biological science technician - Flagstaff, United States - Department Of The Interior

Description

Summary

What General Information Do I Need To Know About This Position?

This is a term appointment not to exceed 13 months with possible extensions up to a total of 4 years without further competition. Appointment to this position will not convey permanent status in the Federal service.

Salary: $39,576 (Step 01) to $51,446 (Step 10); NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01.

Duties

As a Biological Science Technician within the Southwest Biological Science Center, some of your specific duties will include:

• Conduct field sampling of invertebrates.
• Assist in the use and maintenance of lab and field equipment to collect and preserve invertebrate samples.
• Prepare and perform laboratory analysis of invertebrate samples.
• Collect invertebrate samples in remote setting under difficult conditions.
• Operate a government owned or leased vehicle as an incidental driver.
• Operate and maintain outboard powered boats.

Physical Demands

Field work is physically demanding and includes walking, bending, climbing, and lifting of equipment up to 50 pounds (or heavier equipment, with assistance) when in the field, sometimes during adverse conditions. Lab work requires long periods of standing, agility and dexterity in handling samples, and hand-eye coordination.

Work Environment

The work is performed in a laboratory or field environment. Field work involves moderate or sometimes extreme exposures to the discomforts of rain, cold/hot weather, and rapidly running or icy streams and rivers. Special safety precautions are required in many cases for both field and lab work, and the employee may typically wear life jackets; special safety boots, gloves, and goggles; waders; and special organism handling gear. Work may include conducting sampling in remote desert regions for extended time periods (>2 weeks) requiring extensive hiking, exposure to extreme temperatures, and occasional nighttime work. Work may require operating small motorized watercraft on large rivers.

Conditions of Employment of the USGS Watercraft Safety Program:

Motorboat Operator Certification - You must be able to take and pass the USGS Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) within six (6) months of employment.

CPR Certification - Must be able to obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certification for the duration of employment.

First Aid Certification - Must be able to obtain and maintain Wilderness or Advanced First Aid certification for duration of employment. (Note: Only if the employee will be over an hour away from emergency services while on boat.)

There are currently a few vacancies to be filled; however, this announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies if they become available.