. Additional Information DOI uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/e-verify. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority, you must: 1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well qualified for the position with a score of 90 or above; and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information: CTAP or ICTAP Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for Selective Service Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid by the Department of the Interior. Any travel, transportation and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the responsibility of the selected employee. This position is not eligible for Telework. Government facilities are required to provide a smoke free environment for their employees. This position may require you to wear an officially-approved uniform while in a duty status. At some duty locations this position may require you to have a current valid driver’s license. At some duty locations you may need the ability to lift and move objects weighing over 50 pounds. All positions may not be filled or they may be filled at different times depending on budget, hiring needs, and requirements. These positions are temporary and are expected to last for up to 6 months. These positions have no promotion potential, if you want to be considered for a higher grade you must apply for the higher grade. If selected from this announcement you may be rehired for identical positions without further competition based on work needs, funding, or any other condition of employment. If selected from this or a similar competitive, seasonal announcement, your appointment may be creditable for consideration under PL-114-47, Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA)?. The Act allows certain individuals, who have or had time-limited appointments at land management agencies, to compete for any permanent position in the competitive service under “internal” merit promotion procedures. For more information, see the section under Eligibility, which starts with Question #15 (Q15. Who is eligible for appointment under these provisions?). For additional information about the BLM, please visit Our website. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document, you do not have in electronic form; view the following link for information regarding an Alternative Application