Biological Science Technicians

Biological science technicians are employed by the USGS at many locations throughout the United States. These positions primarily require a practical knowledge of the methods and techniques of one or more of the biological or agricultural sciences when the work is not more appropriately included in another technician series of the Biological Sciences Group. Biological science technicians provide practical technical support to production, research, operations, or program administration efforts in laboratories, field, or other settings including greenhouses, aviaries, museums, caves, wildlife refuges, or fish hatcheries.

Qualifications for Biological Science Technicians

Basic qualifications for the biological science technician series, GS-404, are: GS-1, no general or specialized experience; GS-2, 3 months of general experience and no specialized experience, or a high school education or equivalent; GS-3, 6 months of general experience and no specialized experience or 1 year above high school with courses related to the occupation, if required; GS-4, 6 months of general experience and 6 months of specialized experience, or 2 years above high school with courses related to the occupation, if required; GS-5, no general experience required but 1 year of specialized experience that is equivalent to the GS-4 level, or a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor’s degree with courses related to the occupation, if required. For GS-6 and above, no general experience required, but 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. One full year of graduate education meets the requirement for the GS-7 level. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for all grade levels and positions for which both education and experience are acceptable. An example of qualifying specialized experience includes research activity or control program work.

The USGS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, non-disqualifying handicap conditions, or any other non-merit factors.

PDF version of this document. [PDF Help]