Summary Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our most precious resource. These positions are located in Battle Mountain, Carson City, Elko, Las Vegas, and Tonopah, NV. Information about Battle Mountain, Carson City, Elko, Las Vegas and Tonopah and the surrounding area can be found at Battle Mountain Chamber of Commerce, Carson City Chamber of Commerce, Elko Chamber of Commerce, Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, and Tonopah Chamber of Commerce. We expect to fill many vacancies. Responsibilities Collects natural resource and ecological data (e.g., terrestrial, lotic, and wetland/riparian). Follows standardized protocols to support natural resource monitoring and planning efforts such as, Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) Strategy, Land Health Evaluations, and monitoring of Resource Management Plan (RMP) Effectiveness. Records natural resource and ecological data via electronic data capture (e.g., on tablets or other mobile devices) for expeditious transfer to bureau-wide databases. Maps natural and ecological resources (such as soils, vegetation, streams/rivers, wetland/riparian areas, etc.) using geographic information systems (GIS) to increase efficiency of field data collection. Completes basic and routine QA/QC of standard monitoring data according to well established processes and procedures to assure validity for subsequent data analysis. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the qualification requirements - please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience. For GS-05: You must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the (GS-4) in the federal service. Specialized experience is further defined as assisting with collecting field data in support of monitoring programs; assisting in implementation of a resource monitoring program that evaluates the effectiveness of land management actions; the ability to work as a member of a group collecting data for a monitoring program; OR successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must have been directly related to the position; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Combination of Education and Experience: You may meet qualifications requirement for this position with an equivalent combination of specialized experience and appropriate undergraduate education. Undergraduate level education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. 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. You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. Physical Demands: Monitoring work requires regular and recurring periods of physical exertion including walking, bending, climbing, crouching, or stooping over rough, uneven, rocky surfaces or mountainous terrain. Monitoring protocols require sufficient physical strength to use manual hand tools such as shovels, trowels, or screening devices. Monitoring work occasionally requires lifting moderately heavy items such as equipment and samples. Data analysis is performed in an office setting with no special physical demands. Work Environment: Monitoring data is collected at field sites which are outdoor settings and therefore subject to the risks and discomforts arising from remoteness (e.g., distance from services such as medical offices), weather (e.g., extreme temperatures and precipitation), wildlife (e.g., bites and stings), and diverse terrain (e.g., steep, rocky, or unstable footing). Implementation of standard field going precautions such as planning (e.g., checking the weather and sharing travel details with the supervisor or higher-graded employee), situational awareness, and proper personal protective equipment (e.g., sun protection, field clothing, gloves, sturdy footwear, a basic first aid kit) are sufficient to mitigate most risks. Accessing field sites requires the use of two- or four-wheel drive vehicles and comes with the risk of vehicular accidents. Safety instructions and risk management protocols will be communicated by the supervisor prior to initiating field work. Individuals driving a government vehicle are required to complete a Defensive Driving Course. The QA/QC and data analysis support work is performed in a work environment that involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of offices (e.g., use of safe work practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations and traffic signals, etc.). The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Education This position falls under the Biological Science Technician Series, 0404. There are Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for this job series. This position allows for education to be substituted for specialized experience (see qualification section for education requirements). If using education to qualify - You MUST submit a copy of ALL your college transcripts or a list of ALL college courses that include hours and grades from an accredited U.S. college/university. Upon selection, official transcripts must be received prior to appointment. If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. All selections and tentative offers of selection are contingent upon submission and verification of 'official' transcripts. Additional Information DOI uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit E-Verify. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): 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, you must: 1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well qualified for the position with a score of 90 or above; and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information: CTAP or ICTAP Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for Selective Service Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid by the Department of the Interior. Any travel, transportation and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the responsibility of the selected employee. This position is not eligible for Telework. All positions may not be filled or they may be filled at different times depending on budget, hiring needs, and requirements. These positions are temporary and are expected to last for up to 6 months. These positions have no promotion potential. If selected from this announcement you may be rehired for identical positions without further competition based on work needs, funding, or any other condition of employment. If selected from this or a similar competitive, seasonal announcement, your appointment may be creditable for consideration under PL-114-47, Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA). The Act allows certain individuals, who have or had time-limited appointments at land management agencies, to compete for any permanent position in the competitive service under "internal" merit promotion procedures. For more information, see the section under Eligibility, which starts with Question #15 (Q15. Who is eligible for appointment under these provisions).