FIELD ASSISTANT POSITION
TEMPORARY, NOT TO EXCEED 180 DAYS
Biological Science Technician
GG-0404-04 & 05
The purpose of this outreach notice is to notify eligible candidates of upcoming opportunities.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS), Western Ecological Research Center will soon be filling one to
three 180 Day Field Assistant, Biological Science Technician positions at the GG-0404-04 level, with a starting
salary of $39,656 PA, and/or the Biological Science Technician positions at the GG-0404-05 level, with a
starting salary of $44,368 PA.
We are interested in recruiting Biological Science Technicians with the experience, or education and
experience combination as follows:
GG-0404-04 Qualifications include 6 months of field experience OR 2 years of sub-professional work
experience OR 1 years of college with courses related to the work of the position to be filled (equivalent to 30
semester/45 quarter hours).
GG-0404-05 Qualifications include 9 months of field experience OR 3 years of sub-professional work
experience OR 3 years of college with courses related to the work of the position to be filled (equivalent to 90
semester/135 quarter hours) plus 3 months of lab or field work experience. Sub-professional experience
consists of working as a technician or aid in the field or in a laboratory or similar environment.
These positions will be open to applicants who meet all the requirements of the position. Details about
the Field Assistant position can be found below. This position is located Fremont, CA
About The Position
GG-0404-04 & 05: Technical work in a laboratory or field environment in support of professional or technical
employees engaged in data collection activities or analysis of biological data collection activities or analysis of
biological samples. Performs one or more of the following duties:
Collects biological, botany, fisheries, or wildlife data from study files or monitoring stations.
Performs laboratory analysis of biological samples to determine specific chemical, biological, or
physical characteristics.
Operates a government motor vehicle or a boat as an incidental driver.
Work Schedule: Full Time
Desirable skills and knowledge include
For positions in the Invertebrate Ecology Laboratory (IEL):
processing (sieving, sorting, identifying) macroinvertebrates using a compound microscope
opportunities to assist with data collection in the field are available on an as-needed basis
Other lab duties include data entry, sample disposal, sample preparation, cleaning jars for re-use,
summary analyses, and keeping the lab in good working order.
Eligibility
Be a US citizen;
Submit an application package in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the recruitment bulletin;
Meet the established field assistant qualification standard for the position to which you are applying to
by the closing date of the posted recruitment bulletin;
Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation;
A valid state driver’s license and safe driving record are required;
Selectee subject to successful completion of a pre-employment medical exam;
Housing will not be provided;
If selected you may be asked to provide information regarding your COVID-19 vaccination status for the
purposes of implementing workplace safety protocols, such as those related to masking, physical
distance, testing, travel, and quarantine.
How to Apply:
Individuals will need to apply to the email address listed in the vacancy announcement (werchr@usgs.gov).
This outreach notice does not constitute an application.
• The application window for this Field Assistant vacancy announcement has not been determined at this time.
If interested in finding out more information about this position, please contact Stacy Moskal at
smoskalATusgs.gov
What needs to be included in your resume?
Include full dates for the beginning and end of each position, hours worked per week at each position,
do not provide a range please estimate a solid number, level of experience and examples for each work
experience
For each work experience you list, make sure you include:
Start and end dates (including the Month, Day & Year).
The number of hours you worked per week, no ranges i.e., 10-20 hrs./wk. or ~25 hrs./wk., please
estimate a solid number, i.e., 30 hrs./wk.
The level and amount of experience–for instance, whether you served as a field lead or a team
member, helps to illustrate your level of experience.
Examples of relevant experiences and accomplishments that prove you can perform the tasks at the
level required for the job as stated in the job announcement. Your experience needs to address every
required qualification. Field and or Lab heavy verbiage is highly recommended
You will not be considered for the position if your resume is not formatted correctly, as your
qualifications can not be rated properly otherwise.
Example
Biologist GS-0401-09
January 12, 2009 – Present or 01/12/09-11/18/19
40 Hours/Week
$63,000/Year
Field Experience/Accomplishments
Lab Experience/Accomplishments
Include volunteer work and roles in community organizations
Don’t limit yourself to only including paid work experience. Include relevant volunteer work or community
organizations roles that demonstrate your ability to do the job. Experience obtained at any educational institute
you attended will need to be annotated clearly, that it was or was not used for a grade in a class, required to
obtain your degree.
What needs to be submitted when you apply?
Announcement Number (To Be Determined) needs to be included in the subject line of your email AND
on your resume.
Submit the following forms of application: resume and unofficial college transcript or list of college
courses, specifying title of course work, completion date, semester or quarter hours earned by course
title, and grade earned.
If claiming 5-point veterans’ preference, a DD-214 showing character of discharge is required. If
claiming 10-point veterans’ preference, a SF-15 with proof of claim is required.
Please note that if qualifying based on education; unofficial transcripts MUST be submitted as part of the
application in order to receive consideration.
You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the
announcement.
The USGS is an equal opportunity employer.