Become a Guardian of the Wild: Biological Science Technician at Yellowstone

Are you ready to combine your passion for wildlife biology with a career that protects one of the most significant natural landscapes on Earth? The National Park Service is currently seeking a highly skilled Biological Science Technician to join the team in Yellowstone National Park. This career-seasonal role is an incredible opportunity for professionals to engage directly in wolf program management and advanced wildlife research.

Job Responsibilities

As a Biological Science Technician, your daily tasks will be diverse and challenging:

Wolf Program Leadership: Lead or support efforts in wolf monitoring, research, and population management.
Capture and Tracking: Participate in immobilization and capture programs, including the use of telemetry and GPS tracking.
Aviation Coordination: Act as the primary coordinator for aerial wildlife activities, including fixed-wing and helicopter operations.
Data Management: Manage research databases, prepare management plans, and conduct statistical analysis on biological patterns.
Drug Accountability: Oversee the acquisition and legal use of wildlife capture drugs and maintain necessary DEA research licenses.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Comparison of Qualification Levels

Feature	GS-08 Level	GS-09 Level
Experience Requirement	1 Year Specialized	1 Year Specialized
Core Duties	Wildlife field ops	Advanced wildlife ops & aviation coordination
Certification Focus	Standard field certs	Advanced drug/aerial certs

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Physical Fitness: Must be able to lift 50 lbs and traverse rugged, uneven terrain.
Certifications: Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a DEA Research License, UAS Operator License, and Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Certification.
Documentation: All applicants must submit a resume (max 2 pages) and transcripts if using education to qualify.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $55,882 to $80,243 annually, depending on experience and grade level. As a career-seasonal employee, you receive the same benefits as permanent career employees, including access to comprehensive health and retirement programs, though the position includes a non-pay status period annually.

Application Tips

Format Matters: Do not exceed the 2-page limit for your resume. Ensure your formatting is clean with 0.5-inch margins.
Be Specific: Explicitly state your hours worked per week. For federal positions, this is essential to determine if your experience qualifies.
Assessments: Prepare for the USA Hire assessment by reviewing resources provided in the job announcement.

This is a unique chance to contribute to the long-term success of the Yellowstone wolf program. If you possess the field experience, technical skills, and dedication to conservation, we encourage you to apply. Ensure your application is complete and submitted before the closing date on November 5, 2026.

Why This Biological Science Technician Job Matters

Join the elite team at Yellowstone National Park as a Biological Science Technician and take the lead in critical wolf conservation and wildlife research initiatives.

Biological Science Technician Job Overview

The National Park Service is seeking a dedicated Biological Science Technician for a career-seasonal role in iconic Yellowstone National Park. This position is pivotal for the park's wolf program, focusing on advanced monitoring, data collection, and wildlife management operations. You will engage in hands-on field research, coordinate complex aviation-related wildlife missions, and ensure the integrity of biological databases.

Requirements for Biological Science Technician

Must be a U.S. citizen or national.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Must pass a background investigation.
Must register for Selective Service (if born after 12/31/59).
Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a DEA Research License.
Must obtain and maintain a UAS (Drone) Operator License.
Must obtain and maintain Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Certification.
Must complete required federal training and maintain a government travel charge card.

Preferred Qualifications for Biological Science Technician

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 or GS-08 grade level.
Graduate-level education in biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, or animal husbandry.
Proven experience in field observation and wildlife management plan preparation.
Demonstrated skill in aerial flight planning and crew coordination.
Expertise in operating radio telemetry equipment and statistical software.
Experience in wildlife capture and handling, including the use of pneumatic dart guns.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Career-seasonal status with federal benefits.
✓Uniform allowance provided.
✓Opportunities for professional development in wildlife management.
✓Telework eligible (with supervisory approval).
✓Potential for career advancement within the National Park Service.

💡 How to Apply Biological Science Technician Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Biological Science Technician Job

Visit the online application portal through the provided URL.
Complete the application questionnaire in its entirety.
Upload a resume that does not exceed 2 pages and clearly details relevant experience, including hours worked per week.
Submit all required documentation, including transcripts and SF-50s for current federal employees.
Complete the USA Hire Assessment once notified via email.
Verify the status of your application through your USAJOBS account.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes month/year format and specific hours worked to prove your specialized experience.
Keep your resume strictly to 2 pages; longer documents will be rejected.
Review your transcript files to ensure they meet the specific requirements (GPA, school name, credit hours).
Start the application early to allow time for the multi-step USA Hire assessment process.
Double-check your eligibility documents, such as SF-50s or DD-214s, as missing files result in automatic disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a career-seasonal appointment mean?

It is a permanent position that does not provide work on a year-round basis. You will typically work for 25 pay periods and be in a non-pay status for the remainder of the year.

Are there physical requirements for this job?

Yes. You must be able to lift and carry equipment packs weighing up to 50 pounds, hike several miles in remote terrain, and work in extreme weather conditions.

Is travel required?

Yes, you may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 2 nights per month.

Job from National Park Service

The National Park Service (NPS) is a bureau of the Department of the Interior. The mission of the NPS is to preserve the natural and cultural resources of the National Park System for the benefit of current and future generations. Yellowstone, our nation's first national park, serves as a living laboratory for biological research, and this role is central to the park's mission of ecological stewardship.