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Biological Sciences Technician Resource Assistant

USDA Forest Service
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Position.      Biological Sciences Technician

Duration.     8 Month Fellowship (32 weeks): Starting July 2024 through February 2025 (dates are dependent upon the start date). 

Location.     Mark Twain National Forest

                    Potosi Ranger District

                    10019 W. Highway 8

                    Potosi, MO 63664

Reports To. The Biological Sciences Technician will report to the Fish & Wildlife Biologist.

Job Overview

This position will serve in an integrated role on the Potosi/Fredericktown Ranger District of the Mark Twain National Forest with a primary focus being in wildlife. The selected candidate will work closely with the district wildlife staff to implement a robust program. Projects may include mist netting for endangered bats, winter hibernacula surveys, acoustic surveys for bats, plant surveys, aquatic stream sampling, monitoring sensitive areas, pollinator habitat enhancement, feral hog eradication, community outreach/environmental education, and small projects such as bird and bat house construction and placement. Position will have opportunities to cross train and will receive exposure to core district programs such as silviculture, fire, timber sale preparation, recreation.

About the District

The Potosi-Fredericktown Ranger District is comprised of two units with over 285,500 acres of federal ownership.  It is located in eight Missouri counties:  Bollinger, Crawford, Iron, Madison, Reynolds, St. Francois, St. Genevieve, and Washington. 

The Potosi unit offers many developed and undeveloped sites for camping and picnicking.  Council Bluff Recreation Area is the largest lake in the Mark Twain National Forest. It is a beautiful 440 acre lake, encircled by a 12 mile moderate hiking and mountain biking trail.  Boar Ridge Campground along the spine of a forested Ozark ridge above the lake, offers a unique camping experience.

Courtois and Huzzah Creeks are well-known "floating" streams, typical of the Ozarks, and much-loved by canoeists who flock there in summertime for the crystal clear water.  A portion of the Ozark Trail traverses the District, and the segment encompassing the Berryman Trail is popular for mountain biking events. The 9,183 acre Bell Mountain Wilderness has beautiful views and challenging trails in a secluded and primitive setting.

The Fredericktown unit features the rugged St. Francois Mountains and St. Francis River. In spring, the "shut-ins" at Silver Mine are a magnet for kayak enthusiasts, who take advantage of the high water rapids. Marble Creek provides a quiet campground for family outings, and Crane Lake welcomes hikers to take the trail around it as part of their trek along the Ozark Trail. Rock Pile Mountain Wilderness offers 4,240 acres of heavily-forested land, including some of the state`s last remaining virgin forest nestled in a narrow gorge.

Responsibilities and Duties

In order of importance, provide a bullet point list of the responsibilities and essential duties of this job, including the travel percentage, if necessary. 

  • Plan and conduct field surveys for aquatic and terrestrial species and their habitats.
  • Plan and implement habitat improvement projects for aquatic and terrestrial species.
  • Depending on qualifications, operate equipment such as a chainsaw, UTV, and apply herbicide.
  • Use GPS and GIS to collect, display, and analyze data.
  • Make recommendations to protect and improve habitat for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species.
  • Write monitoring reports and report findings of completed field work.
  • Ensure activities comply with Forest Plan standards and guidelines and project specific protective measures for TES species during planning and implementation.
  • Work cooperatively with partners in federal, state, tribal, and non-governmental agencies and organizations.
  • Report annual accomplishments in national databases.
  • This is not a supervisory position, but position may be asked to lead small work groups.
  • This position may include travel less than 25% of the time. 
  • Occasional weekend work may be required. 

Qualifications

Provide a bullet point list of the qualifications that are necessary for someone to fill this position. Points you may wish to include are education level, major/degree, experience, specific skills, certifications and licenses, and physical abilities. 

  • The selected candidate will have obtained or be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in natural resources, wildlife biology, biology or related field. 
  • This position will be involved in field work and will require lifting up to fifty pounds. 
  • This position will be regularly exposed to moderate risks or discomforts associated with working at field sites in various weather condition and walking over rough terrain. 
  • The selected candidate will have the ability to communicate well with team members, collaborators, and supervisors.
  • While not required, agency qualifications are desirable such as FFT2, S-212, ROHVA ATV/UTV operator. 
  • Plant and animal identification skills are desirable. 
  • Experience operating 4x4 vehicles on rough terrain and pulling/backing trailers is desirable. 

Minimum Requirements

  • Completion of 2 years at an accredited university, an Associate’s degree, or higher 
  • US citizenship or permanent residency. RAs must undergo a government background check if selected.
  • Participation in US Forest Service Orientation Training scheduled for June 2023