Biological Science Technician Jobs

Biological Science Technicians perform field and technical work to monitor, manage, and protect natural resources, including plants, wildlife, aquatic resources, and their habitats. Anticipated Entry on Duty: March - July 2027. Open to the first 950 applicants. Applicants must be submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the 10/26/2026 to be considered.For more park(s) information, select "Learn more about this agency" below: Some of the Biological Science Technician (General) Standard Duties include but are not limited to: Conduct surveys and monitoring of natural resources, including plants, wildlife, aquatic resources, habitats, and other ecological conditions. Collect biological and environmental data and specimens using established field methods, protocols, and equipment. Record and maintain project data using Global Positioning System (GPS), Geographic Information System (GIS), and other data-management technology. Organize, enter, and maintain natural resource project data. Additional duties for GS-05: You may implement established natural resource monitoring and management projects; collect, organize, and summarize field data; and assist in the preparation of reports and project documentation. Additional duties for GS-06: You may independently conduct natural resource monitoring and management activities using established methods; operate and maintain specialized field equipment; organize and evaluate project data; and assist with project implementation, data analysis, and preparation of reports and plans. Additional duties for GS-07: You may coordinate and lead natural resource field projects and provide technical guidance to field staff, interns, and/or volunteers. You may organize, schedule, and execute established natural resource monitoring and management projects; train personnel in resource identification, field methods, data and sample collection, mapping, and equipment use; ensure quality control of field data; evaluate and summarize project results; and prepare draft project reports and recommendations. All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/26/2026-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. To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level, you must possess one of the following: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level in the federal service (obtained in either the public or private sector). Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience may include: Conducting biological field studies and surveys and assembling the information; following standardized procedures to collect data on Wildlife, Fisheries, or plants; using statistical methods and procedures to perform testing of field data collected; installing, operating, and maintaining resource management equipment (e.g. tools, sampling and monitoring, photographic, and laboratory equipment); and prepares graphs, charts, and illustrations for reports and technical publications relating to biological management activities. -OR- B. Successfully completed at least four years of education above high school (120 semester hour or 180 quarter hours) leading to a bachelor's degree with a major study in a related field of scientific or technical study, such as in biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, mathematics, or other directly related subject matter; or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as those shown above. At least six (6) semester hours are directly related to the position such as botany, forest ecology, silviculture, plant ecology, wildlife biology, zoology, ornithology etc. -OR- C. Equivalent combination of experience and education that, together, equal 100% of the qualification standards listed above when combined. For example, six (6) months of specialized experience (50% of the experience requirement) combined with one year of education as outlined above (50% of the education above), along with 50% of the course-specific education stated above. To qualify for this position at the GS-06 grade level, you must possess one of the following: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sector). Specialized experience is experience that equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience include: Work involving biological science support such as: collecting, analyzing and processing samples, performing laboratory work, assisting in the management of field projects, collecting, processing and managing field data, and performing habitat restoration through management of exotics and/or native planting; using statistical methods and procedures to perform testing of field data collected; installing, monitoring, and maintaining resource management equipment (tools, sampling and monitoring, photographic, and laboratory equipment); preparing graphs, charts, and illustrations for reports and technical publications relating to plant management activities; and assisting in the development of improved methods of controlling weeds and plant diseases or other related work, etc. -OR- B. Successfully completed a half year (9 semester hours or 13.5 quarter hours) of graduate level course work, from an accredited college or university, leading to a Master's degree with a major study directly related to the position to be filled. Graduate study must have been in a field of study that is directly related to the work of this position such as: botany, forest ecology, silviculture, plant ecology, wildlife biology, zoology, ornithology. -OR- C. Equivalent combination of experience and education that, together, equal 100% of the qualification standards listed above when combined. For example, six (6) months of specialized experience (50% of the experience requirement) combined with one year of education as outlined above (50% of the education above), along with 50% of the course-specific education stated above. To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess one of the following: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sector). Specialized experience is experience that equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience include: Assisting in planning and implementation of resource management plant, wildlife, and fisheries censuses and surveys; using statistical methods and procedures to perform testing of field data collected; installing, operating, and maintaining resource management equipment (tools, sampling and monitoring, photographic, and laboratory equipment); preparing graphs, charts, and illustrations for reports and technical publications relating to plant management activities; organizing, scheduling, and executing a wide variety of established natural resource management projects; and planning field projects, choose possible courses of action at different stages of each project. -OR- B. Successfully completed one full year (18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours) of graduate level course work, from an accredited college or university, leading to a Master's degree with a major study directly related to the position to be filled. Graduate study must have been in a field of study that is directly related to the work of this position such as: botany, forest ecology, silviculture, plant ecology, as wildlife biology, zoology, ornithology. -OR- C. Equivalent combination of experience and education that, together, equal 100% of the qualification standards listed above when combined. For example, six (6) months of specialized experience (50% of the experience requirement) combined with one year of education as outlined above (50% of the education above), along with 50% of the course-specific education stated above. 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. 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. 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. Motorboat operation may be required. Selectee will receive appropriate training in motorboat operations and will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing; Cape Lookout National Seashore Backcountry Country experience and travel may be required for Great Smoky Mountains and Cape Lookout National Seashore. Cape Lookout National Seashore positions may require travel greater than 76%.

