Biological Science Technician (Plants) (Seasonal)

Summary These positions are located in Inventory and Monitoring Data Networks, in the Inventory and Monitoring Division. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is May-September, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: May 2026 Open to the first 125 applicants or until 03/13/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration. Duties The major duties of the Biological Science Technician include but are not limited to: Collect plant and soil data from remote sites across national park units in the intermountain west (CO, OK, NM, TX or ID, MT, WY) and identify perennial plants to species using latin binomials. Carefully follow established network monitoring protocols. Manage data throughout the life cycle, from pre-season preparation through active field data collection and season close-out including certification procedures. Conduct fieldwork in remote backcountry settings and under difficult conditions in a safe and efficient manner. Coordinate logistics such as daily and weekly work schedules, housing and camping arrangements, email communications to park staff, gear organization or purchase, and basic vehicle maintenance. Maintain equipment, electronic data collection devices, and navigation devices. 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. 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 may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work. You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 18 nights per month. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes. 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 (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. Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds Qualifications All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-03/13/2026-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 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. To qualify for this position at the GS-06 grade level, you must possess at least two or more of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement: EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes must include at least two or more of the following: 1) executing field studies on plants and plant ecology; 2) working with field crews in non-native plant eradication; 3) implementing vegetation management and monitoring or ecological restoration; 4) reporting data and other resource management information; and 5) providing advice, assistance, and training to lower graded employees and volunteers. You must include hours per week worked. There is no substitution of education for experience at this grade level. To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess at least two or more of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement: EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes must include at least two or more of the following: 1) collecting monitoring data on assorted physical restoration and vegetation management projects using specified sampling techniques and procedures; 2) monitoring rare, threatened or endangered plants and updating plant maps and files; 3) coordinating ecological restoration projects; 4) using standard statistical methods in the preparation of draft reports; and 5) providing work direction and guidance to field crews in vegetation monitoring, exotic plant control, or restoration projects. You must include hours worked per week. Volunteer 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 include months, years and hours per week worked to receive credit for your work and/or volunteer experience. One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week. Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for experience that does not indicate exact hours per week or is listed as "varies". Experience listed as full-time will be credited at 40 hours per week. Education There is no substitution of education for experience at the grade level(s) of this announcement. 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. Click here for the OPM Salaries and Wage to calculate locality pay. 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 1560 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 1040 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 1560 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1560 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. Physical Demands: The work is partially sedentary with prolonged standing, walking, and bending often required. Heavy items (e.g., packs and equipment) 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 and terrain conditions, pesticides, poisonous plants, biting insects, snakes, and wild animals. Laboratory work may involve exposure to hazardous chemicals. The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are NOT suitable for telework. 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.