Biological Science Technician

The incumbent performs technical assignments consisting of routine laboratory and/or field experiments that require the use of accepted, standardized laboratory or field practices.

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.
Assists in the layout of experimental plots by taking measurements and marking corners and boundaries. Uses botanical key to identify plants encountered during field trips or surveys of Forest areas.
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.

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.

Participates and conducts a variety of routine field studies of native and non-native botanical species and their habitats. Collects data for use in habitat and species condition analyses.

Collects survey and inventory data that is used to establish species identity, population characteristics, environmental conditions, and factors affecting the vigor and extent of the species and their habitat.

Keeps records of all data and produces maps of survey areas. Lays out monitoring plots by taking measurements and marking corners and boundaries.

Uses botanical key to assist with the identification of plants encountered during field trips or surveys of Forest areas.

Compiles and summarizes the vegetation types obtained from aerial and ground surveys including forest health monitoring, biological evaluations, and pilot tests conducted as part of the project.

Compiles and summarizes the data obtained from surveys, inventories, biological evaluations, and monitoring. Uses computer systems and associated software for recording, organizing, storing, and analyzing data.

Performs the full range of standard technical assignments consisting of routine invasive non-native plant treatment, management, inventory, and monitoring of invasive non-native plants commonly found in the work area.

Assignments involve the performance of a series of basic related technical tasks, which must be completed according to a predetermined and established routine.

Assists in identifying invasive non-native plants using various field guides, surveying for target plants, collecting data on infestation location and status, and treating invasive plant infestations.

Treatments primarily involve using herbicides, but may also be accomplished by hand-pulling, or using hand tools, power tools, mowers, and other standard control methods.

Accurately and legibly records data related to invasive non-native plant treatments according to specific protocols.

Performs highly physical labor and daily hiking often to remote locations in rugged terrain under possible adverse weather conditions.

Uses global positioning systems, aerial photographs, topographic maps, or compass in navigation.

A portion of time may be dedicated to data entry and other duties in a laboratory or office setting.

Applies herbicides using backpack sprayers or other equipment on a regular basis according to specific guidelines.
Assists with native plant, pollinators, and phenology surveys. Carries out pollinator habitat enhancement, tends restoration gardens, and performs other ecological restoration duties.

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