Biologist
What you'd do
This is a term position with an initial appointment expecting to last at least 13 months but may be extended up to a total of 10 years under STEM without further competition at management's discretion. This position is located in Key West, FL at the Dry Tortugas National Park (DRTO). Information about DRTO can be found here: NPS - DRTO Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
Major duties
Park Description/Area Information: This position is based at Dry Tortugas National Park, 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. The park is 101 square miles, mostly open ocean, with a subtropical coral reef system. Seven small islands support nesting seabirds, including sooty terns, brown noddys, frigatebirds, and masked boobies, and hundreds of loggerhead and green sea turtle nests each year. Work includes land and marine tasks such as seabird and sea turtle monitoring, invasive species management, marine surveys, and restoration projects. Because the park is remote and weather can change quickly, priorities often shift and flexibility is essential. Two biologists will be hired: one focused on terrestrial and marine fieldwork, and one focused on equipment and instrumentation, including dive gear and vessels. Employees usually stay at Garden Key, a 16-acre island with limited services. Housing is in small or shared units with basic amenities. Internet access is limited, and there are no stores or banks, so travel to Key West is required for services. Living on the island for up to two weeks at a time can be challenging. Recreation options include snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding, fishing, sailing, and birding. Term Appointment (STEM Authority): This position is filled under the Department of the Interior STEM Term Appointment Authority, which allows an initial 13-month term that may extend up to 10 years. This authority supports scientific work that requires long-term continuity. Dry Tortugas National Park must maintain multi-year marine and terrestrial science programs, including coral disease response and restoration, coral nursery development, seabird monitoring, sea turtle studies, invasive species management, habitat restoration, environmental condition monitoring, reef assessments, habitat mapping, and water-quality trend analysis. The park also requires long-term maintenance and calibration of vessels, dive gear, sensors, cameras, and other scientific equipment. Due to the park's remote setting and the training needed for diving, boating, and field operations, continuity is essential for safety and program success. The park expects to extend the term appointment up to the 10-year maximum based on mission needs. Major Duties: Conduct biological and ecological field studies by collecting data, identifying species, measuring conditions, and documenting observations using Global Positioning System (GPS) units, field tools, and established protocols. Lead coral restoration and disease response work by assessing coral health, performing treatment procedures, maintaining coral nurseries, and supporting long-term restoration efforts. Operate and maintain small vessels and diving equipment in open-ocean settings by navigating to field sites, transporting gear, inspecting and maintaining scuba equipment, and following safety standards. Manage and report biological data by entering results, performing basic analyses, preparing summaries, creating charts or maps, conducting quality checks, and keeping organized records. Coordinate field teams by assigning tasks, guiding interns and volunteers, ensuring vessel and dive safety, adjusting plans to changing conditions, and supporting collaborative work in remote settings. Responsibilities: Ensure safe field operations by following diving and boating safety rules and monitoring changing conditions. Maintain accurate scientific data and records by collecting reliable information and keeping organized files. Care for scientific equipment by inspecting, cleaning, and repairing vessels, scuba gear, and field instruments. Support long-term resource management by completing monitoring, restoration, and research projects. Promote teamwork by coordinating tasks, providing guidance, and supporting collaborative work in remote environments.
What you need to qualify
You must show that you meet the basic requirement, the minimum qualification requirement, and both selective factors listed below. Your resume must clearly support your answers. We will not make assumptions about your experience. All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Basic Requirement - Biologist Series (0401) You must meet one of the following: You have a bachelor's degree or higher in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a related field. OR You have a combination of education and experience that includes coursework equivalent to a major in these fields, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Minimum Qualifications - GS-09 You must meet one of the following: Specialized Experience: You have one year of specialized experience at the GS-07 level (or equivalent), and your experience includes peforming at least three of the tasks below as part of your regular duties: Collecting and organizing biological, ecological, fishery, or wildlife field data using scientific methods and tools. Assisting with natural resource studies, monitoring projects, restoration work, or control programs. Identifying species or measuring environmental conditions and sharing results with higher-level staff. Preparing summaries or reports of field observations or project results. Supporting resource management or restoration work, including maintaining equipment and helping with field logistics. OR Education: You completed two full years of graduate-level education toward a master's degree, or you have a master's degree in a related field such as biological sciences, natural resource management, or environmental science. OR Combination: You have a combination of graduate education and specialized experience that adds up to 100 percent of the requirement. AND Selective Factors (You Must Meet These at the Time of Application) You must show you meet both selective factors below. If you do not provide proof, you will be found not qualified. Open-water SCUBA certification and at least 50 logged scientific or commercial dives. This job requires underwater surveys, coral restoration, and disease response work in open ocean conditions. You must already have this certification and dive experience to safely perform these duties. Documented experience operating small vessels in open-water marine environments. Access to field sites requires long boat travel in changing sea conditions. You must already have substantial open-water boating experience to safely support field operations. 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. You must include months, years and hours per week worked to receive credit for your work and/or volunteer experience. One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week. Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for experience that does not indicate exact hours per week or is listed as "varies". For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected. POSITION DETAILS: Physical Demands: The position may require strenuous physical activity including periods of standing, walking, climbing, and lifting and carrying of heavy objects. Some activities will occur in physically dangerous areas or settings. Documentary research and report writing work is sedentary, which entails the ability to concentrate and write for long periods of time. Work Environment: Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in all types of weather. Assignments may be performed in potentially hazardous areas. Flying in fixed and rotary wing aircraft is possible.
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