Seasonal Biological Science Technician (Plants)

Summary * * The closing date of this announcement has been extended from 02-25-2026 to 03-04-2026. * * NOTE: OPM has identified this position as eligible for an exception to the typical 1039-hour season. This exception allows up to 1560 hours which may extend the season(s) reflected in this announcement. See the Additional Information section for details. Duties The typical season for this position is May - October but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. The anticipated entry on duty is May 2026. 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. Please visit find a park for additional park information. Requirements 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. This position is 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. 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 will 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 work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime. You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to five nights per month. 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 18 years. Qualifications All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 03/04/2026 unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Special knowledge or expertise concerning the park's or preserve's natural and/or cultural resources and the management thereof is required. Local knowledge of the resources and the typical conditions that affect the work to be accomplished will be applied in the performance of duties. -AND- To be eligible your application package must clearly show periods of time having lived or worked in or near the area of consideration. The area of consideration can be found in the below paragraphs. Areas considered "near" Katmai National Park and Preserve are Federal Subsistence Areas of Unit 17C, as well as Unit 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9E, to include the communities of Naknek, King Salmon, Dillingham, Clarks Point, Ekwok, South Naknek, Koliganek, Port Alsworth, Nondalton, Pedro Bay, Iliamna, Newhalen, Kokhanok, Igiugig, Levelock, Egegik, Pilot Point, Ugashik, Port Heiden, Chignik, Chignik Lagoon, Chignik Lake, Perryville, and Ivanof Bay. -ALSO- The following are the competencies identified for this position. Applicants are not required to address these competencies in a separate document but are encouraged to include in their resumes experience related to these competencies: Knowledge of data collection techniques, including installation, operation, and maintenance of testing and sampling equipment. Ability to follow detailed sampling and laboratory procedures. Ability to communicate information in a clear and concise manner, including the ability to develop reports and present information. Knowledge of database management, word processing, and specialized software programs essential to resource management activities. Education There is no substitution of education for the required special knowledge or expertise concerning the park's or preserve's natural and/or cultural resources and the management thereof as outlined in this announcement. Additional information NOTE: In support of Executive Order (EO) 14189 "Celebrating America's 250th Birthday" and EO 14314 "Making America Beautiful Again by Improving our National Parks," the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has approved an exception to the 1039-hour time limitation for this position. This approval extends the time limitation to 1560 hours for this temporary seasonal appointment. 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. This is an excepted service appointment that does not confer competitive status. Government housing is available. All travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the sole responsibility of the selectee. Alaska currently does not have a state income tax. Selectee may be moved between duty stations within park boundaries. 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. 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. Benefits 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits 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.