Biological Science Technical Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summary
This position serves as a Biological Science Laboratory Technician GS-0404-07 with the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 1, Abernathy Fish Technology Center, ARD Fishery Resources.
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Duties
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This position is located within the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 1, Abernathy Fish Technology Center, ARD Fishery Resources, duty stationed in Longview, Washington.
At the full performance level (GS-07) the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Receive genetic samples and biodata from partners, confirm accuracy and commit to agency database and archive.
2. Prepare laboratory solutions, extract DNA from tissue samples, and conduct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on extracted DNA.
3. Complete all steps associated with library construction for next-generation DNA sequencing, including GT-Seq and RADSeq.
4. Work with the laboratory manager to maintain an adequate level of supplies, assist with evaluating and selecting new or replacement laboratory equipment, and maintain standard solutions and reagents.
5. Assist laboratory manager in performing statistical analyses of genetic data, and sharing results of analyses with partners.
Physical Demands
The work is primarily in a laboratory setting, requiring walking and sitting or standing for prolonged periods. In addition, field work may require physical exertion such as walking over wet, rough, uneven, or rocky terrain with heavy equipment (including handling equipment up to 50 lbs. in weight under a variety of environmental conditions) bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or other similar activities.
Work Environment
The majority of the work is performed in a laboratory and office setting, which includes handling of toxic chemicals, operation of laboratory equipment, and adherence to laboratory and safety protocols, including the required use of safety clothing and eye wear provided by the lab. The incumbent will infrequently work in field or hatchery settings, in or around running or impounded water, both indoors and outdoors, and oftentimes in inclement or rainy weather.
Weekend Work
You may occasionally be required to work weekends.
Uniform Required
The position is required to wear the Service Uniform in accordance with Service Uniform Policy 041 FW 4 Requirements to help achieve our mission. Employees required to wear the uniform receive a uniform allowance.
Driver's License
You will be required to obtain and maintain a valid State Driver's License.
Travel
You will be required to travel for meetings, trainings and occasional field visits and/or to hatcheries.
Telework
This position is suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct Deposit participation required.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit www.dhs.gov/EVerify/.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• You are required to wear a uniform and comply with the uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.
This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated.
Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
*Additional Requirements located under qualifications*
Qualifications
Requirements Continued...
Qualifications:
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 09/09/2026 unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.
Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:
Specialized Experience:
To qualify for the GS-07, you MUST possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience:
1. Experience with laboratory safety protocols, including the safe handling, storage, and/or disposal of hazardous chemicals, as well as proper operation of potentially dangerous laboratory instruments to ensure a safe working environment; AND
2. Experience with fundamental genetics laboratory instrumentation, such as micropipettors, centrifuges, and automated liquid-handling systems, including the ability to calibrate, operate, and maintain these tools during routine and specialized laboratory procedures.
If qualifying solely on Specialized Experience, you must MEET ALL statements above.
-OR-
Education:
One full year of graduate-level education that is directly related to the work of the position (e.g., major study in fish biology, aquaculture or fish culture, limnology, ichthyology, etc.) One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study. If that information cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours should be considered as satisfying the 1 year of full-time study requirement. Part-time graduate education is creditable in accordance with its relationship to a year of full-time study at the school attended.
-OR-
Combination of Education and Experience:
A combination of education and experience as described above which together equals 100% of the requirement.
Volunteer Experience: 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.
Education
You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualification
Additional information
Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.
All Department of Interior (DOI) employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here, https://www.doi.gov/ethics/ethics-prohibitions.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.