Embark on a Rewarding Career: Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)

Are you looking to turn your passion for biology and the outdoors into a career that truly makes a difference? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently hiring for a Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). This role is perfect for professionals eager to protect the health and safety of American communities, agriculture, and natural ecosystems.

Job Responsibilities

As a Biological Science Technician, you will be on the ground conducting critical wildlife management operations. Your daily tasks will focus on mitigating the damage caused by various wildlife species to protect infrastructure, property, and agricultural interests.

Responsibility	Impact
Wildlife Damage Assessment	Enables science-based mitigation strategies.
Chemical Immobilization	Provides humane handling of problem species.
Cooperative Agreements	Builds partnerships with landowners and stakeholders.
Data Reporting	Supports long-term research and program efficiency.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet specific criteria regarding education and experience.

Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-4 level (or equivalent) in the public or private sector involving wildlife damage mitigation techniques.
Education: Alternatively, a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., biology, zoology, botany, animal husbandry) or 24 semester hours of equivalent coursework qualifies you for this role.
Residency: Note that selectees must reside in the state of Ohio prior to their start date.

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive salary structure ranging from $40,736 to $55,296 per year. Please note that the exact salary will be determined upon selection and may include locality pay depending on the final duty location.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a robust benefits package. Employees enjoy:

Access to comprehensive federal health insurance plans.
Eligibility for the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Paid annual and sick leave, plus federal holidays.
Structured opportunities for professional development and career progression.

Application Tips

Submitting a federal job application can be complex. Follow these steps to ensure your application stands out:

Tailor Your Resume: Your resume is your primary tool. Ensure it reflects the specific duties mentioned in the job description.
Check Your Page Count: Strictly adhere to the two-page limit. Exceeding this will result in immediate disqualification.
Detail Your Experience: Include the specific number of hours worked per week and the dates of employment for each position.
Assessment Preparedness: You will be required to take a competency-based assessment. Review the practice materials provided by the OPM website.

If you have a background in wildlife management and a drive to protect the environment and our national infrastructure, this role offers an unparalleled opportunity to advance your career. With a blend of field work, technical analysis, and public cooperation, the Biological Science Technician role is a cornerstone of the USDA’s mission. Apply now to help shape the future of wildlife management in America.

Why This Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) Job Matters

Protect our nation's natural resources and public health! Join the USDA's Wildlife Services team as a Biological Science Technician and play a vital role in managing wildlife-human conflicts.

Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) Job Overview

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking dedicated individuals for the role of Biological Science Technician (Wildlife). This position is essential to the agency’s mission of safeguarding American agriculture, natural resources, and public safety. You will engage in direct wildlife damage management, employing both lethal and non-lethal techniques to mitigate damage caused by wild and feral animal species. This role offers an impactful career path for those passionate about field biology, environmental management, and public service.

Requirements for Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)

One year of specialized experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent involving wildlife damage mitigation and animal control techniques.
A bachelor's degree with major study in a relevant scientific field (e.g., biology, wildlife, zoology) or at least 24 semester hours of qualifying coursework.
A combination of education and specialized experience that totals 100% of the qualification requirements.
Must reside in the state of Ohio prior to the start date.
Must not own, possess, or have contact with backyard poultry.
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test.
Must be able to provide transcripts if qualifying via education.

Preferred Qualifications for Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)

Prior experience with lethal and non-lethal animal control methods.
Experience in data entry, record keeping, and technical report writing.
Strong communication skills for negotiating cooperative agreements with landowners.
Demonstrated proficiency in identifying specific wildlife species causing damage.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal career retirement programs
✓Comprehensive health insurance options
✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave
✓Opportunities for career advancement and promotion
✓Structured training for specialized wildlife management techniques

💡 How to Apply Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) Job

Create or update your profile on the official USAJOBS platform.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, detailing your relevant experience and education.
Click the 'Apply Online' button on the USAJOBS vacancy page.
Complete the required occupational questionnaire and upload necessary supporting documentation.
Monitor your email for a unique link to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
Complete all assessments within the required timeframe after receiving the link.

💡 General Tips

Tailor your two-page resume specifically to the duties listed in the announcement.
Ensure your supervisor's contact information is included for all listed periods of employment.
Double-check that all uploaded documents are under 5MB and in supported formats (PDF, TXT, DOC).
Set up email notifications in your USAJOBS account to stay updated on your application status.
Do not exceed the two-page resume limit; extra pages will lead to disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this appointment?

This is a term appointment not to exceed 13 months, with the potential for extension up to 4 years.

Do I need a security clearance for this role?

No, a security clearance is not required for this position; however, it does require a suitability and fitness adjudication.

Can I relocate for this position?

Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses are not paid by the agency. You are responsible for all costs associated with reporting for duty.

Is relocation assistance provided?

*A: No, the agency does not provide travel or relocation expenses for this position.*

Can I update my application after I have submitted it?

*A: Yes, you can update your application materials while the vacancy announcement remains open.*

Job from Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is a critical agency within the USDA. Its mission is to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. APHIS operates in both domestic and international markets to ensure the safety of our food supply and the integrity of our environmental landscape. As an emergency response agency, APHIS employees are at the front lines of environmental and agricultural stewardship.