Seasonal Student Trainee-Biological Science Technician; Plants at National Park Service Pipest

Seasonal Student Trainee – Biological Science Technician (Plants)

Location:

National Park Service, Pipestone, MN.

This internship program provides students enrolled in educational environments—high schools, colleges, trade schools, and other qualifying educational institutions—with paid opportunities to explore federal careers. This position is established to provide a meaningful employment opportunity in the Biological Science Technician occupation. It is a temporary appointment not to exceed 1039 hours.

Major duties at the GS‑04 level include, but are not limited to:

• Assists in conducting surveys and research on a variety of plants and animals.
• Monitor and identify species using field guides and dichotomous keys.
• Utilize methods such as pulling or cutting to remove high volumes of invasive plants.
• Capture geospatial data using handheld GPS devices and tablets.
• Operate power equipment while maintaining assigned equipment in working order.
• Ensure adequate quality control of data collected samples.

At the GS‑05 level, duties are more complex and have less supervisory oversight. The selectee may also provide guidance to others as well as provide logistical support.

Conditions of employment:

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
• Direct Deposit:
  Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
• Pathways Agreement:
  Pathways participant agreement is required.
• Incidental driving:
  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, you will be required to sign an affidavit certifying possession of a valid state‑issued driver’s license that is current and not revoked, suspended, canceled, or otherwise disqualified. 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, at your own expense, all certified driving records from all states that disclose all valid driver’s licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
• Uniform:
  You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
• Trial Period:
  The entire period served under the Intern Program counts toward trial period.
• Minimum Age Requirement:
  Applicants must be at least 18 years old, or at least 16 years old and one of the following:
  • Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school;
  • Have completed a formal vocational training program;
  • Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education;
  • 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.
• Government Housing:
  Housing is not available.

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement (01/15/2026) unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. To be eligible for this pathway position you must:

• Be enrolled in a degree‑seeking program or a 1‑year certificate program.
• Be enrolled on one‑half time basis.
• Have a minimum 2.0 grade average.
• Attending an accredited educational institution.
• Provide transcripts with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade‑point average or class ranking.
• Be enrolled for the next semester/quarter following the period of this vacancy.

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…