Biological Science Technician
Position Overview
Biological Technicians partner with DOI scientists, applying their technical skills in support of research or other projects. Activities like gathering and processing samples, testing soil or water for toxins, and identifying and propagating native plants contribute to decision-making for the management and protection of natural resources such as wildlife, fish, plants and insects.
This position is represented at the following bureaus
Candidate Description
The ideal candidate is interested in animals, plants, or the environment and is also inquisitive and attentive to details, processes, and data.
Specialty Areas
Microbiology; Animal; Biochemistry; Invertebrates; Plants; Animal Science; Soils; Fisheries; Wildlife
Work Environment
Work is performed in an office, laboratory, and/or in the field. Lab work may include caring for live animals or handling hazardous chemicals. Field work may include exposure to inclement weather, physical hazards, and wild animals.
Minimum Education Requirements
Please see the Individual Occupation Requirements and the Technical and Medical Support Positions Group Qualification Standard on the OPM websites.
Career Level Requirements
Responsibilities by Level
Entry:
- Collect samples and data from field sites
- Perform lab analyses on samples
- Data entry, retrieval and record keeping
Mid:
- Help conduct wildlife, fish, invertebrate, and/or plant surveys
- Prepare charts and illustrations for reports
- Identify and document plant and/or animal species
- Collect and process water chemistry data
Journey:
- Analyze experimental data
- Plan and conduct plant inventories and studies
- Install, operate and maintain sampling equipment
- Search literature related to research topics
Senior:
- Design and conduct portions of research and restoration projects
- Recommend resource management actions based on field observations
- Develop new sampling and testing procedures and methods
- Manages data-sets
- Conduct programmatic activities
Strengths by Level
-
AccountabilityHolds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules.Show Tool TipEntry 1-4Mid 5-6Journey 7-8Senior 9-11
-
Attention to DetailIs thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.Show Tool TipEntry 1-4Mid 5-6Journey 7-8Senior 9-11
-
ComplianceKnowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.Show Tool TipEntry 1-4Mid 5-6Journey 7-8Senior 9-11
-
Creative ThinkingUses imagination to develop new insights into situations and applies innovative solutions to problems; designs new methods where established methods and procedures are inapplicable or are unavailable.Show Tool TipEntry 1-4Mid 5-6Journey 7-8Senior 9-11
-
FlexibilityIs open to change and new information; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with ambiguity.Show Tool TipEntry 1-4Mid 5-6Journey 7-8Senior 9-11
-
Information ManagementIdentifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems.Show Tool TipEntry 1-4Mid 5-6Journey 7-8Senior 9-11
-
Interpersonal SkillsTreats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.Show Tool TipEntry 1-4Mid 5-6Journey 7-8Senior 9-11
-
Oral CommunicationExpresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.Show Tool TipEntry 1-4Mid 5-6Journey 7-8Senior 9-11
-
Organizational AwarenessKnows the organization's mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work and operates effectively within them; this includes the programs, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the organization.Show Tool TipEntry 1-4Mid 5-6Journey 7-8Senior 9-11
-
Problem SolvingIdentifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.Show Tool TipEntry 1-4Mid 5-6Journey 7-8Senior 9-11
-
ReasoningIdentifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions.Show Tool TipEntry 1-4Mid 5-6Journey 7-8Senior 9-11
-
Self-ManagementSets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.Show Tool TipEntry 1-4Mid 5-6Journey 7-8Senior 9-11
-
TeamworkEncourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.Show Tool TipEntry 1-4Mid 5-6Journey 7-8Senior 9-11
-
Technical CompetenceUses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.Show Tool TipEntry 1-4Mid 5-6Journey 7-8Senior 9-11
-
WritingRecognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.Show Tool TipEntry 1-4Mid 5-6Journey 7-8Senior 9-11
Common Pathways
Candidates who made this career change most commonly held these occupations...
Animal Caretaking
Forestry Technician
Guide
Where We Are
DOI employs people at more than 2,400 locations across the United States and territories. Use the Position Locator tool to see where current DOI employees work. To check for job opportunities, scroll down and click "See jobs on USAjobs.gov."
