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Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)

The incumbent will serve as a Biological Science Technician for the USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services (WS) program in Vermont. The incumbent will be required to perform a variety of tasks to help resolve conflicts involving damage to agriculture, property, natural resources, wildlife threats to human safety, collect disease samples, conduct wildlife monitoring, assist with rabies management, provide technical assistance, and mitigate bird damage at landfills and airports.


Responsible for conducting direct control operations planned and organized by others to reduce wildlife damage within a geographical area or technical/subject area of program involvement.
Uses WDM tools/devices which may include some or all of the following depending on need in assigned area: firearms; foothold, body-grip, cage traps; foot snares; neck snares; chemical control methods; pyrotechnics; noise cannons/exploders; drop nets; rocket/cannon nets; various other scaring devices.
Utilizes working knowledge of WDM methods and strategies to independently recommend appropriate WDM strategies which alleviate wildlife damage for cooperators and the general public through technical assistance.


May be required to use chemical immobilization and euthanasia drugs to capture and handle wildlife under the general guidance of a higher-graded or more experienced employee.
Assists Wildlife Biologists or higher-graded staff by correctly identifying common, current or recent damage problems and relating them to the damage-causing species.
Determines and selects the most effective means of control through consultation with supervisor or other higher-graded or more experienced employees.
Provides appropriate technical assistance recommendations on typical wildlife and WDM issues on a limited basis. Appropriate recommendations require a general knowledge of Federal, State and local wildlife and WDM specific regulations and policies.
May recommend and facilitate the submission and receipt of depredation permits for the general public through the appropriate U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Migratory Bird Office.
Maintains inventories and compiles reports of government-provided equipment and supplies including locations, acquisitions, returns, losses, and reason therefore.
Enters data into established WDM database/system of record. Uses data to prepare and submit routine reports regarding daily, weekly or monthly activities, observations, events.
Responsible for reporting accomplishments, problems encountered, work locations, etc. to supervisor.

Maintains records of chemical control use to comply with State and Federal regulatory requirements.
On a limited basis, may assist in conducting basic demonstrations and training for cooperators or other interested groups on WDM methods, procedures, and program objectives.
May assist in training others in certain aspects of the use of one or more WDM methods, under close supervision of a higher-graded employee or other recognized expert.
Carries out duties in accordance with program decisions made in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) under guidance and oversight by supervisor.
Must be familiar with a limited range of various threatened and endangered species, and their habitats, that are or may be affected by program activities within area of jurisdiction.
Complies with restrictions and mitigation measures established through consultation with relevant Federal and State agencies.
Demonstrates a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devices and materials, and equipment.
Conducts all operations using approved safety procedures and in accordance with local, State and Federal laws and regulations, and USDA, APHIS, and WS policies.
Identifies safety-related opportunities and challenges and communicates them to the supervisor.