Biological Science Technician

Overview

Position:
Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)

Announcement #: MN-01-2026
· Series/Grade: GS-0404-4/5
· Full Performance Level: GS-0404-5

Type: 13 Month Term Appointment with possibility for benefits;
Excepted Service (may be extended up to 4 years)

Location:

Duty stations in St. Louis, Koochiching, Beltrami, Hubbard, or Clearwater County, Minnesota. Location determined after selection. Relocation expenses will not be paid.

Work Schedule:

Full-time seasonal (approximately April–November). Monday–Friday Maxi Flex with occasional early mornings, evenings, holidays, and weekends.

Salary: $37,193–$52,957 per year

• Organize and conduct direct control operations to reduce wildlife damage within a defined geographical area or program involvement.
• Inspect and survey areas and revise existing Wildlife Damage Management (WDM) programs in consultation with higher-level management.
• Use WDM tools/devices as needed in the assigned area, which may include firearms; foothold, body-grip, cage traps; foot snares; neck snares; chemical control methods; pyrotechnics; noise cannons/exploders; drop nets; rocket/cannon nets; and other scaring devices.
• Assist Wildlife Biologists by identifying current and forecasting future damage and relating it to damage-causing species.
• Independently determine and select the most effective means of control for individual situations; modify techniques to meet local conditions and considerations.
• Assist in negotiating cooperative service agreements with landowners, lessees, or administrators to accomplish WS program goals.
• Enter data into the WDM database; prepare and submit routine reports on daily, weekly, or monthly activities, observations, and events.
• Assist in demonstrations and trainings on WDM methods, procedures, and program objectives for others and interested groups.
• Comply with restrictions and mitigation measures established through coordination with Federal and State agencies.
• Perform duties in accordance with NEPA and ESA guidance under supervisor oversight; other duties as required.

To qualify, applicants MUST meet all minimum qualification requirements, except Medical Requirements, by the closing date of the announcement.

GS-4 Grade Level

• 6 months of general experience and 6 months of specialized experience (GS-03 level) in wildlife identification, wildlife ecology and management in support of a wildlife management program, preparation of baits and setting traps, and keeping routine records.
• Education substitution: 2 years of study with at least 12 semester hours in biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics, including at least 6 semester hours in wildlife.
• Combination of Education and Experience to meet the 100% requirement.

GS-5 Grade Level

• One year of specialized experience (GS-4 level) in wildlife damage mitigation, experience using lethal and non-lethal animal control, and basic computer operations for record keeping, data analysis, and reports.
• Education:
  
  a full 4-year degree with major study in science/technical fields (e.g., biology, chemistry, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, mathematics) with at least 6 semester hours in wildlife.
• Combination of Education and Experience to meet the 100% requirement.

Applications with all required documents must be RECEIVED by the CLOSING DATE. Send resume (cannot exceed two pages), transcripts, and veteran documentation (if applicable) to the contact office provided below.

Dakota Bird, District Supervisor
USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services
34912 U.S. Hwy 2
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Tel:
Email: dakota.r.bird

Responsible for organizing and conducting direct control operations to reduce wildlife damage within a geographical area or program involvement. Inspects and surveys areas and revises WDM programs in consultation with management. Enters data into a WDM database and prepares routine reports. Performs other duties as required.

Note:

Web links or external references from the original description have been removed; the text retains the essential content and requirements for the role.