Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) - Bears
U.S. National Park Service
Summary
These positions are located in Yosemite National Park, in the Resource Management and Science Division.
The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for Yosemite National Park is April but can be variable due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: Mid-April 2025.
Open to the first 250 applicants or until 12/09/2024 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.
Overview
- Accepting applications
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Open & closing dates
12/02/2024 to 12/09/2024
This job will close when we have received 250 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more -
Salary
$17.35 - $27.56 per hour
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Pay scale & grade
GS 4 - 6
- Help
Location
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Remote job
No
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Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
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Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel up to 5 nights per month for this position.
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Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
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Appointment type
Temporary - Not to Exceed: 1039 Hours
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Work schedule
Multiple Schedules - Full time or Part time dependent upon duty location.
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Service
Competitive
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Promotion potential
None
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Job family (Series)
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Supervisory status
No
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Security clearance
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Drug test
Yes
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Position sensitivity and risk
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Trust determination process
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Financial disclosure
No
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Bargaining unit status
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Announcement number
PW-1548-SR-25-12606820-DE
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Control number
820300700
This job is open to
- The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
- Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
Clarification from the agency
The Pacific West Region is recruiting for TEMPORARY seasonal positions not to exceed 1039 hours work in a service year. Dates of employment will vary depending on funding, weather conditions and visitation. Within regulatory limitations, the length of initial appointment may be shortened or extended depending on work availability and funding.
Videos
Duties
Major Duties at the GS-04 Level: The incumbent's duties include: assisting with trapping, tagging, collaring, translocating or euthanizing bears involved in conflicts with humans and tracking bears; recording capture and patrol data, collecting numbers, distribution, reproductive success, habitat use, survival and behavior of various animal species including those species legally classified as threatened, endangered or sensitive; using GPS technology to navigate and collect data; following instructions and standardized procedures.
Major Duties at the GS-05 Level: The incumbent's duties include: assist wildlife biologist with wildlife management including bear and other large carnivore species; trapping, tagging, collaring and tracking bears. Participates in park's bear management program including the capture, data collection, and translocation or euthanizing of bears involved in conflicts with humans and using firearms to fire nonlethal rounds at large mammals to move them out of developed areas. Collects data on numbers, distribution, reproductive success, habitat use, survival, and behavior of various animal species, especially those species legally classified as threatened, endangered, or sensitive; contacts park visitors to provide information about wildlife issues and to correct problems that may lead to human-wildlife conflicts; enters collected data into computer files and assists with statistical analyses; coordinates activities of volunteers, contractors, researchers, and other personnel involved in wildlife projects; and prepares correspondence and presentations regarding wildlife projects.
Major Duties at the GS-06 Level: The incumbent serves as an assistant field lead in support of the Bear Management Program under supervision of that program's lead managers. Provides technical assistance to design and implement bear and other wildlife management actions to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, usually in developed areas of the park. These actions include: patrolling to detect bears and food storage violations, usually at night; capture and anesthesia of bears to tag, fitting radio and GPS collars, and collect physiological data; euthanizing bears that are a clear threat to human safety; using firearms to fire nonlethal rounds at large mammals to move them out of developed areas. The incumbent participates in technical meetings; drafts documents such as technical reports, environmental assessments, research or contract proposals, and management reports; resents proposals, results, and management issues associated with wildlife species.
CTAP/ICTAP Statement: Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level on all competencies. Federal employees seeking CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit proof that they meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(2) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of their most recent Performance Rating, and a copy of their most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP/ICTAP eligible. If you are selected for Federal employment, you will be required to fill out a Declaration of Federal Employment, OF-306, prior to being appointed to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. Failing to answer all questions truthfully and completely or providing false statements on your application may be grounds for not hiring you, or for firing you after you begin work. Also, you may be punished by fine or imprisonment (U.S. Code, Title 18, section 1001).
For more information about Yosemite National Park visit Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) .
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.
- GS-05/06 Only- You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
- 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 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 away from home up to 5 nights per month. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
- Travel, transportation & relocation expenses will not be paid. Relocation expenses will be the employee's responsibility.
- Government housing is available.
Qualifications
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.
SELECTIVE FACTORS: This position performs strenuous work with large carnivores, primarily bears, and therefore the following experience is required:
- Specialized Experience with Large Carnivores (GS-05/06 Grade Levels) - tracking. trapping, tagging and collaring large carnivores with radio telemetry, qualifying species are coyotes, mountain lions, wolves and bears.
