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Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) - Grand Teton National Park

  • Duties

    Summary

    These positions are located in Grand Teton National Park, within the Science and Resource Management Division. Please visit find a park for additional park information.

    These positions are Full-Time temporary positions not-to-exceed 1039 regular hours (about 6 months) in a service year. Positions may be terminated sooner or extended depending on management needs. Individuals selected under this vacancy announcement are eligible for rehire in subsequent service years provided the employee does not go over 1039 hours of work in their service year.
    The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for Grand Teton National Park is April through September, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: GS-05 & GS-06 - April 1, 2018. GS-07 - May 1, 2018.

    This job announcement is open to receive applications from the first 75 applicants. The job announcement will remain open until either the quota of 75 applicants, or 12/22/2017 is reached. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration, even those that exceed the 75 applicant limit.

    Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. All travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the sole responsibility of the selected employee.

    These positions may be filled at the GS-05, GS-06 and/or GS-07 levels. The rate of pay for these positions is:
    GS-05 - $15.74/hour
    GS-06 - $17.54/hour
    GS-07 - $19.49/hour

    Learn more about this agency

    Responsibilities

    Employees are responsible for monitoring or researching ungulates in Grand Teton National Park, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, pronghorn, moose, elk, bison, and mule deer using a variety of techniques. The work requires superior physical conditioning for multi-day backcountry travel at high elevation in steep, rugged terrain hiking long distances (up to 15 miles a day) while carrying a heavy backpack and enduring long hours of observation through spotting scopes and binoculars.
    At the GS-05 level, the employee will assist higher level technicians/biologists in conducting routine wildlife surveys such as classification counts of ungulates in front and backcountry settings. Installs, operates, and maintains equipment such as remote cameras and radio telemetry to monitor wildlife populations. Performs data entry and maintains and organizes computer databases, uses computer programs to compile, reduce, store, retrieve, analyze, report data and create basic maps in GIS and assists in the preparation of summary reports.
    At the GS-06 level, duties are similar to GS-05, but performed with greater level of independence. In addition to the duties described above, performs data quality control/assurance and management. Uses GIS to create maps to identify study sites or display and analyze spatial data. Plans logistics for multiday backcountry trips and reviews safety plans.
    At the GS-07 level, the employee independently and with input from higher level biologist plans, schedules, and conducts aerial surveys to monitor ungulates; serves as field lead for migration research including planning field activities and organizing equipment and project logistics; addresses routine wildlife management issues using firearms when necessary; and with assistance captures wildlife using remote drug delivery. Collects field data using standardized procedures; develops, maintains, and organizes computer databases; and uses a variety of computer programs to compile, clean, store, and retrieve data. Performs geospatial and statistical analyses using ArcGIS and R on GPS radio collar and other project data and prepares draft project reports and presentations. Trains others in data collection protocols and wildlife management techniques.

    Physical Demands: The work is partially sedentary with prolonged standing, walking, and bending often required. Heavy items (e.g., equipment and packs up to 50 pounds) must be lifted and carried on a routine basis.

    Work Environment: 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.

    Travel Required

    75% or less - Backcountry travel may be expected for these positions.

    Supervisory status

    No

    Who May Apply

    This job is open to…

    U.S. Citizens, CTAP, ICTAP

    Questions? This job is open to 2 groups.

  • Requirements
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    Requirements

    Conditions of Employment

    • U.S. Citizenship required.
    • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
    • Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
    • These positions are subject to drug testing based on collateral duties.

    • Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
    • These positions are subject to drug testing based on the collateral duties requiring operation of motorboats (required for all grade levels) and requiring firearms in the back-country or other locations for non-law enforcement reasons such as protection from animals (firearm requirement for GS-07 grade level only).
    • You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties. Prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year thereafter (or more frequently if management determines such need exists), you will be required to sign an affidavit certifying to your possession of a valid State issued driver's license that is current and has not been revoked, suspended, canceled, or otherwise disqualified in any way to prohibit your operation of a motor vehicle. You will also submit a photocopy of your valid State issued driver's license prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year, or more frequently if management determines such need exists. Lastly, you may be required to 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 discloses all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. Please indicate in your application whether you possess a valid State driver's license.
    • 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, overtime and shift work.
    • You may be required to travel overnight in the backcountry, away from home, up to 16 nights per month.
    • 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.

