Biological Science Technician (temporary)

The USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station (PSW) is advertising for a term GS-0404-03 Biological Science Technician. The position is renewable each year but will not exceed 2 years. This notification is being circulated to inform prospective applicants of this upcoming opportunity and determine interest in the position. The Biological Science Technician will be a member of a collaborative research project within the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry unit of PSW, and will coordinate with staff and scientists within PSW and outside organizations to accomplish the objectives of various projects underway at IPIF. The research of this project will monitor how changes in stream flow influence the recruitment and reproduction of native shrimp and gobies in Hawaiian streams. The incumbent performs a variety of technical support duties which include some or all of the following: Assists in the acquisition of field data by measuring and recording pertinent biological information peculiar to the specific assignment. The assignment involves performance of a series of related technical tasks which must be completed according to a predetermined and established routine. Tabulates and orders data as directed and prepares data for computer use. Establishes routine laboratory studies following accepted procedures and planned statistical designs, collects and records study data, and applies treatments under controlled laboratory conditions. May assist higher grade employees in setting up and operating standard equipment used in performing laboratory tests and making scientific measurements and observations of sample materials gathered from experimental field plots. Following accepted procedures, performs routine and repetitious laboratory tests and operations such as leaf litter decomposition measurements, water quality analyses, and sorting samples for aquatic invertebrates. Uses keys to identify plants or invertebrates encountered during field trips or surveys of coastal areas or streams. Assists in the collection, handling, and preservation of specimens. All biological data pertinent to collections and preservation are recorded. Assists in maintenance of various collections used in connection with day-to-day research activities. Operates a variety of scientific and laboratory instruments, apparatus, and office machines. This may include dissecting and compound microscopes, balances, and computers. Observes and records expected responses in experiments and keeps aware of factors and situations included in experiments to ensure against error and to increase the reliability of the results obtained. The position will be located at the Pacific Southwest Research Station Hilo office at the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry at 60 Nowelo St. Hilo, Hawaii 96720. The vacancy announcement for this position will be posted on the U.S. Government’s official website for employment opportunities www.usajobs.gov.