Biological Technician Bilingual (English and Spanish)
****Individual must be authorized to work in the
United States for any employer****
Location: U.S. Geological Survey Patuxent
Wildlife Research Center (PWRC), Laurel, MD
Introduction: The Bird Banding Laboratory at PWRC
operates a 1-800 number for collection of data
from banded birds reported by hunters or band
finders when birds are recovered or found. The
1-800 number has been expanded into Mexico.
Bilingual services are required to take calls and
translate letters that will be generated by the
increase of Spanish language reports from Mexico.
Responsibilities: IAP World Services (formerly
Johnson Controls World Services) has an open
position for a full time Biological Technician to
perform contract work for the USGS at PWRC. Duties include:
1. Data Acquisition: Answer incoming telephone
calls in Spanish and perform data entry into
database from 1-800 calls from Mexico as
needed. In Spanish, provide general information
and referrals to callers as needed. Also review
web page encounter reports from Spanish countries
to check for quality. Provide suggestions and
gives advice on improvements in accuracy of
reports taken via the 1-800-Mexico report line and data in the database.
2. Data Assessment and Report Requests: Search
files, documents, or other sources of information
to make corrections to banding and encounter
data, files, documents or other sources of
information from Spanish speaking locations.
Process sightings of marked birds received in the
BBL from Mexico and other Spanish speaking
locations, and correspondence about these
observations, according to protocols provided by
BBL. Use or oversee the use of look up tables
provided in the BBL to identify marked birds and
assign the corresponding federal band
number. When necessary, contact banders to
obtain individual band numbers for uniquely
marked birds or additional look up tables.
Performs duties relative to 1-800-Mexico data
acquisition and retrieval needs for the Oracle
transition and other BBL projects. Compile and
display information and data relative to the
1-800-Mexico program, and to Latin American
banding data, for presentation and planning purposes, in Spanish and English.
3. Translation Services: Translate, review and
edit Spanish versions of BBL web page, BBL MTAB,
and other materials as needed. Assist in
development of web page material in Spanish for
the BBL web page. Provide Spanish language
support while new employees are trained in
Spanish Encounter Processing to improve accuracy
of reports taken from calls and from the web page.
4. Biological Technical Support and Logistical
Services: Serve as a resource to problem solve
questions on banding and bird biology as needed
by BBL staff, banders, and the public, as related
to the 1-800-Mexico program and data from other
Spanish speaking areas. This problem solving
will include technical questions on bird banding,
marking, and biology but not permit issues.
Prepare summaries on biological data and
1-800-Mexico information, and provide logistical
support (eg. coordination of materials, Spanish
communication of preparations) for meetings with
Spanish speaking visitors before, during, and after the meetings.
Provides answers to biological questions related
to birds and banding data, and communication and
coordination regarding the 1-800-Mexico program,
to Spanish speaking callers, whether hunters,
birders, or biologists from Mexican agencies or organizations.
Assist staff in the use of sighting resolution
protocols and provide biological support in ways
to improve accuracy of reports taken from calls
on the BBLs toll-free band reporting line and on
the BBLs web page for encounter reports.
Provide answers to biological questions related
to birds and banding data. Serve as a resource
to problem solve questions on banding and bird
biology as needed by BBL staff. This problem
solving will include technical questions on bird
banding, marking, and biology but not permit issues.
Maintain Excel spreadsheet on neck collar
resolutions. Maintain files on neck collar
resolutions. Check the quality of neck collar
sighting work conducted by clerical staff.
Qualifications: The position requires a
bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and knowledge
or experience of biology or zoology, ecology,
botany, wildlife, and/or fisheries
biology. Experience with microcomputer systems
is required, as well as knowledge and/or
experience with word processors and minicomputer
systems in general. Special Skills and Knowledge
Required include: Knowledge of migratory birds,
their biology, behavior, and ecology; ability to
read, write, and speak English and Spanish;
general knowledge of biological concepts and
terminology related to bird banding encounters and associated recordkeeping.
Starting Salary: $19.29/hr plus $2.87/hr for
Health and Welfare benefits. Full benefits package.
Contact: IAP World Services is an Equal
Opportunity Employer. Individuals with the above
experience and qualifications are requested to
submit a resume and cover letter by 1/20/06
identifying the position/location and for which
you are applying and code 04PWRC1019, via fax, or
email including your name, postal and email
addresses, and phone number for consideration to:
IAP World Services
USGS Project Office, Attn: Sherri Scott
(321) 784-7264 (fax)
<mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>[EMAIL PROTECTED]
