Biological Science Technician - Wildlife Management

About the Role

Join the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) as a Biological Science Technician specializing in wildlife management. This position involves implementing techniques to manage and minimize wildlife-related damage to agriculture, natural resources, property, and public health and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and execute direct control operations to reduce wildlife damage within assigned geographical or technical areas.
• Conduct wildlife damage assessments, population counts, and abundance surveys.
• Inspect and survey areas to evaluate and adjust existing Wildlife Damage Management (WDM) programs as needed.
• Apply chemical immobilization and euthanasia techniques for capturing and handling wildlife when required.
• Utilize various WDM tools and devices such as firearms, foothold traps, body-grip traps, cage traps, foot snares, neck snares, and chemical control methods according to program needs.
• Independently recommend effective WDM strategies to reduce wildlife damage for cooperators and the public.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Federal Aviation Regulations.

Qualifications and Eligibility

Applicants must fulfill all qualification and eligibility criteria by the announcement's closing date, including specialized experience and/or education as outlined below:

• GS-07 Level Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level involving wildlife damage assessment, knowledge/application of the MBTA, Endangered Species Act, NEPA requirements, and cooperating with external partners on wildlife damage management.
• Education Alternative: Successful completion of one year of graduate-level coursework (18 semester hours) in wildlife science.
• Combination: Combinations of education and experience that cumulatively meet 100% of the qualification requirements are acceptable.
• Transcripts: Required if qualifying based on education or a combination of education and experience. All education must be from accredited institutions.

Additional Information

• The position start date is July 31, 2026, and the closing date is August 6, 2026.
• Salary range offered is $52,693 to $68,524 annually.
• Employees may be required to participate in emergency response duties as needed throughout their careers.
• The role contributes to the protection of U.S. agriculture and animal and plant health domestically and internationally as part of the USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs.