NPS Biological Science Technician (Plants) | Grand Canyon, AZ | Closes 1/6/2017

This GS-6 term biological science technician will serve as a member of the park’s Science and Resource Management division, with a focus on crew and volunteer coordination for the Vegetation Program. The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating field work, and it is anticipated that at least 75% of the work will be in the office setting. The incumbent will coordinate work groups comprised of paid staff and volunteers, including completing all required paperwork and advertising volunteer positions in advance of project needs. The position will implement action plans from multiple program components (e.g. hazard tree, restoration, exotic plant, native plant nursery), which will require the ability to coordinate multiple projects at one time and serve as the program’s primary contact with volunteers and partners. The incumbent will implement safety awareness into all aspects of program operations, and will be responsible for developing and giving safety trainings and ensuring crew accountability for following proper procedures. This position will assist with data entry and data reviews as well as other basic office and administrative duties, often performing routine tasks for extended periods of time. The incumbent will assist with public involvement and education regarding division programs and projects, and will be required to give program orientation talks to dozens of volunteers groups each year. Incumbent will work closely with other park divisions, service organizations, and volunteers and will assist with public involvement and outreach regarding program projects. The incumbent should have the ability to operate 4WD vehicles. The incumbent will be responsible for coordination of vehicles, inventory of property, and may assist with procurement of supplies.  The incumbent may work in remote field settings for extended periods of time and will need to be able to function well in a group setting as well as independently.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requires physical exertion such as regular and recurring walking, hiking, or climbing over wet, rough, uneven or rocky surfaces; bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching to observe, collect, or record field data; or in some situations the work may require physical exertion to scuba dive or operate a boat. Heavy items (e.g., equipment and packs up to 50 pounds) must be lifted and carried on a routine basis.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is performed in an office or outdoors. The work performed involves regular and recurring exposure to extreme weather conditions and terrain, poisonous plants, biting insects and wild animals.

AREA INFORMATION/HOUSING INFORMATION:

This position is stationed at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park located in Northwest Arizona, approximately 60 miles north of Williams and 85 miles Northwest of Flagstaff at an elevation of 7,000 feet.   Temperatures range from approximately 85 degrees in the summer to 17 degrees in the winter.   Grand Canyon Village has schools K-12, a daycare center, post office, general store, banking facilities, churches, a recreation center, a clinic with resident physicians and several restaurants.   The park community consists of some 2,000 people, including employees of the NPS and concessionaires and their family members.  There are often employment opportunities for family members in the park and surrounding areas. The park community is small enough that many employees choose to walk or bike from their homes to work.   Complete shopping, educational, medical and professional services are available in Williams and Flagstaff.   Recreational opportunities include hiking, river rafting, fishing, cross-country and downhill skiing, and golfing in nearby communities.