New job Biological Science Technician (Soils) in Nevada | 2021

• Job family (Series)

  0404 Biological Science Technician

  Similar jobs

  • Biological Technicians
  • Technicians, Biological

• Requirements

  Requirements

  Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Be sure to read the ?How to Apply? and ?Required Documents? Sections.
  • You cannot hold an active real estate license: nor can you have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Lands.
  • Direct Deposit Required.
  • Your resume must contain enough information to show that you meet the qualification requirements as defined in the announcement. In addition, your responses to the questions must adequately reflect in your resume.
  • Appointment will be subject to a favorably adjudicated background/suitability investigation/determination.
  • If selected for this position you will need to complete the Federal Information Systems Security Awareness (FISSA) training prior to start date.
  • Some locations may require that you possess (or obtain within 30 days of entrance on duty) and maintain a valid state driver's license while employed in this position.
  • Position may require working Weekends and/or Holidays.
  • Position may require outdoor camping.

  Qualifications

  In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the specialized experience requirement - please be sure to include this information in your resume. To be creditable, this experience must have been equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade of the position to be filled.
  
  For the GS-04: Six (6) months of general work experience AND 6 months of specialized work experience that demonstrates my ability to perform the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience may include following specific instructions to check data relating to the survey/study areas; collecting samples; or observing and recording specific information (i.e., vegetative cover, water quality samples, flora or fauna). OR successfully completed two years of study above the high school level that included at least 12 semester hours (or 18 quarter hours) in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must be directly related to the work of this position; OR a combination of education and experience described above.
  
  For the GS-05: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 in the federal service. Examples of specialized experience may include taking soil samples by layer and root samples; surveying and analyzing soil in the field and laboratory; OR successfully completed a four year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's that included at least 24 semester hours (or 36 quarter hours) in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must be directly related to the work of this position; OR a combination of education and experience described above.
  
  For the GS-06: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 in the federal service. Examples of specialized experience may include surveying, mapping and compiling data obtained through soil inventory and assembling data into a logical sequence for review; OR one full year of graduate level education directly related to the work of this position; OR a combination of education and experience described above.
  
  For the GS-07: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent tot he GS-06 in the federal service. Examples of specialized experience may include surveying, mapping and compiling data obtained through soil inventory and assembling data into a logical sequence for review, identity major plant species, use GPS equipment to determine locations; OR full year of graduate level education directly related to the work of this position; OR combination of education and experience described above.
  
  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 meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
  
  Physical Demands: Work requires some physical exertion such as bending and walking in terrain that is rough, rocky, mountainous and densely vegetated. Required to lift and carry equipment necessary to efficiently perform the work of the position, and to provide for personal comfort and safety. This can include tools, personal protective equipment, food and water for extended periods of work away from vehicles.
  
  Work Environment: Office work is performed in a setting that is adequately lighted, ventilated, cooled and heated. When doing fieldwork is subject to cuts and bruises, extreme, adverse weather conditions, and injuries and discomforts from pests or animals. Employee will adhere to all safety rules.
  
  Note: Selections may be made for future vacancies in any of the Districts within the State of Nevada listed below:
  
  Battle Mountain District (Battle Mountain, Tonopah or Eureka, NV)
  Carson City District (Carson City, Reno, Fernley, Minden or Stead, NV or Doyle, CA)
  Elko District (Elko, Carlin, Wells or Midas, NV)
  Ely District (Ely, Caliente or Pony Springs, NV)
  Nevada State Office (Reno, NV)
  Southern Nevada District (Las Vegas, Logandale or Pahrump, NV)
  Winnemucca District (Winnemucca, McDermitt, Lovelock or Paradise Valley, NV)

  Education

  This job series has an Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) - Biological Science Technician Series, 0404
  Individual Occupational Requirements (See qualification section for specific specialized experience requirements related to this position).

  Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): Experience must have been related to the work of the position for which application is made. The specialized experience required for some positions in this series is normally work performed in a controlled environment. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include:

  • Research activity or control program work.
  • Nursery work that required the growing and maintenance of plants in a controlled environment.
  • Work comparable to that with a large dairy farm where production records, animal environment, and sanitary conditions were kept in accordance with modern dairy practice.

  Farming experience that was not performed in a controlled environment, or experience as a laborer who was not responsible for planning and scheduling his/her own work, but only performed assigned tasks, would not qualify as specialized experience.
  
  This position has a substitution of education for Specialized Experience. See qualification section for a description of the education substitution for specialized experience. Additionally to qualify based on education you must submit copies of all Transcripts or a list of college courses that include hours and grades from an accredited U.S. college/university. If your degree is from a Foreign Institution See Foreign Education .
  (http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-04.asp)

  Additional information

  All positions may not be filled or they may be filled at different times depending on budget, hiring needs, and requirements. These positions are temporary and are expected to last for up to 6 months. These positions have no promotion potential, if you want to be considered for a higher grade you must apply for the higher grade.
  
  DOI uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit E-Verify.
  
  Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority, you must: 1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well qualified for the position with a score of 90 or above; and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information: CTAP or ICTAP
  
  Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for Selective Service
  
  Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid by the Department of the Interior. Any travel, transportation and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the responsibility of the selected employee.
  
  This position is not eligible for Telework.

  
  

  How You Will Be Evaluated

  You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

  You will be evaluated based on how your application materials reflect the qualification requirements of this position.
  
  Once the application process is complete, we will review your application to ensure you meet the job requirements. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your resume, supporting documentation and responses to the online questionnaire will be made. Your responses to the online questionnaire will be used to measure the degree to which your background matches the requirements for this position. Qualified applicants will be placed in one of three predefined categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified and Qualified. However, your resume must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire, or your score may be lowered. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. Candidates placed in the Best Qualified category will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be contacted for an interview.
  
  Your answers to the online questionnaire will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:
  

  • Biology
  • Soil Science
  • Technology Application

  
  

  Background checks and security clearance

  Security clearance

  Not Required

  Drug test required

  No

  Position sensitivity and risk

  Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

  Trust determination process

  Suitability/Fitness

• Required Documents

  Required Documents

  To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
  
  Resume or Application. At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk
  
  Your resume will be used to validate your responses to the assessment tool(s). Failure to provide required information will result in loss of eligibility. You are welcome to submit an optional cover letter.
  
  Transcripts: If using education to qualify, see education section for document requirements.
  
  Veterans: If you are claiming veterans' preference you must submit a copy of your DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," (Member 4 copy is preferred), showing the dates of active duty, type of discharge, and character of service (must be honorable) OR written documentation from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted.
  
  If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, in addition to the documents specified above, you must submit documentation that supports your claim as shown on the back of the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference. SF-15.
  
  If you are claiming Sole Survivorship Veterans' Preference (SSP), please provide the documentation you received granting this preference.
  
  Additional information on veterans' preference can be found in the www.fedshirevets.gov/job-seekers/special-hiring-authorities/.
  
  Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibles: Submit documentation verifying your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility - this includes a copy of the agency notice and your most recent SF-SO noting current position, grade level and duty location.
  
  Please note that documents selected for transfer from your USAJOBS profile are NOT automatically added do your application. You need to transfer your document(s) in the "Documents" step during the application process.
  
  Hard copy paper supplemental documents, submitted without prior Human Resources approval, will be considered as an incomplete application.
  
  Required documentation must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, on the closing date of this announcement.

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• Benefits

  Benefits

  A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  Review our benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

This job is open to

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

  Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.

• The public

  U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.