The Biological Science Technician performs duties relating to the mitigation of zoonotic disease transmission to livestock and poultry. The work is primarily concerned with consultations and operations relating to the assessment, reduction, and/or elimination of the spread of disease to livestock and poultry from wild and/or feral animal species in agricultural environments.
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. FOR THE GS-05 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 grade level) that demonstrates: Inspecting livestock and poultry facilities and accurately identifying possible wild vertebrate disease vectors. Conducting demonstrations and training sessions on methods and procedures related to the control of animal disease in livestock and poultry. Assisting in negotiation of cooperative agreements with landowners. 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 scientific or technical courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must be in animal science, animal biology, zoology, wildlife, or veterinary medicine. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-05 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.
The duties may include, but are not limited to:
Inspects and surveys livestock and poultry facilities located on ranches, farms, auction markets, etc., for possible wild vertebrate disease vectors.
Recommends or implements the most effective tools/devices to mitigate the possibility of livestock and poultry encountering vertebrate disease.
Maintains records of chemical control use to comply with state and federal regulatory requirements.
Enters data into established database/system of record. Uses data to prepare and submit routine reports regarding activities, observations, and events.
Obtains and maintains pesticide applicator licenses, permits, or other similar authorizations as necessary.
May assist research efforts by participating in field tests of disease mitigation techniques or providing biological or other specimens.