Duties
You will assist aquatic research biologists with investigations of the biological and physical-chemical components of the park's aquatic ecosystem by carrying out sampling programs that require following established protocols. All sampling programs require the keeping of accurate records and the compilation of data. The most common duties performed will include a variety of field tasks such as fish sampling, water quality sampling, zooplankton sampling, sediment sampling, and general resource management. Data will be collected from a boat using various instruments, and water samples will be collected with assorted sampling equipment. Laboratory work including sample handling, preparation, and analysis will also be performed on a routine basis, and the employee will be responsible for keeping aquatic research equipment in optimum working condition.
You must be physically able to hike distances of up to six miles (one-way) over rough terrain, carrying loads of up to 50 pounds. Data recording and management will also be integral to this position. The employee may have the opportunity to participate on field trips involving a wide variety of research.
Positions may be filled at either the GS-04 ($17.35 Per Hour) and GS-05 ($18.96 Per Hour) level.
Some of the duties you will perform include but are not limited to:
- Sample fish by multiple methods in a set of study lakes in the backcountry of Voyageurs National Park
- Collect data and samples in support of two water quality monitoring programs
- Participate in research projects focused on fish communities, harmful algal blooms, and aquatic invasive species
- Assist higher-level specialists/technicians in conducting monitoring to detect aquatic invasive species.
- Perform laboratory work associated with this research and monitoring
- Operate motorboats to travel to work destinations. Motorboat training will be provided.
As assigned, perform resource management tasks and duties supporting the mission of the park. These may include, but are not limited to, assisting higher-level specialists/technicians in conducting biological aquatic monitoring programs, biological aquatic surveys, and water quality measurements.
Located in the North Woods, Voyageurs National Park is a water-based park, and travel by motorboat is required to conduct fieldwork. Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota. The park encompasses over 218,000 acres of boreal forest and water along the Canadian border. The park is a class one air shed, and the lakes of the park are identified as outstanding resource value waters within the State. Lakes include Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan and Sand Point; along with 26 smaller remote lakes. The area made up a portion of the Voyageurs highway that opened the North American Continent to European settlement. The waterways of the park were integral to the growth and movement of the Ojibwe people of the region. Within the park there are over 200 campsites, 3 visitor centers; and a concession operated hotel, only accessible by boat, or plane; there are 45 miles of trails; 3 boat launches; and about 15 miles of roads. The park is adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park. International Falls is the full-service gateway community at the north entrance, offering a hospital, two medical clinics, shopping, schools, community college, movie theater, bowling alley, community center and churches. International Falls also serves as the gateway to Canada, so those who are visiting may also include a day trip to our sister city, Fort Frances, Ontario
Park website:
http://www.nps.gov/VOYA
Facebook:
Voyageurs National Park | Facebook
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking, bending, lifting, carrying, pulling, and similar strenuous activities requiring agility and dexterity. Includes performing duties in remote locations and in adverse weather conditions. Heavy items (e.g., equipment and packs up to 50 pounds) must be lifted and carried on a routine basis.
Working Conditions: You will work in a variety of weather conditions; weather can vary from near freezing temperatures with rain and snow in May to hot and humid weather in late summer. The work performed involves regular and recurring exposure to extreme weather conditions and terrain, poisonous plants, biting insects, and wild animals. Pests including black flies, deer flies, mosquitoes, and ticks are common in this region. Laboratory work may involve exposure to hazardous chemicals.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the additional assessments required for this position. A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score will be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you can lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions can affect your rating.
Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. These procedures place candidates with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans with a service connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher. Under Category Rating, candidates will be rated and ranked into one of three categories:
- Best Qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position
- Well Qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in most of the requirements of the job
- Qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in some, but not all of the requirements of the job.
You will be evaluated on the following competencies:
- Biology
- Fishery Biology
- Research
- Technology Application
In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process.
How to Apply
To apply for this position: You must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/10/2025. You must provide documentation to support your claim for each eligibility selected. Please review the required documentation listed in the eligibilities language to ensure you submit the appropriate information. Note: You will only be marked eligible for those eligibilities that you selected and provided the appropriate supporting documentation.
WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR E-MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES.
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Next steps
Once the Occupational Questionnaire is received you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful. If you are among the most qualified candidates and your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.