Biological Science Technician, United States Department of Agriculture

Casper, WY

Job Title: Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)

Organization: USDA

Duties: 

  • Use techniques aimed at controlling native and invasive wildlife damage to property, human safety, natural resources and agriculture.
  • Be familiar with and know how to use various devices, chemicals, tools, and related equipment utilized in mammal and bird damage control operations, including the use of snares, traps, or specialized firearms.
  • Responsible for organizing, conducting, and implementing direct control operations within a large geographical area as assigned by supervisor to control damage caused by avian or mammalian species.
  • Maintain public contacts; providing technical assistance and formulating proper species selective wildlife damage management control strategies.
  • Prepare and assists others in preparing and submitting routine and special reports regarding daily, weekly or monthly activities, observations, events and other relevant data.
  • Incumbent meets with private landowners, lessees, citizen groups or associations which seek wildlife damage management and negotiates local cooperative agreements.
  • Demonstrate a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devices, and equipment.
  • Assist with outreach and educational opportunities through workshops and training sessions.
  • Conduct much of his/her time working independently and/or cooperatively with fellow WS personnel when necessary.

Required Documents: 

  • Resume (include hours per week and days/months/years worked)
  • Transcripts (if qualifying on education)
  • DD-214 (Member 4 copy) and/or VA letter required for applicable Veteran preference.
  • Current active duty members must submit a certification that they are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted.

Minimum Qualifications:

FOR THE GS-04 GRADE: Applicants must have 6 months of general experience and 6 months of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-03 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:

  • Experience in the principles of wildlife ecology and management to support the goals of Wildlife Services.
  • Identifying North American wildlife species using field identification guides, expertise, and related methods in support of wildlife damage management efforts.
  • Safely and effectively using firearms, traps, snares, pesticides, immobilizing drugs, pyrotechnics, electronic harassment devices, and other non-lethal control tools to provide wildlife damage management to cooperators.
  • Conducting basic computer operations for record keeping, data analysis, report writing and correspondence

OR

Successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester 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 position to be filled. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.

OR

Combination of Education and Experience at the GS-4 Grade Level: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements.  The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.

Other Requirements:

  • Duties will vary seasonally.  Spring/Summer will be focused on non-lethal Wildlife Damage Management (WDM).  Fall/Winter may include both non-lethal and lethal WDM efforts.
  • Travel for work assignments is required.
  • Must obtain or have a valid U.S. driver’s license.  Operation of Government-owned or leased vehicles is required.
  • As a condition of employment, appropriate security clearance is required for this position.
  • Position is subject to random and applicant drug testing.
  • Must demonstrate a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devices, and equipment.
  • In order to perform the essential duties of this position, you must have the legal and physical ability to possess and discharge firearms. You must be able to pass a government background check and meet any additional requirements to carry and use firearms. A background check will include answering questions about where you’ve lived, worked, went to school, and any military history or police records. Selection and retention in this position is contingent on a successfully adjudicated FBI National Criminal History Check (fingerprint check).

Application Deadline: February 8

Salary/pay: $31,520-$40,974

Term Length: Not to exceed 13 months (may be extended up to 4 years)

How to Apply: Additional materials not listed above (i.e. position descriptions, training certificates, etc.) may not be considered.  Applicants who do not submit the required items listed above may not be considered.  Applications with all supporting documents must be submitted to the contact office and must be received by or postmarked before closing date of this announcement.

Interested individuals should send an application package including a resume, transcripts, veteran documentation (if applicable) to the address listed here:

USDA APHIS Wildlife Services

PO Box 67

Casper, Wyoming 82602

Attn: Mike D. Foster 

(307) 261-5336

Michael.D.Foster@USDA.GOV

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