Biological Science Technician

~ The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 19 museums and the National Zoo—shaping the future by preserving our heritage, discovering new knowledge, and sharing our resources with the world. ~

The Institution was founded in 1846 with funds from the Englishman James Smithson (1765–1829) according to his wishes “under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” We continue to honor this mission and invite you to join us in our quest.

Position Overview

This position (Biological Science Technician) is located in The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC). The employee is responsible for managing and coordinating the field and laboratory tasks supporting the ForestGEO program, while at the same time protecting sensitive areas on SERC property that are used in long and short term research. Learn more about this agency. 

Responsibilities

• Assists with the management of scientific programmatic, and data management to include support in the implementation of ForestGEO census Protocols to measure woody stems in temperate ForestGEO plots.
• Manages the implementation of forest monitoring protocols at SERC and other locations as appropriate, including seedling plots, extensive and intensive dendrometer band protocols, dead wood surveys and other investigations as required.
• Lead in the continuation and expansion of the ForestGEO Temperate Program network by maintaining contact with both networks and out of network researchers, concerning program administration, data management, protocol implementation, and scientific investigations.
• Coordinates data management activities, including a quality assurance program for all work performed for the ForestGEO census, as well as advancing data collection and management using new hardware and software platforms.

Qualifications

Experience: 

• You qualify for this position if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7 level in the Federal Service or comparable pay band system.  
• For this position Specialized experience is defined as completing field and laboratory tasks as they relate to performing an inventory or census of large-area forest plots consistent with protocols similar to those established by the ForestGEO program. 
• 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.
• Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience.
• Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.

Education:

• 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree directly related to the work of the position.
• Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications.
• For a full explanation of this option please see the Qualification Standards.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education:

• If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study.
• For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

Conditions of Employment:

• Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation.
• May need to complete a Probationary Period.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.

Physical Demands:

• The incumbents must be able to lift and carry loads weighting up to 50 lbs. and to operate hand tools. 

Work Conditions: 

• The incumbent should be prepared for prolonged periods of physically active field sampling and some sedentary laboratory and office work. 
• There will be periods of prolonged standing and walking over rough terrain. 
• These activities will require exposure to extremes of weather, prolonged heat and cold, wetness, stinging and biting insects, poisonous plants, and other similar hazards. 
• Proper precaution should be taken to ensure safety against environmental hazards and exposure to the elements.
• Travel to other time zones and habitats may be required.
• Qualification requirements must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date.