Biological Science Technician (Plants)

Full Job Description

Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our most precious resource. These positions are located in Challis and Salmon, Idaho.

Information about these locations and the surrounding area can be found at: Home - Idaho Commerce We expect to fill 4 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.

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. For GS-04: You must possess six (6) months of general experience AND six (6) months of specialized experience.

General experience: Any type of professional, technical, or other responsible field experience that provided a familiarity with biological sciences, including soils or techniques of collecting scientific data.

Specialized experience: Must be equivalent to the GS-03 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: following specific instructions to check data relating to the survey/study area; assisting in collecting biological samples; or observing and recording specific information (i.e., vegetative cover, water quality samples, or flora).

-OR- Education: Successful completion of 2 years of study above high school that included at least 12 semester hours (or 18 quarter hours) in any combination of 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 the work of this position. (Transcripts Required).

-OR- Combination of Education and Experience: You may meet qualifications requirement for this position with an equivalent combination of specialized experience and appropriate undergraduate education.

(Transcripts Required) For GS-05: You must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity performing biological science technician duties related to plant resources, such as inventorying rare and endangered species habitat in accordance with established guidelines; collecting soil samples by layer; and collecting plant root samples for analysis or monitoring purposes.

-OR- Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours (or 36 quarter 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 have been directly related to the position to be filled. -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 requires some physical exertion such as bending and walking in terrain that is rough, rocky, mountainous and densely vegetated.

Required to lift and carry equipment necessary to efficiently perform the work of the position, and to provide for personal comfort and safety.

This can include tools, personal protective equipment, food and water for extended periods of work away from vehicles.

Work Environment: Office work is performed in a setting that is adequately lighted, ventilated, cooled and heated.

When doing fieldwork is subject to cuts and bruises, extreme, adverse weather conditions, and injuries and discomforts from pests or animals. Employee will adhere to all safety rules. Major Duties:

• Performs inventories of public lands to document occurrence and distribution of a variety of plant species.
• Compiles occurrence and distribution data, cover maps, and BLM herbarium study mounts.
• Enters and retrieves data from automated databases.
• May make recommendations on plant habitat protection, enhancement, or “critical” habitat designation to supervisor.