[Coral-List] Student trainee-biological science technician

[Sarah_Bellmund at nps.gov]

JOB POSTING
Biological Science Technician (Student Trainee)
Biscayne National Park

Position Summary:
Biscayne National Park seeks to hire a Biological Science Technician
(Student Trainee) in the Water Quality and Adjacent Lands Program, Division
of Resource Management.  The position will be filled at the GS-05 level
(full-time 2010/2011 salary $33,134/yr).  The position can be part time at
32 hours (i.e. 4 days) or full time at 40 hours (i.e. 5 days) per week.
Position may be filled at the GS-06 level (full-time 2011 salary $36,934
/yr) depending on qualifications. Occasional weekend work maybe required.
Some flexibility with daily schedules may be possible.  The technician will
be responsible for housing and transportation (a car is needed).  Funding
is available for one fiscal year and may be available for additional years
depending on incoming funding.  The National Park Service is always
interested in expanding the diversity of its workforce, and encourages
diversity candidates to apply.

Area Information:
Biscayne National Park (http://www.nps.gov/bisc), located south of the City
of Miami, is known for its beautiful coral reef, seagrass, and mangrove
communities.  Park headquarters at Convoy Point are located in Miami-Dade
County, nine miles east of Homestead, Florida and approximately 40 miles
south of the City of Miami, Florida.

Position Description:
This position will provide field and office support for the Biscayne
National Park water quality program.  Duties will include surveying and
monitoring water quality (principally salinity) in Biscayne Bay and the
Biscayne National Park reef tract, instrument download, computer data
upload and data analysis.  Some data analysis and report writing,
statistical analysis and data review.  Project may include some seagrass,
mangrove or benthic cover survey.  Additional duties related to ecosystem
restoration, adjacent lands, and/or federal, state and local permit review
may be required as well as assistance on other program-, division-, and
park-related activities as necessary.
•Snorkeling, SCUBA diving, maintaining boats, and using various types of
 sampling equipment will be required.
•The technician should be an experienced SCUBA diver, and be able to
 provide verification of diving experience through dive logs.  S/he should
 be able to pass a diving physical, and rigorous diving skills and swim
 tests immediately upon hire.
•Fieldwork is conducted in adverse heat and cold conditions with long hours
 spent in the water conducting repetitive activities.  Water temps range
 from 55 to 85 degrees and fieldwork is conducted year round.
•There is potential exposure to stinging marine organisms and other
 potentially dangerous organisms found in South Florida marine waters.
•The technician will be required to wear the NPS uniform.
•This is a testing designated position (TDP) under the Department of the
 Interior Drug-free Workplace Program.

Eligibility:
The position will be hired under the Student Temporary Employment Program
(STEP)http://www.usajobs.gov/ei/students.asp.  To be eligible for this
program, applicants must be:
      • enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree-seeking student
      (diploma, certificate, etc.) in good academic standing;
      • taking at least a half-time academic or vocational and technical
      course load in an accredited high school, technical or vocational
      school, 2-year or 4-year college or university, graduate or
      professional school; and
      • a U.S. citizen or a national (resident of American Samoa or Swains
      Island).
      • Appropriate student status must be maintained in order to retain
      eligibility.

Qualifications:
Successful completion or process toward 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, statistics, entomology,
   animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least
   6 semester hours of courses must have been directly related to the
   position to be filled and at least 3 years of a bachelor’s degree
   successfully completed.  For student trainee appointment, enrollment in
   half-time or full-time graduate coursework in a relevant major is also
   acceptable.
Knowledge of coastal marine ecosystems.
Experience entering and processing ecological and spatial data using
   personal computers and word processing/spreadsheet/statistical/GIS
   software packages.
Knowledge of coral reef/seagrass/mangrove ecology and sampling methods
   commonly used in these resources.
Experience with underwater data collection and/or instrument package
   maintenance and retrieval.
SCUBA diving certification and experience.
Ability to work from and operate a boat.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, often unpredictable work environment,
   including in environmental extremes, get along well with others, follow
   instructions, and work with little supervision.

Application Instructions:
Applications will be accepted until 25 March 2011.  A complete application
should include three components:
•Statement that clearly and concisely explains your educational status
(incl. program enrolled in, degree sought, anticipated graduation date),
eligibility, and status of the eight qualification areas.
•Resume, attached as a word or pdf document
•Five professional and education references.

Please email your applications to Sarah Bellmund, Water Quality and
Adjacent Lands Program Manager, Resource Management, Biscayne National Park
at sarah_bellmund at nps.gov

Thank you for your interest in Biscayne National Park!