Seasonal Student Trainee; Biological Science Aid

Seasonal Student Trainee (Biological Science Aid)

Seasonal Student Trainee (Biological Science Aid) – National Park Service – Indiana Dunes National Park

The purpose of the position is to perform routine biological science tasks common to the organization. On‑job training will be provided. The trainee assists higher‑level employees with the collection and organization of biological science field data.

Some of the duties you will perform, include but are not limited to:

• Perform field tasks such as trapping of small animals, collection of seed, propagation of native plants, control of invasive plants, rehabilitation and replanting of trail sides, repair and removal of fence, etc., associated with the management, protection, restoration, and improvement of park resources.
• Follow accepted procedures and perform routine laboratory operations such as preparation, sorting, and preservation of collected specimens. May perform specialized operations such as identification of plant and animal specimens using keys and applying experimental treatments under controlled conditions.
• Assist higher‑level employees with the installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment used for sampling, monitoring, trapping, etc., and assist with the repair and maintenance of resource‑management support facilities.
• Assist higher‑level employees with the development, preparation, set‑up and delivery of formal or informal programs related to natural‑resource management. Preparatory work and subsequent public contact is structured and supervised, with unusual or difficult questions referred to the supervisor.
• Utilize a variety of computer programs to maintain field‑data records; perform data entry, and prepare simple summary reports.

• 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:
  May be required to operate a motor vehicle as part of official duties. Must sign an affidavit confirming possession of a valid state‑issued driver’s license and provide a photocopy prior to first official operation. May require submission of certified driving records from all states.
• Uniform:
  Must wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
• Government Housing:
  Not available.
• Trial Period:
  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 meet related educational criteria (high‑school graduate or equivalent, vocational training, enrollment in a secondary school with work only during vacation periods or part‑time during school year, or a statement from school authorities).

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement (01/15/2026) unless otherwise stated.

To be eligible for this Pathways position you must:

• Be enrolled in a degree‑seeking program or a 1‑year certificate program.
• Be enrolled on one half (½) time basis.
• Have a minimum 2.0 grade average.
• Attend an accredited education institution.
• Provide transcripts with required details (name, school, credit hours, course level, major(s), GPA or class ranking).
• Be enrolled for the next semester/quarter following the period of this vacancy and provide supporting documentation of such.

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/part‑time or total hours worked. If part‑time, hours must be annotated to enable pro‑ratting of qualifying experience.

To qualify for this position at the GS‑03 grade level, you must possess at least one or all of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:

EXPERIENCE: Have six (6) months of…