JOB SUMMARY: Pacific West Region is recruiting for summer seasonal Biological Science Technician (Fisheries-Aquatic), GS, 0404-6/7 positions intended to assist permanent staff. There is an applicant limit of 125 for this announcement. These positions are located in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, in the Division of Resource Management and Science. MAJOR DUTIES: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks represent an extraordinary continuum of ecosystems (96% designated wilderness) arrayed along the greatest vertical relief (1,370 to 14,505 feet elevation) of any protected area in the lower 48 states. They are the highest, most rugged reaches of the Sierra Nevada Mountains (including Mount Whitney at 14,500 feet elevation) and feature the world's largest trees - Giant Sequoias. Sequoia National Park is the nation's second oldest national park (established September 25, 1890) and encompasses 404,863 acres. Kings Canyon was established on March 4, 1940 and encompasses 458,847 acres. Both parks provide a wealth of recreational opportunities via 835 miles of trails, wild and scenic rivers, alpine lakes, and caves, along with a full range of overnight lodging prospects to choose from that include 14 campgrounds. For area information visit: https://www.nps.gov/seki/getinvolved/workwithus.htm. Duties include: removes nonnative fish from alpine lakes. completes visual encounter surveys for amphibians and reptiles. sets, cleans and repairs gill nets. electro-fishes in streams. conducts fish, amphibian, and reptile surveys. collects field data. kills nonnative fish; handles dead fish. follows detailed protocols. records environmental parameters. uses topographic maps, compass, and/or global positioning systems (GPS) for navigation. provides an overview of the project to park visitors. and occasionally assists with research projects. manages logistics in preparation for summer fieldwork. provides orientation, training, and mentoring for summer field crews. oversees and conducts summer field operations. manipulates aquatic datasets. provides logistic and field support to scientific research studies. conducts electronic entry, quality assurance/quality control and summary reporting of field data, organizes and maintains field equipment and supplies. Additional Duties at the GS-07 level: drafts technical reports summarizing scientific projects. compiles drafts of Sierra Nevada aquatic wildlife information for data collection spreadsheets, reports, and correspondence. evaluates and interprets the significance of scientific findings. analyzes biologic, chemical, and physical data as part of a multidisciplinary aquatic ecology program. Physical Demands: The work requires physical exertion such as regular and recurring walking, hiking, or climbing over wet, rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; bending; crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching to observe, collect, or record field data; or in some situations the work may require physical exertion to scuba dive or operate a boat. Heavy items (e.g., equipment and packs up to 50 pounds) must be lifted and carried on a routine basis. Working Conditions: The work is performed in an office or outdoors. The work performed involves regular and recurring exposure to extreme weather conditions and terrain, poisonous plants, biting insects, and wild animals. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is May-November but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Air Quality: Poor air quality afflicts Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, especially during summer months - generally May to October. High ozone levels may be the most harmful pollutant here. In summer months, concentrations often exceed the federal ozone health standards. For more information: http://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/nature/airqualityinfo.htm. IMPORTANT: Click the 'Apply for this job' button to view a complete job description.
