Seasonal Biological Science Technician; Aquatic Resources

Summary

These vacancies are temporary seasonal positions not to exceed 1,039 hours in a service year. The typical seasonal entry‑on‑duty period is APRIL / MAY 2026
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GS-06: $44,959.00 – $58,445.00 per year.
GS-07: $49,960.00 – $64,952.00 per year.

• GS-0404-06 Major Duties:
  • Surveys and identifies fish, freshwater mussels, crayfish, and other aquatic organisms.
  • Performs routine and recurring collection of water quality and biological samples.
  • Conducts laboratory analysis of water quality samples.
  • Performs data entry, including in spreadsheets, databases, and geodatabases, and carries out quality control checks on data collected by others.
  • Organizes and maintains project equipment, supplies, schedules, checklists, maps, data, and other records.
• GS-0404-07 Major Duties:
  • Conducts monitoring programs and laboratory analysis to evaluate water quality using physical, chemical, and biological indicators.
  • Surveys and identifies fish, freshwater mussels, crayfish, and other aquatic organisms.
  • Oversees day‑to‑day operation of the water quality laboratory and management of field and laboratory equipment.
  • Surveys and makes accurate field observations on aquatic resource conditions, evaluates problems, and provides recommendations to program managers.
  • Works with program managers to implement project activities to protect, manage, and restore aquatic and wetland habitats and associated species.
  • Provides work direction, training, and guidance to technicians, interns, and volunteers, including use of standard operating procedures, equipment, tools, data collection, and data management.
  • Collects and enters field data, prepares reports, and summarizes findings.

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
• Direct deposit required.
• Valid driver’s license required; motor vehicle records must be submitted from all states.
• Required to complete training and operate a four‑wheel drive vehicle.
• Uniform required; uniform allowance provided.
• Work schedule may include on‑call, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• One‑year probationary period required for new employees or supervisors.
• Minimum age 18 years; or 16 years with high school completion or equivalent and other stated conditions.

• GS-06 – One full year of specialized experience comparable to GS‑05 or one year of graduate education (18 semester hours) directly related to biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, or agriculture. Combination of experience and education may meet the requirement if experience and education each equal at least 50%.
• GS‑07 – One full year of specialized experience comparable to GS‑06 or one year of graduate education (18 semester hours) directly related to biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or related fields. Combination of experience and education may meet the requirement if experience and education each equal at least 50%.
• Volunteer experience through National Service programs and other organizations is credited towards experience requirements.

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date.

Temporary seasonal employees can maintain eligibility if total hours in the NPS within their service year do not exceed 1,040 hours. The limit can be exceeded by working multiple temporary seasonal positions or by a single position that exceeds 1,040 hours if an exception is granted.

Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations.

Work is partially sedentary with prolonged standing, walking, and bending. Heavy items may be lifted and carried routinely.

Work is performed in an office, laboratory, and field. Field work may involve exposure to extreme weather, pesticides, poisonous plants, insects, snakes, and wild animals. Laboratory work may involve hazardous chemicals.

These duties are not suitable for telework.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of the American Republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the Constitution. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a comprehensive benefits package.
Learn more about federal benefits.