Seasonal Physical Science Technician

Summary

These positions are temporary and may not exceed 1039 hours (six months) in a service year. Take note the announcement closing date has been extended to 12/29/2025. Selectees may be moved between duty stations within park boundaries. Positions and grade levels may not be filled at every duty station.

Duties and Seasonal Periods

The parks and duty stations hiring for these positions are listed below with anticipated seasonal periods. The seasonal period may vary due to weather, project needs, or funding.

• Denali National Park and Preserve (Denali Park):
  April‑November
• Kenai Fjords National Park (Seward):
  May‑October
• Southeast Alaska Network (Juneau):
  May‑October
• Southwest Alaska Network (Anchorage):
  May‑October
• Wrangell‑St. Elias National Park & Preserve (Copper Center):
  April‑September

Field and Office Duties

• Installing, calibrating, and retrieving data from remote environmental monitoring equipment.
• Taking samples and/or manually measuring environmental parameters such as stream flow, collecting water samples, and recording audibility.
• Navigating to remote backcountry sites using GPS and topographic maps to map landscape features and record associated data.

Additional Duties – GS‑06 and GS‑07 Levels

• Preparing draft figures and reports describing and summarizing weather and hydrology data.
• Writing detailed draft reports on the methods and operating procedures for the physical science portion of an environmental monitoring program.

Additional Duties – GS‑07 Level

• Using computer software to statistically analyze physical science‑based natural resource monitoring data.
• Managing natural resource data.

Physical Demands

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

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office, laboratory, and the field. Field work includes exposure to extreme weather and terrain conditions, poisonous plants, biting insects, and wild animals. Laboratory work may involve exposure to hazardous chemicals. The position requires extended travel in the backcountry, both on and off trail, over rough steep terrain under inclement weather conditions.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
• Direct Deposit electronics funds transfer program participation.
• Operate a motor vehicle; valid driver’s license required. Submit a Motor Vehicle Operator’s License and Driving Record.
• Complete training and operate a four‑wheel drive vehicle (may be required).
• Wear a uniform and comply with National Park Service uniform standards (uniform allowance provided).
• Work on‑call, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime (may be required).
• Travel overnight away from home up to 15 nights per month (may be required).
• Complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel authority (may be required).

Qualifications – GS‑05

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS‑04 level in federal service that is directly related to the position.
• At least four years of education above high school leading to a bachelor’s degree (or 24 semester hours in a qualifying field). Submit transcripts and hours worked per week.
• Combination of specialized experience and education: calculate percentages as described; must equal at least 100% (submit transcripts and hours worked per week).

Qualifications – GS‑06

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS‑05 level in federal service that is directly related to the position.

Qualifications – GS‑07

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS‑06 level in federal service that is directly related to the position.
• One full academic year of graduate level education (18 semester hours). Submit transcripts and hours worked per week.
• Combination of specialized experience and education: calculate percentages as described; must equal at least 100% (submit transcripts and hours worked per week).

Volunteer Experience

Volunteer work through National Service programs or other organizations counts as qualifying experience…