Physical Science Technician

Summary This position is a Physical Science Technician, GS- 1311-8 working in Essex Junction, Vermont for the R5-Lake Champlain F and W Conservation Office. This is a term position expected to last 13 months but may be extended up to a total of 10 years at management's discretion. This term appointment is in accordance with 5 CFR § 316.301(c), where an agency may make a term appointment for a period of more than 1 year but not more than 10 years to STEM-related occupations/positions. Learn more about this agency Requirements Conditions of Employment Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation. Driver’s License: This position requires the incumbent to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of their official duties. Selectee must hold and maintain a valid state driver’s license throughout their employment in this position. Incumbent is subject to medical surveillance testing before and after field seasons based on exposure to hazardous chemical agents. Uniform: Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform WILL be required. Trial Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a trial period. Must already possess or obtain within 6 months: Certified Pesticide Applicator Licenses. Must possess or obtain within 6 months, Federal Motorboat Operators Course Certification (MOCC) to enable the application of pesticide by boat. Incumbent is subject to medical surveillance testing before and after field seasons based on exposure to hazardous chemical agents. Incumbent must be able to lift and move objects weighing 60 pounds. Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. To verify registration, visit SSS.gov. Qualifications Only experience and education obtained by the closing date 12/26/2024 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess the Minimum Qualifications. Minimum Qualification [GS-08]: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 in the federal service. Experience may include: performing technical support in a team setting and leading others in dynamic field efforts to control aquatic invasive species (i.e. sea lampreys) through the use of aquatic pesticides (i.e. lampricides); (1) performing collection of primary field data for pesticide applications; (2) identifying and setting up complex equipment used at application sites; (3) measuring and documenting chemical and physical parameters of a stream throughout the duration of pesticide applications; (4) calculate, monitor, and adjust proper concentrations of applied pesticides. 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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education There is no substitute of education for experience for this position. Additional information PCS INFORMATION: -No PCS entitlements authorized Telework: Yes - as determined by agency policy. Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements) for the position with a score of 85 or above on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp. Reasonable Accommodation: The USFWS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please visit USAJOBS Center | Reasonable accommodation policy if you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process. Read more Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.