Biological Science Technician (Seasonal)
What you'd do
This position is located in Biscayne National Park, in the Division of Natural Resources Management. Likely Entry On Duty: October- December 2026. Open to the first 50 applicants. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the 08/11/2026 to be considered.
Major duties
Participates in the planning and implementation of complex marine and coastal ecological restoration projects, including coral reef, seagrass, coastal forest, and other habitat restoration activities. Provides technical support for project coordination, scheduling, logistics, and field operations. Conducts biological monitoring, surveys, and resource assessments using established scientific protocols to evaluate marine species, habitat conditions, ecosystem relationships, invasive species, and impacts from disturbances such as storms, vessel groundings, disease, and marine debris. Implements restoration activities using established methods and techniques, including coral salvage and outplanting, coral propagation, seagrass restoration and monitoring, invasive species removal, native vegetation planting, and marine debris removal. Collects, manages, analyzes, and summarizes biological data; performs quality assurance and quality control of field data; and prepares technical reports, data summaries, and other documentation to support resource management decisions. Evaluates field conditions, identifies resource concerns, and recommends management actions based on established protocols, scientific guidance, and park resource management plans. Conducts extensive field activities using SCUBA, snorkeling, boats, and other specialized equipment in support of marine resource monitoring, restoration, and protection activities.
What you need to qualify
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-08/11/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your 2 page 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. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. You may only submit one resume. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed. In order to qualify for this position, you must possess both the Selective Factors and Minimum Qualification. SELECTIVE FACTORS: Selective Factor 1: This position requires Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) or equivalent and substantial experience operating vessels (up to 28' in length) in open water marine environments. You must submit documentation of how you meet this requirement, such as photocopies of certifications and descriptions of experience in your resume. -AND- Selective Factor: This position requires advanced open water SCUBA certification and also requires that you have completed at least 50 scientific and/or commercial dives. You must submit copies of certification cards and dive logs displaying complete information for each dive to demonstrate that you meet this requirement. MINIMUM QUALIFICTION: To qualify for this position at the GS-09 grade level, you must possess one of the following: A. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-08 grade level in the Federal Service (obtained in either the public or private sectors ) that demonstrates experience independently conducting and coordinating marine or aquatic resource monitoring and stewardship activities; applying scientific protocols for biological surveys, habitat assessments, restoration projects, and resource protection efforts; analyzing and interpreting ecological data; managing field data collection efforts; and preparing technical documentation to inform resource management decisions. Examples of specialize experience includes adapting sampling methods to field conditions, resolving logistical and scientific challenges, coordinating with partners or project teams, and contributing to the implementation of complex natural resource programs.-OR- B. Education: Two full academic years of graduate education or possess a master's degree in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as biology, ecology, environmental science, marine biology, marine ecology, or other directly related coursework. You must provide transcripts.-OR- C. Combination: Successful completion of a combination of specialized experience and education, as described above, that when combined equal 100% of the minimum qualification requirement for the GS-09 level. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level can be combined with the appropriate level of experience to qualify applicants. For example, if a school's requirement for 1 year of graduate study is 18 semester hours, only graduate education beyond the first 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours can be combined with GS-7 level experience to qualify for a GS-9 level position. Thus, 27 semester hours of graduate education and 6 months of GS-7 level experience cannot be combined to qualify for a GS-9 position. You must submit a copy of your transcripts as proof of any claimed education. 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. ICTAP/CTAP Statement: Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level on all competencies.
Before you apply
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