POSITION TITLE: Biological Science Technician (Wildlife), GS-0404-5/6
TYPE OF POSITION: Term Appointment with possibility for Benefits, Excepted
Service
Not to Exceed 13 months (may be extended up to 4 years)
WORK SCHEDULE: Full-time, maxi-flex work schedule including
weekends, early morning and nighttime hours,
overnight travel may be required.
ANNOUNCEMENT #:
SERIES/GRADE: GS-0404-5/6
FULL PERFORMANCE
LEVEL: GS-0404-6
LOCATION: Hampton, VA
(Relocation expenses will not be paid)
SALARY: GS Locality Pay Tables can be accessed at:
SALARY TABLE 2021-VB (opm.gov)
DUTIES:
Responsible for organizing and conducting direct control operations to reduce wildlife damage
within a geographical area or technical/subject area of program involvement.
Inspects and surveys areas and, as necessary, will revise existing WDM programs in close
consultation with higher-level management.
Uses WDM tools/devices which may include some or all of the following depending on need in
assigned area: firearms; foothold, body-grip, cage traps; foot snares; neck snares; chemical control
methods; pyrotechnics; noise cannons/exploders; drop nets; rocket/cannon nets; various other
scaring devices.
Assists Wildlife Biologists by correctly identifying current, and forecasting future damage,
problems and relating them to the damage-causing species.
Independently determines and selects the most effective means of control for individual situations.
Modifies or adapts established damage control techniques as necessary to meet local conditions and
address specific environmental, economic or political considerations.
Assists in the negotiation of cooperative service agreements with landowners, lessees, or
administrators to accomplish the goals outlined for the WS program.
Enters data into established WDM database/system of record. Uses data to prepare and submit
routine reports regarding daily, weekly or monthly activities, observations, and events.
Assists in conducting demonstrations and training for others, including other cooperators or other
interested groups, on WDM methods, procedures, and program objectives.
Complies with restrictions and mitigation measures established through consultation with relevant
Federal and State agencies.
Carries out duties in accordance with program decisions made in compliance with the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) under guidance and
oversight by supervisor.
Performs other duties, as required.
MINIMUM ELIGIBLITY REQUIREMENTS:
To qualify, applicants MUST meet all minimum qualification requirements, except Medical
Requirements, by the closing date of the announcement.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
For the GS-5 Grade Level:
Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-4 level) that may
have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, federal) sectors which demonstrate
experience in:
Experience in wildlife damage mitigation methods and techniques.
Experience using lethal and non-lethal animal control techniques.
Conducting basic computer operations for record keeping, data analysis, report writing and
correspondence.
OR
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree with major
study, or at least 24 semester hours, in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as
biology, chemistry, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics,
with at least 6 semester hours in wildlife.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience at the GS-5 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.
For the GS-6 Grade Level:
Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-5 level) that may
have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, federal) sectors which demonstrates
experience in:
Dealing with human-wildlife conflicts and principles of wildlife damage management.
The requirements of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Endangered Species Act, and National
Environment Policy Act.
Conducting wildlife damage assessments, counts and abundance surveys.
The use of firearms, traps, snares, pesticides, immobilizing drugs, pyrotechnics, electronic
harassment devices, and other non-lethal control tools.
Creating/maintaining public contacts to formulate assistance strategies that incorporate technical
assistance and operational control techniques.
OR
Successfully completed 1 year of graduate education (18 semester hours) in wildlife.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience at the GS-6 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.
HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED
Applicants who meet basic minimum qualifications may be referred to the hiring manager for
selection. Qualified candidates eligible for veterans’ preference will receive referral and selection
priority over non-veterans.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: (if applicable to your position)
• Must obtain or have a valid state driver’s license. Operation of Government-owned or leased
vehicles is required. (if this applies)
• 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).
Resume (include days/months/years worked, work schedule, and grade level if federal)
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.
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 the CLOSING DATE of this announcement.
Interested individuals should send a resume, transcripts, veteran documentation (if applicable) to the
address listed here:
CONTACT OFFICE:
James R. Powell, SE District Supervisor
USDA Wildlife Services
1548A Holland Rd., Ste. 100 Suffolk, VA 23434
757-925-4391
james.r.powell@usda.gov