Want to make a difference? Restore and protect Florida’s most treasured ecosystems? Not afraid to gear up and work hard in hot, humid, wild conditions? Gain experience and start your ecological career with us at Ocala National Forest this summer. Be a WEEDINATOR! This is a seasonal position only, not to exceed 6 months.
Job Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICAN (INVASIVE PLANTS)
Department: Department Of Agriculture
Agency: Forest Service, Ocala National Forest
Job Announcement Number: 15-TEMP-R80404-5WEED-DT-MR
SALARY RANGE:
$15.31 to $15.31 / Per Hour
OPEN PERIOD:
Tuesday, March 17, 2015 to Monday, March 23, 2015
SERIES & GRADE:
GS-0404-05
POSITION INFORMATION:
Full-Time – Temporary
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: (None) 05
DUTY LOCATIONS:
1 vacancy – Silver Springs, FL
WHO MAY APPLY:
U.S. Citizens and U.S. Nationals; no prior Federal experience is required.
SECURITY CLEARANCE:
Not Applicable
SUPERVISORY STATUS:
No
General duties:
Performs the full range of standardized technical assignments and non-standard tasks consisting of a variety of routine and frequently complex tasks involving invasive non-native plant treatment, management, inventory, and monitoring. Identifies invasive non-native plants using various field guides or botanical keys, surveys for target plants, collects and assesses data on infestation location and status, and treats invasive plant infestations. Treatments primarily involve using herbicides, but may also be accomplished by hand-pulling, and/or using hand tools, power tools, mowers, and other standardized control methods.
Collects and records data related to infestation location and status. Responsible for ensuring that data related to invasive non-native plant treatments is recorded accurately and legibly, and according to specific protocols.
Performs highly physical labor and daily hiking often to remote locations in rugged terrain under possible adverse weather conditions. Uses global positioning systems, aerial photographs, topographic maps, GIS and/or compass in navigation. A portion of time may be dedicated to data entry, GIS, and other duties in a laboratory/office setting.
Applies herbicides using backpack sprayers or other equipment on a regular basis according to specific guidelines. Performs basic mathematical calculations related to herbicide mixing and applications. Utilizes appropriate personal protective equipment supplied by the Forest Service at all times.
Occasionally assists with revegetation and ecological restoration duties.
How to apply:
By March 23, 2015…
Go to https://www.usajobs.gov
Search for the vacancy using:
GS-0404-05-Biological Science Technician
Announcement Number: 15-TEMP-R80404-5WEED-DT-MR
USAJOBS Control Number: 397705600
(Even if only one position is displayed, be sure to click on it to select Silver Springs, FL)
Provide resume and transcripts to support your qualifications:
I have at least 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the 04 level performing work related to the duties of this position. Examples include: Participating in plant-related projects using established methods, techniques, and procedures, such as conducted vegetative surveys; identified and recorded locations of sensitive, threatened, endangered and proposed listed plant species; and photographed, collected, and prepared specimen mounts of plants, Participating in field work projects related to vegetation management such as field measurements of density, diversity, etc., experimental layout, seeding or planting, fertilizer or pesticide treatment, Applying simple biological procedures, such as surveyed planted tracts, employed growth deterrents, and inspected for disease or infestation by insects.
OR
I have successfully completed a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor’s degree with at least 24 semester hours or the equivalent 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 have been directly related to the position to be filled such as botany or related plant sciences.
OR
I have a combination of experience and education in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree which is equivalent to 1 year of work experience as defined above.
Veterans provide DD-214, and SF-15 if claiming 10-point Veteran’s Preference
Federal employees provide SF-50
Be prepared to answer the following questions and support answers with documentation (resume, transcripts, certifications):Questions for all series1. Which of the following best describes your highest level of experience collecting scientific or technical data as part of biological science tests, analyses, studies, or projects?
I have no experience performing this job function. I have received education and training in collecting scientific or technical data, but I have not performed this function on the job. I have followed oral and written instructions to collect and record data from laboratory and/or field biological science tests, analyses, studies, or projects. I have determined the relevance of and collected and recorded field and/or laboratory data for a variety of biological science tests, analyses, studies, or projects. I have determined the relevance of and collected and recorded field and/or laboratory data for a variety of biological science tests, analyses, studies, or projects. I have also instructed others in methods, techniques, and procedures for collecting scientific/technical data to assure to assure accuracy and completeness.
Which of the following best describes your highest level of experience analyzing scientific or technical data?
I have no experience analyzing scientific or technical data. I have received education and training in standard methods, procedures, and techniques for analyzing scientific or technical data. I have not performed this function on the job. I have followed standard methods, procedures, and techniques to analyze scientific or technical data as a regular part of jobs I have held. I consulted with a senior technician or scientist to resolve problems encountered in these analyses. I have selected and followed standard methods, procedures, and techniques to analyze scientific or technical data as a regular part of jobs I have held. I conferred with senior technicians or scientists to resolve new or unique problems encountered in these analyses. I have selected and followed standard methods, procedures, and techniques to analyze scientific or technical data as a regular part of jobs I have held. I independently resolved or assisted others develop solutions to new or unique problems encountered in these analyses.
