Seasonal Biological Science Technician; Biochemistry

Duties

Park Information:

GS-06 Duties:

• Assist with sampling water quality of inland lakes, rivers, and at Lake Michigan beach sites throughout the Lakeshore.
• Assist in the preparation of reports, plans, and guidelines.
• Draft project reports may include literature research, descriptions of methods, preparation of graphs and charts, and summary of findings.
• Perform routine and recurring testing of water quality, both chemical and bacteriological; using qPCR to analyze water samples for the presence of aquatic invasive species; maintaining a laboratory for fecal bacteria and eDNA testing; recording all data collected and providing preliminary assessment and classification of the information.
• Use a Global Positioning System device to locate and mark sampling sites in remote locations.
• Portaging and paddling a canoe for long distances to sample interior lakes.
• Process water samples for laboratory analysis according to detailed standard operating procedures; installing, operating, maintaining, and calibrating water quality sampling equipment; and entering data into computer spreadsheets or databases.

• GS-07 Duties: Perform all GS-06 duties, as well as using qPCR to test for DNA of bacteria as well as aquatic invasive species in water samples. The GS-07 position will have an expanded role in running the qPCR testing and require less direct oversight. The position will also be responsible for daily supervisory duties of interns.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• 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.
• 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to sign an affidavit certifying possession of a valid State issued driver’s license that is current and has not been revoked, suspended, canceled, or otherwise disqualified.
  
  You will also submit a photocopy of your valid State driver’s license prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year, or more frequently if management determines such need exists. You may be required to submit all certified driving records from all States that discloses all valid driver’s licenses. Please indicate in your application whether you possess a valid State driver’s license.
• Government Housing: May be available.
• Uniform: You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
• Minimum Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old or at least 16 years old with eligible conditions as described.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement. 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, and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time hours worked. If part-time, the hours must be annotated to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience.

To qualify for this position at the GS-06 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following by close of the announcement:

EXPERIENCE: Possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the federal service, demonstrating knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform duties such as leading or coordinating field work in natural resource management, bacteriological water quality testing, following SOPs for processing water samples, collecting field data, and providing preliminary assessments. Include hours per week worked.

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