    Qualifications

    To qualify for these positions at the GS-05, GS-06 and/or GS-07 grade levels, you must possess at least one or all of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:

    GS-05 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
    EXPERIENCE: Possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in the level of difficulty and responsibility to the GS-04 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes assisting higher level technicians/biologists in conducting wildlife surveys and gathering basic information on wildlife populations, such as numbers, distribution and age/gender classes; collecting and recording accurate wildlife biological data in a field setting; using computer software to compile, reduce, store, retrieve, and report wildlife data; maintaining and organizing computer databases on wildlife; and traveling and orienting safely in wilderness settings under supervision.
    -OR-
    EDUCATION: Successfully completed at least four years of education above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or 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 the position to be filled. You must include transcripts if qualifying through education.
    -OR-
    COMBINATION: Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. For example, 6 months of specialized experience (50% of the specialized experience) and three years of education above high school (50% of the education) would qualify an applicant for this position at the GS-05 grade level. Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours (i.e. beyond the second year) is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements. You must include transcripts if qualifying through a combination of experience and education.

    GS-06 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
    EXPERIENCE: Possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the GS-05 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes conducting wildlife surveys independently and gathering basic information on wildlife populations, such as locating radio collared wildlife or documenting mortalities using radio telemetry equipment; preparing reports and correspondence related to wildlife field activities; developing graphs, charts and illustrations for wildlife reports and using computer software; collecting and preparing biological samples from wildlife; installing, operating, and maintaining deploying wildlife sampling equipment, such as remote cameras; and traveling and orienting safely in wilderness settings.
    -OR-
    EDUCATION: Successfully completed at least one year of graduate level education with a major study in a related field such as natural resource management, biology, animal husbandry, zoology, or other related sciences. One year of graduate education is considered to be 18 semester hours. You must include transcripts if qualifying through education.
    -OR-
    COMBINATION: Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. For example, 6 months of specialized experience (50% of the experience) and 9 graduate level semester hours (50% of the education), would qualify an applicant for this position at the GS-07 grade level (along with meeting the selective factor requirement listed above). You must include transcripts if qualifying through a combination of experience and education.

    GS-07 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
    EXPERIENCE: Possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the GS-06 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes leading research and monitoring activities independently for wildlife resources; participating in capturing, handling, and monitoring of wildlife to deploy radio collars and collect biological samples; preparing technical reports with graphics (e.g. charts, tables, graphs) and professional presentations related to wildlife field activities; performing spatial and statistical analyses on wildlife; and addressing basic wildlife management issues.
    -OR-
    EDUCATION
    : Successfully completed at least one year of graduate level education with a major study in a related field such as natural resource management, biology, animal husbandry, zoology, or other related sciences. One year of graduate education is considered to be 18 semester hours. You must include transcripts if qualifying through education.
    -OR-
    COMBINATION
    : Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. For example, 6 months of specialized experience (50% of the experience) and 9 graduate level semester hours (50% of the education), would qualify an applicant for this position at the GS-07 grade level (along with meeting the selective factor requirement listed above). You must include transcripts if qualifying through a combination of experience and education.

    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".

    Education

    To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

    If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

    Additional information

    This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

    Individuals selected under this vacancy announcement are eligible for the possibility of extensions or rehire in subsequent service years provided they have not exceed 1039 hours within a service year.

    These positions have no known promotion potential.

    The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.