I have direct experience and am proficient at performing the following duties and functions in the analysis and reporting of biological science data: (Select all that apply) *
Maintaining records of study/project findings/results Constructing plots or graphs of data Presenting data in tabular form Presenting data in graphic form Developing tables, charts, or other graphics displaying data for use in publications Developing spreadsheets of study/project data Using computer programs/software to analyze data None of the above
I have properly used the following to conduct field surveys: (select all that apply) *
Global Positioning Device Map and compass Remote cameras Data recorders None of the above
Which of the following best describes your highest level of experience safely and properly controlling invasive plants and noxious weeds by manual methods or by applying herbicides in outdoor environments such as agricultural tracts, ranchland, forests, or rangeland
I have no experience performing this job function. I have received education and training in the safe and proper application of herbicides or use of manual methods to control noxious weeds or invasive plants, but I have not applied this knowledge on the job. I have worked under the guidance and direction of a senior technician or scientist to safely and properly control noxious weeds or invasive plants using manual methods or by applying herbicides in outdoor environments. My experience and training have prepared me to perform this job function independently. As a regular part of jobs I have held, I have individually or as a member of a team or crew safely and properly controlled noxious weeds or invasive plants using manual methods or applying herbicides in outdoor environments such as agricultural tracts, ranchland, forests, or rangeland to control noxious or invasive plants. As a regular part of jobs I have held, I have been formally assigned to lead a crew or team to safely and properly control noxious weeds or invasive plants using manual methods or applying herbicides in outdoor environments such as agricultural tracts, ranchland, forests, or rangeland to control noxious or invasive plants.
I have direct experience and am proficient at performing the following duties and functions in the planning and execution of biological science studies or projects related to natural resource management: (Select all that apply)
Following written and oral instructions to perform tests/analyses related to the study/project Collecting field samples Handling/processing samples/specimens Establishing study criteria, such as sample size Applying appropriate investigational techniques Selecting appropriate investigational techniques Following established work plans/schedules Establishing work plans/schedules Following applicable rules and regulations Assuring compliance with applicable rules and/or regulations Operating equipment/instruments Selecting the appropriate equipment/instruments Establishing equipment/instrument requirements Collecting study/project data Interpreting study/project data None of the above
Which of the following best describes your highest level of experience performing technical tasks and duties in the field to support natural resource management botany/plant projects and programs?
I have no experience performing this job function. I have received education and training in botany and methods, techniques, and procedures used to perform scientific/technical tasks and duties to support botany/plant projects. I have not applied this knowledge on the job. I have performed technical tasks and duties in the field to support similar or related botany/plant projects and programs. I have worked under the guidance and direction of a senior technician or scientist while performing technical tasks and duties in the field to support natural resource management botany/plant projects and programs. As a regular part of jobs I have held, I have individually or as a crew or team member performed technical tasks and duties in the field to support natural resource management botany/plant projects and programs.
Have you conducted inspections or surveys in the field that required you to identify plant species?? Yes No
Which of the following best describes your highest level of work experience composing formal written products dealing with technical information
I have not composed formal written products dealing with technical information. I have received education and training in composing formal written products dealing with technical information, but I have not performed this function on the job I have occasionally assisted in drafting formal written products dealing with technical information. The products were completed and reviewed by higher level professionals before being finalized and released. I have routinely drafted formal written products dealing with technical information as a regular part of jobs I have held. The products were reviewed by higher level professionals before being finalized and released. I have routinely and independently composed, secured appropriate reviews, and finalized formal written products dealing with technical information on behalf of my employer.
I have developed and written the following products as part of jobs I have held: (Select all that apply)
Field notebooks of data/observations Records of scientific test data Database observation records Reports of research projects or studies Data analysis used in reports Data analysis used in published manuscripts Information/education presentations Technical data reports/documents None of the above
I have direct experience and am proficient at verbally communicating with the following individuals or groups concerning scientific or technical information related to projects or activities of a natural resource management or related organization: (Select all that apply)
Co-workers Tradesmen/craftsmen Research scientists/technicians Contractors Administrative personnel Natural resource management personnel Representatives of federal agencies Representatives of state and/or local governments Representatives of private industry Private land owners Environmental advocacy groups Animal rights advocacy groups Tribal representatives Members of the public None of the above
(DEMO NON-PROF) Please select the statement(s) that reflect your educational achievement(s). Transcripts, certificates, or other appropriate documentation must be included with this application to verify GPA, degree, and/or completion of trade or vocational school program.
. I have a grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 or above for all completed courses at the time of this application or for all completed courses during the last two years of high school or college. I have a GPA of 3.0 or above in my major field of college study for all courses completed at the time of this application or for all courses completed during the last two years of a 4 year curriculum. I am (was) a member of a college national honor society (does not include a freshman honor society). I have completed all the requirements for an advanced degree in a field related to this position (e.g., M.A. or Ph.D). I have a GPA of 2.7 or above for at least 24 semester hours (or equivalent) of coursework, above the high school level, that is directly related to the work of this position. I have received a certificate or other indicator of successful completion of a trade or vocational school program that is directly related to the work of this position. None of the above
Do you affirm that your resume and answers to the questions accurately represent your experience and/or education and are true and correct to the best of your knowledge?
Yes No
I certify I have read the announcement and have attached all supporting documents as required.