Biological Science Technician (Seasonal)
Summary
This position is a Biological Science Technician (Seasonal), GS- 0404-6 working in Lamar Pennsylvania, for the Northeast Fishery Center.
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Duties
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This is a temporary appointment intended for seasonal work that is less than 6 months or 1040 hours from the date of appointment/service year. It is expected this position will be terminated upon completion of the seasons work. The agency may non-competitively rehire an eligible temporary seasonal worker in subsequent years who works less than 6 months or 1040 hours in their service year.
As a Biological Science Technician (Seasonal) your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
Laboratory Support positions:
- Uses a variety of laboratory equipment to perform standardized genetics tasks
- Assists with DNA isolation, extraction, amplification (PCR), and next generation sequencing library preparation
- Collects, compiles and summarizes data with adherence to established QA/QC laboratory procedures, submits genetic data to public repositories
- Conforms to laboratory protocols and follows established chain of custody for sample processing and storage
- Performs general laboratory equipment maintenance, assists with laboratory cleaning and decontamination
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation
- Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.
Qualifications
Only experience and education obtained by 06/30/2026 will be considered.
In order to qualify for this position you must possess the Minimum Qualification.
Minimum Qualification [GS-6]
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the federal service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Assisting with collecting, handling, or processing biological samples, including those used in DNA or eDNA based analyses. Using basic scientific or laboratory equipment following established procedures. Recording, organizing, or entering biological data accurately. Follow written protocols, safety guidelines, and quality control procedures. Assist staff with routine tasks, maintaining supplies, or preparing simple reports.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
This position does not have an educational substitute in lieu of experience and/or a combination.
Additional information
PCS - Not Authorized
Telework: This position is suitable for telework, only during an emergency disaster.
Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area.
Temporary Benefits: Most Federal employees earn both annual and sick leave. For additional information, visit Leave Administration. Effective January 2015, employees on temporary appointments may be eligible for health benefits through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program and, if eligible, will receive the same government contribution as full-time permanent employees. To be eligible for consideration, temporary employees working full-time or part-time must be on appointments expected to last at least 90 days, or be on an intermittent work schedule and expected to work 130 hours per month for at least 90 days. Employees electing to participate in the FEHB will be responsible for the employee share of the premium while on the official agency roles, which is deducted from bi-weekly earnings. After separating from federal employment, employees will be offered to continue participation in FEHB under the Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) option. Employees electing to continue coverage under the TCC provision will be responsible for the full premium amount plus a 2% administration fee.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements) for the position with a score of 80 or above on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application.
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Reasonable Accommodation: The USFWS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please visit USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy if you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.