UNITED STATES ~ DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR ~ GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 
TEMPORARY RECRUITMENT BULLETIN 
VACANCY NO: CRS 16-07
POSITION: Biological Science Aid, GG-0404-03                            
DATE OPENED:    4/4/2016  
SALARY: $12.33                                                          
DATE CLOSED:    4/10/2016  


TYPE OF APPT: Temporary, Not-to-exceed 180 working days 
TOUR OF DUTY: Full-Time, with possible periods of part-time and 
intermittent work 
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: All U.S. Citizens 
LOCATION: USGS Canyonlands Research Station, Moab, Utah

The Canyonlands Research Station in Moab, Utah is recruiting for a 
seasonal biological science aid (GG-0404-03).  This is a full-time 
position with the US Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science 
Center – Canyonlands Research Station starting in April 2016 through 
December 2016, Potential for work in 2017 contingent upon funding.
Description of Duties: Incumbent participates in a research program 
focusing on the ecology and physiology of plants and biological soil 
crusts, soil ecology, biogeochemistry, physical soil science, plant-soil 
interactions, and invasive plants. Course work in botany, plant 
physiology, chemistry, and soil science is optimal. Incumbent will 
conduct field sampling of biological soil crusts, vegetation, and soils 
of the Colorado Plateau with accuracy and precision specialized 
techniques at pre-selected study sites under supervision of field crew 
leader and will prepare samples and perform laboratory analysis of 
crust, plant, and soil samples to determine specific chemical, physical, 
and/or biological characteristics under supervision of a project lead. 

There are few positions to be hired from this announcement. Open dates 
are 4/4/2016 through 4/10/2016. All applications must be received by 
11:00 PM MST on 4/10/2016. 

THESE ARE TEMPORARY EXCEPTED SERVICES POSITIONS for which all qualified 
applicants, with or without Federal status, may apply and be considered. 
Appointment to these positions, however, will not convey permanent 
status in the Federal service. Appointment will only be for the duration 
of the position, normally 6-9 months. Temporary employees are covered by 
the Social Security Retirement System and annual and sick leave will be 
accrued except in intermittent status. 

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION: 
Knowledge of processes, methods & procedures of biological science; 
knowledge of routine field data collection procedures; skill in 
operation, maintenance, and servicing of biological recording and 
measuring instruments; knowledge of procedures utilized in a biological 
lab. Work is physically demanding and may involve moderate or sometimes 
extreme exposure to discomforts of rain, cold/hot weather, etc. A pre-
employment physical and current valid driver’s license required.

QUALIFICATIONS: To qualify for a GG-3 you need three (3) months of field 
party experience OR one (1) year of sub-professional experience OR six 
(6) months of college with courses related to the field of employment. 
Six months of college is equivalent to 15 semester hours. Sub-
professional experience consists of working as a technician or aid in a 
laboratory or similar environment. 

BASIS OF EVALUATION: All applicants will be evaluated on the basis of 
education and experience (including unpaid or volunteer experience). 
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by 
the closing date of this announcement. 
First preference in referral will be given to eligible applicants 
entitled to 10-point veteran’s preference who have a compensable 
service-connected disability of 10 percent or more. All other qualified 
applicants entitled to veteran’s preference will be given preference 
over qualified applicants not entitled to veteran’s preference. 

ALL APPLICANTS MUST BE UNITED STATES CITIZENS: Under regulations in the 
Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, employment in this position 
is limited to those persons who are authorized to work in the United 
States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the 
time of appointment. 

As a condition of employment, all new employees reporting for duty with 
the Department of the Interior will be paid through direct deposit to a 
financial institution of their choice. 

Applicants selected for Federal employment will be required to complete 
a Declaration of Federal Employment, OF-306, prior to being appointed to 
determine their suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a 
background investigation. Failure to answer all questions truthfully and 
completely or providing false statements on the application may be 
grounds for not hiring the applicant, or for firing the applicant after 
he/she begins work. Also, he/she may be punished by fine or imprisonment 
(U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 1001). 

Prior to or at the time of appointment, male applicants born after 
December 31, 1959, will have to certify that they have registered with 
the Selective Service System in order to be appointed to a position with 
the United States Geological Survey, unless legally qualified for an 
exception. 

Employees of the U.S. Geological Survey are subject to the provisions of 
Title 43, U.S. Code, Section 31 (a) and may not according to this 
legislation and related regulation: (a) have any personal or private 
interest, direct or indirect, in lands or mineral wealth of such lands 
or a region under survey and whose title is in the U.S.; (b) execute 
surveys or examination for private parties or corporations; or (c) have 
personal or private interest, direct or indirect, in any private mining 
or mineral enterprise doing business in the U.S. except where 
specifically authorized by the Director of the U.S. Geological Survey. 

How to Apply: Please submit a resume or CV, unofficial transcript, and 
contact information for three professional references. Each document 
file name should be labeled with your last name and what it is (e.g., 
Jones resume, Jones cover letter).

To claim 5-point Veterans Preference, a DD-214 showing character of 
discharge is required. If claiming 10-point Veteran’s Preference, a SF-
15 with proof of claim is required. 

Apply to:
[email protected]
Canyonlands Research Station
U.S. Geological Survey 
Moab, UT 84532 
Tele: 435.719.2347 
Fax: 435.719.2350 


APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE CANYONLANDS RESEARCH STATION OFFICE 
BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT TO BE CONSIDERED. 
THE U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 
THIS AGENCY PROVIDES REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO APPLICANTS WITH 
DISABILITIES

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