POSITION TITLE: Biological Science Technician

Hiring Organization/Employer:  USDA
Application Deadline:  7/24/2026
Location:  Lawrence & Barry County, MO

Description:  

This position works in the field 100% of the time. This is characterized by routine and regular travel to customer or other worksites as opposed to a single authorized alternative worksite. Examples of field work include site audits, site inspections, investigations, property management and work performed while commuting, travelling between worksites or on a Temporary Duty (TDY). 

 

Compensation & Benefits:  

$37,193 - $59,031 per year

 

Responsibilities:  

  • Responsible for organizing and conducting direct control operations to reduce wildlife damage.
  • Serves as a Biological Science Technician responsible for technical work involved in animal disease control in livestock and poultry and disease vector eradication programs within an assigned geographic area.
  • Subject to existing state statutes and federal regulations, the typical section assignment may include, but is not necessarily limited to, the following duties:
    • Inspects and surveys livestock and poultry facilities located on ranches, farms, auction markets, etc., for possible wild vertebrate disease vectors. Inspects and surveys areas and, as necessary, will revise existing programs in close consultation with supervisor.
    • Independently recommends or implements the most effective tools/devices to mitigate the possibility of livestock and poultry encountering vertebrate disease vectors on ranches, farms, auction markets, etc., by providing technical assistance.
    • Maintains records of chemical control use to comply with state and federal regulatory requirements.
    • Maintains responsibility for and knowledge of government-provided equipment and supplies.
    • Responsible for communicating accomplishments, safety-related issues, problems encountered, work locations, etc. to supervisor.
    • Enters data into established database/system of record. Uses data to prepare and submit routine reports regarding activities, observations, and events.
    • May author formal reports or other documents that summarize and analyze both work accomplished and benefits to cooperators/stakeholders. These reports are most often presented internally to WS staff/supervisors.
    • Assists in conducting demonstrations and training for others, including other cooperators or other interested groups, on methods, procedures, and program objectives. This responsibility includes preliminary instruction and training of new personnel on technical aspects of the program including pesticide use.
    • Carries out duties in accordance with program decisions made in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) under guidance and oversight by supervisor.
    • Conducts all operations using approved safety procedures in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles and equipment.
    • Conducts all operations in accordance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations, and USDA, APHIS, and WS policies.

 

Preferred Qualifications:  

 

For the GS-4 Grade Level:

Applicants must have 6 months of general experience and 6 months of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-03 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates (must meet 2 of the 3 listed below):

  • Experience in research or management activities related to biology, agriculture or wildlife.
  • Experience assisting in the production of domestic livestock or poultry on farms, keeping routine records of activities and observations.
  • Experience answering questions from the public or cooperators regarding managing wild animals near feedlots, farms or ranches.

 

OR

Education Substitution at the GS-4 Grade Level: Successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must be directly related to the position to be filled.

 

OR

 

Combination of Education and Experience at the GS-4 Grade Level: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.

 

 

For the GS-5 Grade Level:

Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-4 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, federal) sectors which demonstrate experience in (must meet 2 of the 3 below):
  • Experience in basic farm management practices that prevent disease, such as bird and rodent control, clean water and feed, hand and boot washing, and controlling vehicle contamination.
  • Experience working directly with stakeholders, communicating goals and objectives of a project, and determining effective strategies to achieve those goals.
  • Conducting basic computer operations for record keeping, data analysis, report writing and correspondence.

OR

 

Education Substitution at the GS-5 Grade Level: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree with major study, or at least 24 semester hours, in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as biology, chemistry, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must be directly related to the position to be filled.

 

OR

 

Combination of Education and Experience at the GS-5 Grade Level: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.

 

 

For the GS-6 Grade Level:

Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-5 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, federal) sectors which demonstrates experience in (must meet 3 of the 4 below):

  • Experience working with disease vector management in livestock or poultry, such as fencing, pyrotechnics, reducing wildlife habitat around farms, or vaccinations.
  • Applying the requirements of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Endangered Species Act, and National Environment Policy Act to work performed.
  • Conducting animal assessments, counts and abundance surveys.
  • Creating/maintaining public contacts to formulate assistance strategies that incorporate technical assistance and operational control techniques in relation to biology, agriculture, or wildlife.

 

OR

 

Education Substitution at the GS-6 Grade Level: Successful completion of one full year (18 semester hours) of graduate level education in a field directly related to the position to be filled.

 

OR

 

Combination of Education and Experience at the GS-6 Grade Level: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.

 

 

 

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED

Applicants who meet basic minimum qualifications may be referred to the hiring manager for selection. Qualified candidates eligible for veterans’ preference will receive referral and selection priority over non-veterans.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, you may be found ineligible. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must obtain or have a valid state driver’s license. Operation of Government-owned or leased vehicles is required.
  • As a condition of employment, appropriate security clearance is required for this position.
  • Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit the E-Verify website.
  • Position is subject to random and applicant drug testing.
  • Must demonstrate a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devices, and equipment.
  • Occasional travel may be required.
  • In order to perform the essential duties of this position, you must have the legal and physical ability to possess and discharge firearms. You must be able to pass a government background check and meet any additional requirements to carry and use firearms. A background check will include answering questions about where you’ve lived, worked, went to school, and any military history or police records. Selection and retention in this position is contingent on a successfully adjudicated FBI National Criminal History Check (fingerprint check).
  • Initial trial period may be required.


 

How to Apply:  

Additional materials not listed above (i.e. position descriptions, training certificates, etc.) may not be considered. Applicants who do not submit the required items listed above may not be considered. Applications with all supporting documents must be submitted to the contact office and must be RECEIVED by the CLOSING DATE of this announcement. Interested individuals should send a resume (2 page maximum), transcripts, veteran documentation (if applicable) to the email address listed here:

CONTACT OFFICE:
Lane Best, District Supervisor
USDA APHIS Wildlife Services
1714 Commerce Court, Suite C
Columbia, MO 65202
Lane.best@usda.gov
573-476-8204