Biological Science Technicians perform field and technical work to monitor, manage, and protect natural resources, including plants, wildlife, aquatic resources, and their habitats. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for Seasonal Staffing Office-Shenandoah National Park is March through September, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: March - July 2027. Some of the Biological Science Technician (Plants) Standard Duties include but are not limited to: Measure and monitor vegetation, including live and dead, vigor and disease Collect and preserve samples according to protocols and handling guidance. Maintain sample integrity, and ship to laboratory or storage facilities as required Record and maintain project data using paper and digital, local and virtual, formats. Use electronic survey and data collection equipment such as GPS, GIS, tablets, sensors, data-loggers, field computers. Conduct field work including plant identification, data collection, equipment use and maintenance. This position will assist the park Botanist by performing biological science technical support functions including plant identification, detailed plant monitoring, data entry, equipment management, and specimen processing. Projects include long-term forest monitoring, rare plant monitoring, meadow monitoring, and plant protection activities. Technicians collect and organize natural resources data, and enter data into computer spreadsheets and databases daily or weekly. Data summary and basic report writing is required. Required to use chemical tick bite prevention measures (Permanone) on exterior of clothing and equipment. All employees are expected to participate in basic office cleaning tasks on a regular basis. The position may also perform site visits to document project work compliance with natural and cultural resource impact mitigations, collecting photos, notes, spatial data and resolve resource protection/compliance issues related to NEPA, NHPA, and the ESA. Additional compliance experience may also be gained in this position. All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-11/02/2026-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. To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess one of the following: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sector). Specialized experience is experience that equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience include: Serving as a project or field lead in implementing vegetation or ecological resource surveys and management activities; organizing, maintaining, and compiling program and field data and information; independently applying/performing a variety of manual, mechanical, and chemical methods to manage threats to native plants, vegetation, and associated habitats; conducting vegetation inventories, studies, and surveys, including collecting and recording field data; and implementing vegetation management activities such as seed collection, planting, propagation, and weeding. Familiarity with compliance/mitigation under NEPA, NHPA, ESA is a plus. -OR- B. Successfully completed one full year (18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours) of graduate level course work, from an accredited college or university, leading to a Master's degree with a major study directly related to the position to be filled. Graduate study must have been in a field of study that is directly related to the work of this position such as plant taxonomy, botany, forestry, plant ecology, etc. -OR- C. Equivalent combination of experience and education that, together, equal 100% of the qualification standards listed above when combined. For example, six (6) months of specialized experience (50% of the experience requirement) combined with one year of education as outlined above (50% of the education above), along with 50% of the course-specific education stated above. 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. 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. 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 will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license will be required. 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.

