National Park Service
Seasonal Student Trainee-Biological Science Technician (Plants)
National Park Service, Pipestone, Minnesota, United States, 56164
Seasonal Student Trainee – Biological Science Technician (Plants)
Summary: This internship program provides students enrolled in education environments (high schools, colleges, trade schools and other qualifying educational institutions) with paid opportunities to explore federal careers. The position is established to provide a meaningful employment opportunity in the Biological Science Technician Occupation. This is a temporary appointment not to exceed 1,039 hours.
Duties
Assists in conducting surveys and research on a variety of plants and animals.
Monitors and identifies species using field guides and dichotomous keys.
Utilizes methods such as pulling or cutting to remove high volumes of invasive plants.
Captures geospatial data using handheld GPS devices and tablets.
Operates power equipment while maintaining assigned equipment in working order.
Ensures adequate quality control of data collected samples.
At the GS‑05 level, duties become more complex and involve less supervisory oversight. The selectee may also provide guidance to others as well as provide logistical support.
To learn more about the parks that are recruiting, please visit:
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Pipestone National Monument
Requirements
U.S. citizenship required.
Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
Direct Deposit: Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
Pathways Agreement: Pathways participant agreement is required.
Incidental driving: You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties. Prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year thereafter (or more frequently if management determines such need exists), you will be required to sign an affidavit certifying possession of a valid State‑issued driver’s license that is current and not revoked, suspended, canceled, or otherwise disqualified. You will also submit a photocopy of your valid State‑issued driver’s license prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year, or more frequently if management determines such need exists. Lastly, you may be required to submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities) and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all states that disclose all valid driver’s licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. Please indicate in your application whether you possess a valid State driver’s license.
Uniform: You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
Trial Period: The entire period served under the Intern Program counts toward trial period.
Minimum age requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old or 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.
Government housing: Housing is not available.
Pathways Eligibility To be eligible for this pathway position you must:
Be enrolled in a degree‑seeking program or a 1‑year certificate program.
Be enrolled on one half (1/2) time basis.
Have a minimum 2.0 grade average.
Attend an accredited educational institution.
Provide transcripts with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade‑point average or class ranking.
Be enrolled for the next semester/quarter following the period of this vacancy.
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your 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 so that you can prorate the amount qualified specialized experience.
GS‑04 Grade Level To qualify for this position at the GS‑04 grade level, you must possess one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
Experience
At least six (6) months of general experience and six (6) months of specialized experience for a total of one year of experience.
Specialized experience includes conducting biological field studies and surveys and assembling the information, following standardized procedures to collect data on condition of resources, using statistical methods and procedures to perform routine testing of field data collected, assisting in vegetation or soil mapping, developing improved methods of controlling weeds and plant diseases or other related work.
Education
Successful completion of at least two (2) full years of college level study that includes at least 12 semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, mathematics, etc. At least six (6) semester hours were directly related to this position (e.g., plant taxonomy, botany, forestry, plant ecology). You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts indicating credit hours in order to qualify based on education. A copy of your official transcripts will be required before entrance on duty, if selected.
Combined Education and Experience
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts indicating credit hours in order to qualify based on education. A copy of your official transcripts will be required before entrance on duty, if selected.
GS‑05 Grade Level Experience
At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS‑04 grade level in the federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors).
Specialized experience includes conducting plant censuses and surveys, following standardized procedures to collect data on the condition of range, grazing or forage, using statistical methods and procedures to perform testing of field data collected, installing, operating, and maintaining resource management equipment, preparing graphs, charts, and illustrations for reports and technical publications relating to plant management activities, research activity or control program work, nursery work that required the growing and maintenance of plants in a controlled environment.
Education
Successful completion of a full four (4) year course of study (120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours) leading to a bachelor’s degree with major study or at least twenty‑four (24) semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, mathematics, etc. At least six (6) semester hours were directly related to this position (e.g., plant taxonomy, botany, forestry, plant ecology). You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts indicating credit hours in order to qualify based on education.
Combined Education and Experience
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements. Two full academic years of study, or 60 semester hours, beyond the second year is equivalent to one year of specialized experience. Determine the total qualifying experience as a percentage of the year of specialized experience required at the GS‑5 level. Then determine education as a percentage of the education that meets the requirements for GS‑5. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for GS‑5. For example, 6 months of specialized experience (50 percent of the specialized experience requirement) and 3 years of education above high school with at least 12 semester hours related to the position and 3 hours directly related to the position (50 percent of the education requirement) would be considered qualifying. If you are qualifying based in part, upon education, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts. You must list hours per week worked.
Volunteer Experience Volunteer work through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social) will receive credit for all qualifying experience.
Additional Information This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
The work schedule is subject to change from full‑time to part‑time to coincide with school schedules. A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected. The salary range displayed is not an entitlement to a higher rate of pay.
Pathways Requirements If selected, you will be required to sign a Pathways Agreement which specifies the conditions of your employment as indicated in this job announcement. You must continue to meet the Pathways Program requirements throughout the duration of your appointment. To verify that you do, we will require proof of your continued enrollment and good standing each semester or grading period throughout your internship. Failure to do so will result in termination of your internship and employment.
Physical Demands The work is partially sedentary with prolonged standing, walking, and bending often required. Heavy items (e.g., packs and equipment up to 50 pounds) must be lifted and carried on a routine basis.