- Specialized Experience with Anesthesia and Preparing Pharmaceutical Mixtures (GS-06 Only) - experience with preparing the specified mixtures for wildlife, qualifying species are bears, mountain lions, wolves and coyotes.
- Specialized Experience with Shotgun Hazing (GS-06 Only) - experience using a shotgun with less than lethal rounds.
- AND-
To qualify for this position at the GS-04 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
EXPERIENCE: At least 6 months of general work experience AND 6 months of specialized work experience. Qualifying specialized experience includes: assisting wildlife biologists with wildlife management including bear and other large carnivore species; assisting with trapping, tagging, collaring, and tracking large carnivores with radio telemetry (Qualifying species: Cougars, Coyotes, Wolves, fox, fisher, wolverines and Bears); writing reports on data collected; assisting in wildlife capture and immobilization; and organizing and preparing wildlife capture equipment. You must include hours per week worked.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least 2 years of study above high school that includes at least 12 semester 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 position to be filled. You must submit a copy of your transcripts.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. To combine education and experience, first take the amount of completed post high school education requirement and convert it to a percentage. Then take the number of months of full-time general experience and specialized experience and convert them into a percentage of each. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include transcripts.
To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level, you must possess at least one 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-04 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: assisting wildlife biologists with wildlife management including bear and other large carnivore species; trapping, tagging, collaring, and tracking large carnivores with radio telemetry (Qualifying species: Cougars, Coyotes, Wolves, fox, fisher, wolverine and Bears); writing reports on data collected; assisting in wildlife capture and immobilization; and organizing and preparing wildlife capture equipment. You must include hours per week worked.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least 4 full years of study 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 wildlife management, biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. The coursework MUST include at least 6 semester hours in wildlife management courses. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Successful completion of a COMBINATION of education and experience. To combine education and experience, first take the number of semester hours (or equivalent) earned towards a bachelor's degree, in excess of 60 semester hours, and divide by 60 semester hours (or equivalent). Then take the number of months of full-time experience and divide by 12 months. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include transcripts.
To qualify for this position at the GS-06 grade level, you must possess at least one 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 activities such as: assisting wildlife biologists with wildlife management including bear and other large carnivore species; trapping, tagging, collaring, and tracking large carnivores with radio telemetry (Qualifying species: Cougars, Coyotes, Wolves, fox, fisher, wolverine and Bears); leading field crews: writing reports on data collected; assisting in wildlife capture and immobilization; and organizing and preparing wildlife capture equipment. You must include hours per week worked.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least one year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree with a major study in a directly related field such as wildlife management, biology, ornithology, zoology, or ecology. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Successful completion of a COMBINATION of education and experience. To combine education and experience, first take the number of semester hours (or equivalent) earned towards a directly related graduate degree and divide by 18 semester hours (or equivalent). Then take the number of months of full-time experience and divide by 12 months. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include transcripts.
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.
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.
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
For additional information about these positions, please contact:
Katie Patrick, Wildlife Biologist, katie_patrick@nps.gov
Caitlin Lee-Roney, Supervisory Wildlife Biologist, caitlin_lee-roney@nps.gov
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.
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 1040 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 1040 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1040 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 requires physical exertion as a regular and recurring walking, hiking, or climbing over wet, rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces, bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching to observe, collect, or record field data, or in some situations the work may require physical exertion to scuba dive or operate a boat. Heavy items (e.g., equipment and packs up to 50 pounds) must be lifted and carried on a routine basis.
Working Conditions: The work is performed in an office or outdoors. The work performed involved regular and recurring exposure to extreme weather conditions and terrain, poisonous plants, biting insects and wild animals.
Telework: The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the additional assessments required for this position. A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score will be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you can lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions can 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 two categories:
- 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.
- Data Management
- Oral Communication
- Wildlife Biology
- Leadership - GS-05/06 only
- Technical Competence - GS-06 only
Required Documents
The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/09/2024:
- Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, dates specified in month and year format, 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. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.
- Complete All Required Assessments.
- 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.
- Veterans Preference Documentation:
- Documentation that you meet ALL selective factors.
- College transcripts, if qualifying based on education.
- 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 90 on the rating criteria for this position.
Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.
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 12/09/2024. You must provide documentation to support your claim for each eligibility selected. Please review the required documentation listed in the eligibilities language to ensure you submit the appropriate information. Note: You will only be marked eligible for those eligibilities that you selected and provided the appropriate supporting documentation.
WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR E-MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES.
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Agency contact information
- Daniel_Garner@nps.gov
- Address
- Yosemite National Park
5037 Stroming Road
Mariposa, CA 95338
US
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.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.