Seasonal Biological Science Technician; Fisheries

Seasonal Biological Science Technician (Fisheries)

Join to apply for the Seasonal Biological Science Technician (Fisheries) role at National Park Service
.

These positions are located in Shenandoah National Park, in the Natural and Cultural Resource Division. The primary purpose of the positions is to assist with the implementation of fish population monitoring throughout the park and serve on a field crew conducting backpack electrofishing surveys in mountain stream habitats.

Assist with fish population monitoring, capturing fish, identifying, measuring, weighing, and releasing them. Assist with all aspects of the monitoring protocol including netting fish, monitoring aquatic macroinvertebrates, measuring stream habitat, and collecting water quality and quantity data. Perform data entry and summaries using standardized software.

GS‑06 assistant crew lead responsibilities: lead and assist with monitoring protocols, maintain and repair equipment.

Positions involve long‑distance hiking up to 8 miles a day in steep, mountainous terrain under all types of weather. May have exposure to high heat and humidity, cold, wind, rain, stinging insects, and ticks (including Lyme disease). Must be capable of lifting, carrying, and packing objects and loads of 40‑50 pounds and perform frequent strenuous activity.

Shenandoah National Park, Headquarters Complex, headquarters located approximately 4 miles from Luray, Virginia. Nearby towns:
Harrisonburg (33 miles), Winchester (44 miles), Charlottesville (66 miles). The park spans ~200,000 acres with over 500 miles of trails and 95 miles of the Appalachian Trail.

This is an open continuous announcement. Applications are collected over several months and have multiple cut‑off dates. The first cut‑off date for early referral is January 4, 2026.

Up to four positions at the GS‑05 level: $19.33 per hour. One position at the GS‑06 level: $21.54 per hour.

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.
• Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license is required; may be required to operate a government or private motor vehicle, and may be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator’s License and Driving Record. May also be required to submit all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid licenses within a sealed envelope or directly by state authorities. May require submission of all certified driving records from all states at our own expense.
• You may be required to complete training and operate a four‑wheel drive vehicle.
• Government housing is not available.
• Uniform:
  You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
• Ability to lift and carry materials/loads up to 50 pounds.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old; or at least 16 years old and meet one of the following: (a) Have graduated from high school or have a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education;
  
  (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.

To qualify for the position at the GS‑05 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by the close of the announcement (January 23, 2026):

Experience: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable to the GS‑04 grade level in the Federal service, including fisheries, animal or plant inventory and monitoring work. Must include hours per week worked and demonstrate knowledge of fisheries inventory and monitoring techniques.

Education: Successful…