Biological Science Technician (Seasonal

This position is located in Biscayne National Park, in the Division of Natural Resources Management.

Likely Entry On Duty:
October
- December 2026.

Open to the first 50 applicants.

This position requires Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) or equivalent and substantial experience operating vessels (up to 28' in length) in open water marine environments. You must submit documentation of how you meet this requirement, such as photocopies of certifications and descriptions of experience in your resume.

-AND-

This position requires advanced open water SCUBA certification and also requires that you have completed at least 50 scientific and/or commercial dives. You must submit copies of certification cards and dive logs displaying complete information for each dive to demonstrate that you meet this requirement.

• A. Specialized
  
  Experience:
  
  One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-08 grade level in the Federal Service (obtained in either the public or private sectors ) that demonstrates experience independently conducting and coordinating marine or aquatic resource monitoring and stewardship activities; applying scientific protocols for biological surveys, habitat assessments, restoration projects, and resource protection efforts; analyzing and interpreting ecological data; managing field data collection efforts;
  
  and preparing technical documentation to inform resource management decisions. Examples of specialize experience includes adapting sampling methods to field conditions, resolving logistical and scientific challenges, coordinating with partners or project teams, and contributing to the implementation of complex natural resource programs.
  
  -OR-
• B.
  
  Education:
  
  Two full academic years of graduate education or possess a master's degree in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as biology, ecology, environmental science, marine biology, marine ecology, or other directly related coursework. You must provide transcripts.
  
  -OR-
• C. Combination: Successful completion of a combination of specialized experience and education, as described above, that when combined equal 100% of the minimum qualification requirement for the GS-09 level. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level can be combined with the appropriate level of experience to qualify applicants. For example, if a school's requirement for 1 year of graduate study is 18 semester hours, only graduate education beyond the first 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours can be combined with GS-7 level experience to qualify for a GS-9 level position.
  
  Thus, 27 semester hours of graduate education and 6 months of GS-7 level experience cannot be combined to qualify for a GS-9 position. You must submit a copy of your transcripts as proof of any claimed education.

Qualifying experience may be obtained in the private or public sectors. OPM Qualification Standards Handbook is available for review at: OPM Qualification Standards.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, Ameri Corps) 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.

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.