Biological Science Technician
Biological Science Technician (Aquatic Ecosystems), Â Sequoia National Park, CA United States | Yosemite National Park, CA United States
See vacancy posting for full requirements and to apply: USAJOBS - Job Announcement
Summary
Pacific West Region is recruiting for summer seasonals for Biological Science Technician (Aquatic Ecosystems) GS 0404-05/6.
The typical seasonal period for Sierra Nevada Network positions is April-October but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding.
Open to the first 125 applicants or until 12/13/2024 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.
Duties
Sierra Nevada Network (SIEN) is seeking field technicians for SIENs long-term lake and wetland monitoring projects. Work will take place in Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks (California). The majority of work is collecting field data in remote, backcountry locations with overnight backpacking and travel required. A smaller component of the work will be in the office transferring data, organizing gear and samples, and debriefing with project leads. These positions are temporary with full-time work schedules. The emphasis of these positions is on field work in both team and individual settings.
Primary duties include:
- Backpacking to lake basins in high elevation park wilderness, following monitoring protocol procedures, and adhering to Sierra Nevada Inventory & Monitoring Network communication and safety policies.
- Lake and wetland monitoring duties include collecting and filtering water samples, measuring water quality parameters, maintaining wetland groundwater monitoring wells and dataloggers, and surveying amphibian populations. This requires an understanding of Sierra Nevada aquatic ecosystems.
- Office duties include entering field data into databases, downloading dataloggers, organizing and cleaning gear, planning for sampling trips, and meeting with project leads.
- Topographic maps, compass, and global positioning systems will be used to aid in navigation and document sample site locations.
- Hiking and sampling work may occur in inclement weather.
- Positions may also support other aquatic and monitoring projects in the parks, as needed.
Duties specific to the GS-06 crew lead position:
- Serves as the field crew lead to implement Sierra Nevada Inventory & Monitoring Network's long-term monitoring protocol for high-elevation lakes and wetlands.
- Carries out water and amphibian sampling at lakes throughout Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks per Sierra Nevada Inventory & Monitoring Network protocols.
- Has an understanding of aquatic resources and associated sampling methodology.
- Responsible for helping the crew understand and adhere to Sierra Nevada Inventory & Monitoring Network safety policies.
- Meets with the network physical scientist and provides feedback on the protocol's implementation.
Physical Demands: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion walking, hiking, or climbing over wet, rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; bending; crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching to observe, collect, or record field data; and paddling packrafts on mountain lakes. Heavy items (e.g., equipment and packs up to 50 pounds) must be lifted and carried on a routine basis.
Working Conditions: Work is performed in an office or outdoors. The work performed involves regular and recurring exposure to extreme weather conditions and terrain, poisonous plants, biting insects, and wild animals.
Air Quality: Poor air quality afflicts Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, especially during summer months. High ozone levels may be the most harmful pollutant here. In summer months, concentrations often exceed the federal ozone health standards. For more information: http://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/nature/airqualityinfo.htm.