Biological Science Technicians perform field and technical work to monitor, manage, and protect natural resources, including plants, wildlife, aquatic resources, and their habitats. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty is February - September, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: February - July 2027. Some of the Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) Standard Duties include but are not limited to: Conduct surveys and monitoring of wildlife populations, species, and habitats. Collect biological and environmental data and specimens using established wildlife sampling and monitoring methods and equipment. Record and maintain project data using Global Positioning System (GPS), Geographic Information System (GIS), and other data-management technology. Organize, enter, and maintain wildlife and habitat project data. You may implement established wildlife monitoring and management projects; collect, organize, and summarize field data; and assist in the preparation of reports and project documentation. Additional duties for GS-06: You may independently conduct wildlife and habitat monitoring and management activities using established methods; operate and maintain specialized field equipment; organize and evaluate project data; and assist with project implementation, data analysis, and preparation of reports and plans. Additional duties for GS-07: You may coordinate and lead wildlife and habitat field projects and provide technical guidance to field staff, interns, and/or volunteers. You may organize, schedule, and execute established wildlife monitoring and management projects; train personnel in wildlife identification, survey and monitoring methods, data and sample collection, habitat assessment, mapping, and equipment use; ensure quality control of field data; evaluate and summarize project results; and prepare draft project reports and recommendations. All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/26/2026-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. To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level, you must possess one of the following: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level in the federal service (obtained in either the public or private sector). Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience may include: Participating in wildlife inventory and monitoring activities; conducting basic field surveys to document wildlife presence, abundance, distribution, reproduction, behavior, or habitat conditions using established protocols and standard field equipment; and collecting and recording wildlife or habitat data. -OR- B. Successfully completed at least four years of education above high school (120 semester hour or 180 quarter hours) leading to a bachelor's degree with a major study in a related field of scientific or technical study, such as in biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, mathematics, or other directly related subject matter; or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as those shown above. At least 6 semester hours must be directly related to wildlife biology, wildlife management, zoology, conservation biology, wildlife ecology or similar. -OR- C. Equivalent combination of experience and education that, together, equal 100% of the qualification standards listed above when combined. For example, six (6) months of specialized experience (50% of the experience requirement) combined with one year of education as outlined above (50% of the education above), along with 50% of the course-specific education stated above. To qualify for this position at the GS-06 grade level, you must possess one of the following: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sector). Specialized experience is experience that equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience include: Conducting wildlife inventory and monitoring activities using established protocols and standard field equipment; collecting, organizing, and maintaining wildlife or habitat data; and carrying out wildlife management, monitoring, or habitat improvement activities. -OR- B. Successfully completed a half year (9 semester hours or 13.5 quarter hours) of graduate level course work, from an accredited college or university, leading to a Master's degree with a major study directly related to the position to be filled. Graduate study must have been in a field of study that is directly related to the work of this position such as wildlife biology, wildlife management, zoology, conservation biology, wildlife ecology or similar. -OR- C. Equivalent combination of experience and education that, together, equal 100% of the qualification standards listed above when combined. For example, six (6) months of specialized experience (50% of the experience requirement) combined with one year of education as outlined above (50% of the education above), along with 50% of the course-specific education stated above. To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess one of the following: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sector). Specialized experience is experience that equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience include: Leading or coordinating field activities associated with wildlife inventory, monitoring, or management; conducting wildlife surveys to document and assess wildlife populations or habitat conditions; managing, summarizing, or evaluating wildlife or habitat data; and implementing wildlife management, conservation, or habitat improvement activities. -OR- B. Successfully completed one full year (18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours) of graduate level course work, from an accredited college or university, leading to a Master's degree with a major study directly related to the position to be filled. Graduate study must have been in a field of study that is directly related to the work of this position such as wildlife biology, wildlife management, zoology, conservation biology, wildlife ecology or similar. -OR- C. Equivalent combination of experience and education that, together, equal 100% of the qualification standards listed above when combined. For example, six (6) months of specialized experience (50% of the experience requirement) combined with one year of education as outlined above (50% of the education above), along with 50% of the course-specific education stated above. 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. 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. 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.

Join NIST's Biomanufacturing Measurement Services team and help advance the science behind next-generation therapeutics and biological standards. In this hands-on role, you will be critical to the production of DNA and RNA reference materials by executing precise molecular assays, managing complex biological cultures, and ensuring pristine laboratory conditions. This is your opportunity to make a massive impact at the forefront of biotechnology and metrology. In this position, you will: Support NIST's Biomanufacturing Measurement Services by independently performing and optimizing highly precise nucleic acid extractions and quantification assays (qPCR, digital PCR) to directly drive the development of DNA and RNA reference materials. Execute rigorous aseptic techniques to cultivate and maintain biological cultures (mammalian, viral, or bacterial) and independently carry out complex biological assays. Ensure laboratory operational readiness by managing complex biological inventories using zero-defect tracking procedures and strict anti-contamination protocols. Maintain meticulous laboratory records, troubleshoot laboratory requirement, analyze experimental data, and contribute to the development of new laboratory procedures, research reports and publications. IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION, APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: Specialized experience: One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-8 level (ZT-II at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as: 1) Executing rigorous aseptic techniques, preparing sterile media, and maintaining strict contamination mitigation protocols within a biological, clinical or molecular laboratory environment; AND 2) Managing complex biological inventories, including tracking and labeling samples with high accuracy to maintain organized inventories; AND 3) Performing and troubleshooting complex biological, clinical or microbiological assays (e.g., cell, viral, bacterial) AND 4) Performing and troubleshooting nucleic acid quantification assays (e.g., qPCR, RT-qPCR, dPCR or other PCR based measurements). OR Education: Two full years of graduate education or a master's degree in a field of study directly related to the work of the position. OR Combination of specialized experience and graduate education: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. 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. The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook. If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration