Experience Inc. Jobs

Summary As a Biological Science Technician (Plants), you will work for the Natural Resource Management Team at New River Gorge National River, Gauley River National Recreation Area, and Bluestone National Scenic River, with a duty station in Glen Jean, WV. Your primary role involves assisting with programs in forest health, vegetation ecology, rare plants, and integrated pest management. Responsibilities Conducts field surveys and assessments of rare plant populations, nonnative invasive plant infestations, and plant communities. Controls nonnative invasive plants using integrated pest management methods such as manual hand digging/pulling, mowing, and spraying herbicides. Assists with monitoring effectiveness of treatments Controls invasive insects, such as hemlock woolly adelgid, using chemical and biological control methods. Monitors forest pest population levels and their impacts on forest health Assists with restoration efforts of rare plant species and habitats as well as degraded lands. Collects native seeds for propagation and plant trees, shrubs, and other native plants Collect and enter field data, prepare reports, and summarize findings. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications In order to be qualified for this position, you must possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-06 level in the Federal service, assisting with the planning of and independently conducting surveys or studies of plant species; performing habitat restoration through management of nonnative invasive species and/or native planting; using and maintaining tools and equipment for use in laboratory or field work; and drafting portions of study reports for review by higher-level scientists/researchers. For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of specialized experience that you will be granted. An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For all other applicants who are not current federal employees, your resume must state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected. Education Additional Information Physical Demands and Work Setting: This position involves routine physical exertion, including prolonged standing; hiking over steep, rough, uneven, and rocky surfaces; using rafts and boats to access riverside work sites; carrying backpacks and backpack sprayers in excess of 30 pounds; and operating power equipment, such as hedge-trimmers and mowers. Independent work in remote field locations is sometimes required. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will be paid if the person selected for the position is from outside the local commuting area and is otherwise eligible for reimbursement of relocation expenses under the Federal Travel Regulations (such as current permanent Federal employees). If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-points veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member Copy 4) or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' hiring authorities visit the Feds Hire Vets website. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service Time in Grade: Any individual who is currently holding, or has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet time-in-grade requirements (must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent in the Federal service). Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal civilian employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) or Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP or CTAP eligible see http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated at 85 or above on the rating criteria for this position. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please contact Philadelphia Services Branch at philadelphia@opm.gov or 215-861-3074 This announcement may be used to fill one or more positions.