Mount Rainier is hiring for seasonal Biological Science Technicians to work in the park greenhouse! Technicians will propagate and care for native plants, collect seeds in forests and subalpine meadows, and assist in greenhouse management.

Apply online.
Accepting applications Jan 6 – Jan 10 (or earlier closing with a high number of applicants) for two grade levels:
GS-05: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/554894800
GS-06: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/554895800

Work is in Ashford, WA. Temporary seasonal positions will not exceed 6 months (1039 hours).

MAJOR DUTIES:
GS-05: The greenhouse operation provides native plant materials to support the Mount Rainier NP Ecological Restoration Program and coordinates native seed collection within the park for federal highway repair projects and other revegetation projects. Duties include general plant production tasks such as sanitizing pots, filling pots with soil, transplanting native seedlings, repotting plants, weeding, watering, fertilizing, monitoring for pests and disease, performing pest and disease control using pesticides, maintaining plant material inventories, greenhouse and nursery facility maintenance, seed collection and seed cleaning, as well as directing volunteers in these tasks. Seed collections are conducted outdoors in variable environments ranging from park highways to high elevation backcountry sites, on flat ground to steep slopes. Plant identification experience is essential for this position.

GS-06: These positions will be field team leaders. You will perform all of the duties of the GS-05 positions plus assist with the management of the field component of the projects.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/WORK EXPERIENCE/SKILLS? If you do, be sure to highlight that experience in your resume and describe where you acquired it!
• Plant species identification in the Pacific NW
• Experience working in a greenhouse/ plant nursery facility
• Propagation of native plants

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
– Must possess or be able to obtain state issued driver’s license.
– Ability to lift up to 50 lbs to perform work, carrying packs and equipment.
– Ability/Willingness to Apply Herbicides

Physical Demands:
The work requires physical exertion such as regular and recurring walking, hiking, or climbing over wet, rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; bending; crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching to observe, collect, or record field data. A substantial amount of time will be spent standing. Heavy items (e.g., equipment and packs up to 50 pounds) must be lifted and carried on a routine basis.

DUTY STATION CITY/CITIES: Tahoma Woods (Ashford, WA)
SERIES/GRADE(S): GS-0404-05 & GS-0404-06
SALARY RANGE (Hourly): GS-05: $17.73 & GS-06: $19.76
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF POSITIONS TO BE FILLED AT THIS LOCATION: Up to two positions at the GS-05 or GS-06 level may be filled from this announcement
GOVERNMENT HOUSING: May be Available
ANTICIPATED LENGTH OF SEASON: Early May to October
POSITION CONTACT: Beth Fallon: beth_fallon@nps.gov or 360-569-6761

This job is open to:
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL) – Federal employees who meet the definition of a “surplus” or “displaced” employee.
The public – U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

PARK/AREA INFORMATION: National Park Service, Mount Rainier National Park, Ashford, WA. The park is located approximately 2 hours south of Seattle, near the community of Ashford. It is included within the Seattle/Tacoma locality pay area. Government housing may be available, however a full range of living options are available within commuting distance, from rural to small town to suburban. All services and amenities are available in nearby communities. Outdoor recreational opportunities abound: hiking, climbing, canoeing and kayaking, biking, and fishing among others. The climate is considered moderate, but frequently overcast and rainy during fall, winter and spring, snowfall is common from November-May. Summers are normally sunny and pleasant with daytime temperatures ranging from the low 70’s to low 80’s and low humidity. You may visit the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/mora for more information.

Work Environment:
The work is performed primarily in a greenhouse and the surrounding outdoor area, as well as in an office or in the field. The work performed involves regular and recurring exposure to extreme weather conditions and terrain, poisonous plants, biting insects, and wild animals.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• May be assigned to work nights, early mornings, rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends.
• Overtime may be required.

Mount Rainier-specific job announcement: https://sites.google.com/site/pwrhumanresources/home/2016-seasonal-hiring/biological-science-technician-plants/mountrainiernationalpark-biologicalsciencetechnicianplantsgreenhouse