Summary This position is located within a National Forest. The primary purpose of this position is to perform as a technician to forestry research scientists at one of the several field or laboratory facilities of Research Station. Responsibilities Incumbent independently performs technical duties in support of professional scientists conducting research projects in one or another of the fields of timber, recreation, wildlife, watershed, forest management, or forest fire research. Sets up laboratory equipment for making a variety of scientific measurements and observations of sample materials gathered from experimental field plots. Analyzes experimental data gathered in the lab by performing statistical manipulations on the data leading to basic conclusions and inferences, and accurately summarizes data. Locates study areas and study plots in the field according to requirements of a study plan or instructions of supervisor. Sets up standard equipment for performing any of a variety of field studies; compiles data from field and laboratory observations; analyzes data; and completes and documents data sheets. Observes, measures, and records a variety of scientific phenomena that affect forest, range, or watershed conditions. Gathers data on such things as temperature, humidity, soil characteristics, precipitation, growth and mortality, cover types, species diameters, height and age of trees. Gathers data on such things as shrub and ground cover vegetation characteristics, and amount and type of recreational use. Operates scientific or precision instruments, calculating machines, and laboratory apparatus as required. Assists in developing and adapting sensing and recording instrumentation and in establishing and calibrating instruments for specific experiments. Maintains and makes minor modifications to sensing and recording instruments. Uses computers, calculators, recorders and other equipment to assist in compiling and reducing data from laboratory and/or field studies. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary. GS-06: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-5). GS-06 there is no substitution of education for this position. Examples of specialized experience include: Performing technical duties in support of professional scientists conducting research projects in one or another of the fields of timber, recreation, wildlife, watershed, forest management, or forest fire research. Observing measuring and recording a variety of scientific phenomena that affect forest, range, or watershed conditions. Assisting in developing and adapting sensing and recording instrumentation and in establishing and calibrating instruments for specific experiments. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Education Additional Information PLEASE NOTE: This vacancy is being used to fill positions for FY2025 Temporary Employment Hiring season. The expected start date for this position will be between October 20, 2024 to December 29, 2024. By selecting the "Location Negotiable" option during the application process, implies your willingness to be considered for any official duty location listed on this announcement and/or those duty locations not listed for this Regional announcement. Pay rates vary depending on location. The salary shown is for the Rest of the U.S. See OPM.gov for additional information on pay rates. This position is temporary, has a Not-to-Exceed date and will be filled for up to 6 months or as a not to exceed (NTE) 1 year, however an extension of the appointment may be possible without further competition. The appointment may also end early due to lack of work or lack of funds. Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other groups within the Region who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in any of the geographic location(s) listed on the announcement. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration. The duty station for this position will be at one of the duty locations listed in this announcement. Salary range as shown is the locality pay Rest of U.S. (RUS). Pay rates vary by location. Please visit the Office of Personnel Management's website for additional information on pay rates. The USDA Forest Service has legislative authority to recruit and fill Permanent (Career/Career-Conditional), Temporary, and Term Appointments under the USDA Demonstration Project. Under this authority, any U.S. citizen may apply. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP eligible must meet the agency's definition for a quality candidate as provided in the How You Will Be Evaluated section of this announcement to be considered. If you are retired from the Federal Government and are selected for this vacancy, your retirement annuity may be offset from your pay. This position is not eligible for telework. Availability of government housing and federal day care facilities will vary by location. Positions filled from this announcement may be a bargaining or a non-bargaining unit position represented by either NFFE, AFGE or NAGE.