Working Conditions The work is performed in an office, laboratory, and in the field. Field work includes exposure to extreme weather conditions and terrain, pesticides, poisonous plants, biting insects, and wild animals. Laboratory work may involve exposure to hazardous.
Candidate Expectations Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Job Details
Seniority level: Internship
Employment type: Temporary
Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industries: Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Duties
Assists in conducting surveys and research on a variety of plants and animals.
Monitors and identifies species using field guides and dichotomous keys.
Utilizes methods such as pulling or cutting to remove high volumes of invasive plants.
Captures geospatial data using handheld GPS devices and tablets.
Operates power equipment while maintaining assigned equipment in working order.
Ensures adequate quality control of data collected samples.
At the GS‑05 level, duties become more complex and involve less supervisory oversight. The selectee may also provide guidance to others as well as provide logistical support.
To learn more about the parks that are recruiting, please visit:
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Pipestone National Monument
Requirements
U.S. citizenship required.
Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
Direct Deposit: Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
Pathways Agreement: Pathways participant agreement is required.
Incidental driving: You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties. Prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year thereafter (or more frequently if management determines such need exists), you will be required to sign an affidavit certifying possession of a valid State‑issued driver’s license that is current and not revoked, suspended, canceled, or otherwise disqualified. You will also submit a photocopy of your valid State‑issued driver’s license prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year, or more frequently if management determines such need exists. Lastly, you may be required to submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities) and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all states that disclose all valid driver’s licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. Please indicate in your application whether you possess a valid State driver’s license.
Uniform: You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
Trial Period: The entire period served under the Intern Program counts toward trial period.
Minimum age requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old or 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.
Government housing: Housing is not available.
Pathways Eligibility To be eligible for this pathway position you must:
Be enrolled in a degree‑seeking program or a 1‑year certificate program.
Be enrolled on one half (1/2) time basis.
Have a minimum 2.0 grade average.
Attend an accredited educational institution.
Provide transcripts with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade‑point average or class ranking.
Be enrolled for the next semester/quarter following the period of this vacancy.
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your 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 so that you can prorate the amount qualified specialized experience.
GS‑04 Grade Level To qualify for this position at the GS‑04 grade level, you must possess one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
Experience
At least six (6) months of general experience and six (6) months of specialized experience for a total of one year of experience.
Specialized experience includes conducting biological field studies and surveys and assembling the information, following standardized procedures to collect data on condition of resources, using statistical methods and procedures to perform routine testing of field data collected, assisting in vegetation or soil mapping, developing improved methods of controlling weeds and plant diseases or other related work.
Education
Successful completion of at least two (2) full years of college level study that includes at least 12 semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, mathematics, etc. At least six (6) semester hours were directly related to this position (e.g., plant taxonomy, botany, forestry, plant ecology). You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts indicating credit hours in order to qualify based on education. A copy of your official transcripts will be required before entrance on duty, if selected.
Combined Education and Experience
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts indicating credit hours in order to qualify based on education. A copy of your official transcripts will be required before entrance on duty, if selected.
GS‑05 Grade Level Experience
At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS‑04 grade level in the federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors).
Specialized experience includes conducting plant censuses and surveys, following standardized procedures to collect data on the condition of range, grazing or forage, using statistical methods and procedures to perform testing of field data collected, installing, operating, and maintaining resource management equipment, preparing graphs, charts, and illustrations for reports and technical publications relating to plant management activities, research activity or control program work, nursery work that required the growing and maintenance of plants in a controlled environment.
Education
Successful completion of a full four (4) year course of study (120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours) leading to a bachelor’s degree with major study or at least twenty‑four (24) semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, mathematics, etc. At least six (6) semester hours were directly related to this position (e.g., plant taxonomy, botany, forestry, plant ecology). You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts indicating credit hours in order to qualify based on education.
Combined Education and Experience
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements. Two full academic years of study, or 60 semester hours, beyond the second year is equivalent to one year of specialized experience. Determine the total qualifying experience as a percentage of the year of specialized experience required at the GS‑5 level. Then determine education as a percentage of the education that meets the requirements for GS‑5. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for GS‑5. For example, 6 months of specialized experience (50 percent of the specialized experience requirement) and 3 years of education above high school with at least 12 semester hours related to the position and 3 hours directly related to the position (50 percent of the education requirement) would be considered qualifying. If you are qualifying based in part, upon education, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts. You must list hours per week worked.
Volunteer Experience Volunteer work through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social) will receive credit for all qualifying experience.
Additional Information This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
The work schedule is subject to change from full‑time to part‑time to coincide with school schedules. A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected. The salary range displayed is not an entitlement to a higher rate of pay.
Pathways Requirements If selected, you will be required to sign a Pathways Agreement which specifies the conditions of your employment as indicated in this job announcement. You must continue to meet the Pathways Program requirements throughout the duration of your appointment. To verify that you do, we will require proof of your continued enrollment and good standing each semester or grading period throughout your internship. Failure to do so will result in termination of your internship and employment.
Physical Demands The work is partially sedentary with prolonged standing, walking, and bending often required. Heavy items (e.g., packs and equipment up to 50 pounds) must be lifted and carried on a routine basis.
Working Conditions The work is performed in an office, laboratory, and in the field. Field work includes exposure to extreme weather conditions and terrain, pesticides, poisonous plants, biting insects, and wild animals. Laboratory work may involve exposure to hazardous.
Candidate Expectations Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Job Details
Seniority level: Internship
Employment type: Temporary
Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industries: Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr