Biological Science Technician (Plants)

Quick Facts

• Role: Seasonal Biological Science Technician (Plants)
• Work focus: Field and technical work to monitor, manage, and protect natural plant resources and habitats
• Seasonal entry-on-duty: March 2027 (seasonal work period typically April–October, variable)

Description

In this seasonal role, you will perform field observations and technical tasks to monitor plant and vegetation conditions, control invasive plant threats, and support revegetation and restoration activities. You will compile, enter, organize, and report field data using computer programs and databases, and for higher grades you will also use GIS/GPS for mapping and spatial analysis. Responsibilities may include leading crews and documenting project work.

Role responsibilities

• Make field observations of natural resource conditions
• Conduct plant surveys and vegetation monitoring
• Control non-native and invasive plant species using manual removal, mechanical removal, and chemical treatment with herbicides
• Conduct revegetation (container plants, salvaged plants, divisions) and assist with seed collection and sowing
• (GS-05) Record and QA collected data; perform routine and recurring testing of collected samples
• (GS-05) Monitor rare, threatened, and endangered plant species and vegetation communities; use databases and standard statistical methods for draft reports
• (GS-05) Perform data collection/entry and spatial mapping and analysis using GIS and GPS (including Trimble and Field Maps on mobile units)
• (GS-06) Lead field crews and volunteers; conduct photo documentation of project work
• (GS-06) Identify vascular plants to species level using dichotomous keys
• (GS-06) Select appropriate tools/methods/herbicides for invasive plant control; assist with long-term monitoring
• (GS-06) Install, operate, and maintain equipment; perform inventories, QA compliance checks, and calibrations
• (GS-06) Provide training; assist in safety plans and job hazard analysis; support report/plan development

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship required; subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication
• Males must meet Selective Service Registration requirements
• Must meet qualification standards for the applicable grade level (GS-04/GS-05/GS-06) via required specialized experience and/or education
• At least 18 years old to operate government vehicles
• Valid driver’s license required if operating a government (or private) vehicle is part of duties
• May be required to handle/apply pesticide and/or herbicide
• May be required to wear a uniform and comply with National Park Service uniform standards
• May require training, including operation of four-wheel drive vehicles
• May require on-call work and schedule flexibility (evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, shifts)
• If using education to qualify: submit transcripts; provide official transcripts if selected
• If using foreign education: provide credential evaluation demonstrating equivalency to accredited U.S. education

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government includes a comprehensive benefits package. Benefit eligibility depends on the type of position and whether it is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.