Biological Science Technician (Plants).

DutiesIndependently, or as a crew leader, plans, participates, and conducts a variety of field studies of native and non-native botanical species and their habitats. Coordinates with resource specialist in planning work.Collects survey and inventory data to determine species identity, population characteristics, environmental conditions, and factors affecting the vigor and extent of the species and their habitat.Keeps records of all data and produces maps of survey areas.Schedules, organizes, and executes botanical projects involving native and/or non-native species. Resolves common administrative and safety concerns related to the projects.Improves, adapts, and develops techniques, methods, and equipment based on experience, practical knowledge, and prescribed procedures.Determines need and recommends equipment requirements for botanical projects and assures equipment is operational and available when needed.Compiles and summarizes the data obtained from surveys, inventories, biological evaluations, and monitoring. Uses computer systems and associated software for recording, organizing, storing, and analyzing data.Provides detailed reports on work methods, data collected, and project monitoring. Evaluates data and makes recommendations for improvement of habitat. Provides data to resource specialists after checking for discrepancies and inconsistencies.Assists with analysis, interpretation, and refinement of botanical data, and development of reports.Participates in the development of the overall plant project plans and programs for the unit. Arranges for and lays out study sites for plant habitats and populations.Develops data required for the study by collecting and checking samples obtained by self or others and prepares data for processing.Organizes collections, and records and verifies plant habitats and populations data. Researches background material. Maintains a variety of equipment.Prepares reports summarizing data processed, prepares charts, graphs, and cross references facts, dates, and other data to determine past management history.Compiles and summarizes the vegetation types obtained from aerial and ground surveys including forest health monitoring, biological evaluations, and pilot tests conducted as part of the project.Assists in the training and awareness program ensuring that employees, volunteers, partners, and others can identify infestation of plants.Performs a variety of routine and complex technical tasks to prevent and control noxious weeds in the Forest involving a full range of integrated weed management techniques, e.g., biological, cultural, mechanical, chemical, and prevention.Schedules, organizes, and conducts field surveys to identify, document, and map noxious weed infestations.Collects data and enters data into databases; generates reports from databases; prepares written and graphical reports of findings in a variety of formats; and assembles information for development of noxious weeds control project plans.Compiles, manages, analyzes, and interprets data collected by the incumbent and others; provides noxious weed information for project analysis which may include written reports and/or summaries.Links tabular data to locational parameters using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) database technologies and Geographical Positioning Systems (GPS) location technology.RequirementsYou must be a US Citizen or US National.Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choosing.Must be 18 years of age.Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.QualificationsIn order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.GS-07: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-6); OR one full year (18 semester/27 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level coursework that is directly related to the work of the position such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics; OR combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.Examples of specialized experience include: Performing the full range of standardized technical assignments consisting of routine invasive non-native plant treatment, management, inventory, and monitoring of invasive non-native plants commonly found in the work area. OR Accurately collecting and entering weed treatment and inventory data into databases, queries data, creates maps, and generates reports. OR Assisted with scheduling, organizing, and executing botanical projects involving native and/or non-native plant species utilizing the fundamentals of integrated pest management. OR Applying herbicides using backpack sprayers or other equipment on a regular basis according to specific guidelines and performing basic mathematical calculations related to herbicide mixing and applications.Selective Placement FactorsThe duties of this position may require the incumbent to obtain and maintain a State Herbicide Applicator's License. The incumbent must obtain the license within 120 days of the initial appointment to the position.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.To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Additional informationPLEASE NOTE: This vacancy is being used to fill positions for FY2025 Temporary Employment Hiring season. The expected start date for this position will be between January 12, 2025 to April 6, 2025.By selecting the "Location Negotiable" option during the application process, implies your willingness to be considered for any official duty location listed on this announcement and/or those duty locations not listed for this Regional announcement. Pay rates vary depending on location. The salary shown is for the Rest of the U.S.This position is temporary, has a Not-to-Exceed date and will be filled for up to 6 months or as a not to exceed (NTE) 1 year, however an extension of the appointment may be possible without further competition. The appointment may also end early due to lack of work or lack of funds.Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other groups within the Region who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in any of the geographic location(s) listed on the announcement. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.The duty station for this position will be at one of the duty locations listed in this announcement. Salary range as shown is the locality pay Rest of U.S. (RUS). Pay rates vary by location.The USDA Forest Service has legislative authority to recruit and fill Permanent (Career/Career-Conditional), Temporary, and Term Appointments under the USDA Demonstration Project. Under this authority, any U.S. citizen may apply.If you are retired from the Federal Government and are selected for this vacancy, your retirement annuity may be offset from your pay.This position is not eligible for telework.Availability of government housing and federal day care facilities will vary by location.Positions filled from this announcement may be a bargaining or a non-bargaining unit position represented by either NFFE, AFGE or NAGE.A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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