Biological Science Technician

Summary

This position is located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in the Visitor and Resource Protection Division.

The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for is May - October, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding.

Anticipated Entry on Duty: May 19, 2024

Duties

Open to the first 100 applicants or until 03/19/2024 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.

MAJOR DUTIES: Establishes monitoring plots in a variety of vegetation/fuel types in accordance with established guidelines and directions from the Lead. Follows monitoring procedures outlined in the National Park Service Fire Monitoring Handbook and/or adopted park protocols. Makes minor site-specific decisions relating to plot location and vegetation composition. Recognizes and reports deviations from standard procedures and expected results. Seeks assistance for situations not covered by instructions or protocols. Informs supervisor of monitoring implementation problems and proposes solutions. Monitors plots and makes field observations of resource conditions. Evaluates observed conditions and problems and makes preliminary determinations on the cause of the problems noted. Provides results to higher-level specialists for analysis along with suggestions for protection, mitigation, etc. Independently identifies grasses, herbs, shrubs, and trees to species. Prepares herbarium specimens correctly, and records microhabitat and plant association data. Collates and reports live and dead fuel loading, fuel moistures, and fire behavior and weather data relating to spread rate, flame length, and other prescription elements. Prepares fire behavior monitoring documentation forms for prescribed burns. Utilizing a basic knowledge of biology selects locations and establishes fire behavior observation cycles/intervals according to established protocols and instructions from the Lead or Burn Boss. Prepares field maps and photographs of natural features from the ground. Accurately navigates with map and compass to locate predetermined points anywhere in the park. Locates field plots using GPS. Enters natural resource field data into a personal computer using customized software. Runs simple statistical analyses. Performs data entry quality control. Identifies and reports problems in computer data entry and analysis software. Catalogs, labels, and stores plant materials collected during the season. Prepares fuel loading samples and processes fire weather, behavior and effects data. Prepares and submits regular time management reports and a monthly summary of work accomplished. Operates four-wheel drive vehicles. Performs other incidental duties as assigned.

---