    AREA INFORMATION: Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway preserves a spectacular landscape rich with majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and extraordinary wildlife. The abrupt vertical rise of the jagged Teton Range contrasts with the sage-covered valley, creating world-renowned scenery that attracts visitors from all over the world.
    Park headquarters is located in Moose, Wyoming which is approximately 12 miles north of Jackson. Jackson is a small, outdoor recreation focused, thriving community of 10,000 year round residents. The town caters to four million tourists every summer, has an excellent hospital and medical community, a well-respected public school system, private schools, multiple grocery stores, excellent restaurants, and seasonal music and art festivals. Outdoor activities are available year round and include easy access to three ski resorts (Snow King Resort, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and Grand Targhee), back-country and Nordic skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, camping, backpacking, horseback riding, boating, rafting, kayaking, hunting, cycling, mountain biking, and world class fly fishing, climbing, and mountaineering. The climate can be as extreme as the activities that are available. Winter temperatures range between lows of 20 degrees below zero to highs of 30 degrees. Summer temperatures are comfortable, with highs between 65 - 80 degrees.
    Government housing may be available.

    If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document that you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application. Click the following link for more information, https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Alternate_Application_Information.

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    How You Will Be Evaluated

    You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

    A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Occupational Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions may affect your rating.

    Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. These procedures place candidates with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans with a service connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher. Under Category Rating, candidates will be rated and ranked into one of three categories:

    • Best Qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position
    • Well Qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in most of the requirements of the job
    • Qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in some, but not all of the requirements of the job.
    You will be evaluated on the following competencies:
    • Research
    • Risk Management
    • Stamina
    • Technology Application
    • Wildlife Biology

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    Background checks and security clearance

    Security clearance

    Not Applicable

  • Required Documents
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    Required Documents

    The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/22/2017:

    1. Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, with dates specified in month and year format, and, indicate hours worked per week. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.
    2. A complete Occupational Questionnaire
    3. Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:
      • Veterans Preference Documentation:
        • If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
        • If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
        • If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.
    4. College transcripts, if qualifying based on education.
    5. Documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan consideration if you are a displaced Federal employee within the local commuting area. You must include: 1) Proof you are a displaced Federal employee, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above 80 on the rating criteria for this position.
    Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.

    If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

    Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

    Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

  • Benefits
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    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.

    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.

  • How to Apply
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    How to Apply

    To apply for this position: You must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/22/2017. WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR E-MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES.

    1. Select Apply. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to login or create an account.
    2. Prompted to Start the Application Process by selecting "Start Application."
    3. Select or add the resume you want to use for this application. Click here on how to build a resume in USAJOBS.
    4. Select documents you want included in this application.
    5. Review package to acknowledge your documents were reviewed.
    6. Select if you want to include your demographic information.
    7. After reading and certifying the application is true and submitted in good faith, select "Continue to Agency Site."
    8. Follow onscreen prompts and instructions to complete your application.
    9. Add the supporting documents by indexing your documents with the dropdown.
      • Upload any missing required documents or optional documents.
    10. Review and Submit Application.
    11. While logged in, you can check the status of your application by selecting "+" next to the job title for this position.
    12. You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement.
      • To update an application, you should log into your USAJOBS account and select "+" next to the job title for this position. Select "Update Application" for this job.
      • Note: When you click Update Application, you will be prompted to re-select your documents from USAJOBS. Documents submitted with the first application will no longer be associated with the applicant record. So it is important that you select all documents you want to use in the re-application.

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    Agency contact information

     Shawn Lipinski

    Address

    Grand Teton National Park
    PO Drawer 170
    Moose, WY
    US
    Learn more about this agency

    Next steps

    Once the Occupational Questionnaire is received you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful. If you are among the most qualified candidates and your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.

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  • Fair & Transparent

    Fair & Transparent

    The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

    Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

    The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

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    Reasonable Accommodation Policy

    Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

    A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.

    Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:

    • An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.
    • An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.
    • An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.

    You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

    Learn more about disability employment and reasonable accommodations or how to contact an agency.

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    Legal and regulatory guidance



https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/487221800

Conduct research and monitoring on ungulates in Grand Teton National Park.  Job announcement for details