Biological Science Technician (Shorebirds) (Seasonal) @ National Park Service

Job Summary

The Biological Science Technician for Cape Cod National Seashore's Shorebird Management and Protection Program monitors nesting, migrating, and staging shore birds, and implements management measures to ensure these species are protected. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for Cape Code National Seashore is March - October 2027, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. There are 4 vacancies for the GS-05 and 1 for the GS-06.

Qualifications

NOTE: Applicants will be selected at either the GS-5 OR the GS-6 level. Being selected at the GS-5 level does NOT imply non-competitive promotion potential to the GS-6. All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/28/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. 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 (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time).

If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE GS-06 To qualify for this position at the GS-06 grade level, you must possess all of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement: EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors).

This experience includes activities such as

• 1) Performing wildlife inventories, monitoring and protection activities for a variety of wildlife species;
• 2) Conducting field surveys in remote locations to document and assess animal presence, abundance, reproduction, management issues, and population dynamics using established protocols and standard scientific equipment;
• 3) Referencing standard methods, practices, and procedures in order to make adjustments as necessary during field operations;
• 4) Drafting project reports that may include literature research, descriptions of methods, preparation of graphs and charts, and providing a summary of findings to higher-level specialists for further analysis.

You must include hours per week worked. MIMIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE GS-06 To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement: EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors).

This experience includes activities such as

• 1) Assisting with the performance of wildlife inventories, monitoring and protection activities for a variety of wildlife species.
• 2) Conducting field surveys in remote locations to document and assess animal presence, abundance, reproduction, management issues, and population dynamics using established protocols and standard scientific equipment -OR- EDUCATION: Successful completion of a four-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as environmental sciences, biology, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, wildlife sciences, ecology, natural resource sciences / monitoring, chemistry, statistics, physics, agriculture, mathematics, or other directly-related subject area.

At least 6 semester hours of courses must have been directly related to the position being filled (e.g. Ecology, Biology, and Wildlife Sciences). -OR- Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. To combine education and experience, first take the number of semester hours (or equivalent) earned towards a bachelor's degree, in excess of 60 semester hours, and divide by 60 semester hours (or equivalent). Then take the number of months of full time experience and divide by 12 months.

Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. NOTE: If you are qualifying based in part on education, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts. Qualifying experience may be obtained in the private or public sectors. The OPM Qualification Standards Handbook is available for review at: OPM Qualification Standards. Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Major Duties

• Some of the Biological Science Technician (Shoebirds) Standard Duties include but are not limited to: Implements and trains on wildlife monitoring protocols to inform management and track long-term population trends. Collects, analyzes, and reports field data and manages it accordingly. Communicates both orally and in writing to audiences within and outside of the NPS. Coordinates with park staff, local, state and federal entities to successfully implement management techniques. Work within the framework of the Endangered Species Act and appropriate NEPA documents to make and implement decisions affecting recreational and management activities.

Requirements

U.S. Citizenship required. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Males must meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement. Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program. Occupancy of government quarters may be required. Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed. Use find a park to contact specific parks for more information on government housing.

Motorboat operation required. Selectee will receive appropriate training in motorboat operations and will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing; You may be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and/or shift work. You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle.

You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license will be required in such cases. You must be at least 18 years of age or older to operate government vehicles. You may be required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority. You must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and:

• (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or
• (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or
• (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or
• (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.