Biological Science Technician

You will serve serves as a Biological Science Technician within the USDA, APHIS, WS and performs duties relating to wildlife management and use of techniques aimed at controlling damage caused by wildlife to help protect agriculture, natural resources, property, and threats to human health and safety.

• The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.
• The duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Responsible for organizing and conducting direct control operations to reduce wildlife damage within a geographical area or technical/subject area of program involvement.
• Inspects and surveys areas and, as necessary, will revise existing Wildlife Damage Management (WDM) programs in close consultation with higher-level management.
• Uses WDM tools/devices which may include some or all of the following depending on need in assigned area: firearms; foothold, body-grip, cage traps; foot snares; neck snares; and chemical control methods.
• Utilizes working knowledge of WDM methods and strategies to independently recommend appropriate WDM strategies which alleviate wildlife damage for cooperators and the general public.
• May be required to use chemical immobilization and euthanasia drugs to capture and handle wildlife.
• Recommends and facilitates the request and issuance of depredation permits for the general public through the appropriate U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Migratory Bird Office.
• Assists in the negotiation of cooperative service agreements with landowners, lessees, or administrators to accomplish the goals outlined for the WS program.
• Occasionally provides input into the preparation of routine reports to assist program managers in meeting National Environment Policy Act (NEPA) or other requirements.
• Conducts all operations using approved safety procedures and in accordance with local, State and Federal laws and regulations, and USDA, APHIS, and WS policies.