Kodiak Refuge Biological Science Technician (GS-05/07) – Alaska

Agency                        US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)

Location                      Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, Kodiak, Alaska

Job Category               Temporary; not to exceed 1039 hours (6 mos)

Salary                          Approximate: GS-05 $21.85 / GS-07 $27.07 per hour

Start Date                    05/03/2026

End Date                     10/17/2026

Last Date to Apply      12/12/2025

Website To Apply: https://www.usajobs.gov/

Seasonal FY25-Biological Science Technician (Wildlife), GS-0404-05

Seasonal FY25-Biological Science Technician (Wildlife), GS-0404-07

Description

FWS, Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is recruiting one biological science technician to assist with biological program and visitor services projects during the 2026 field season. Refuge biological projects may include: ground-based bear, mountain goat, deer, or habitat surveys; remote monitoring of bears; water/air/soil temperature collection; invasive species management; and a small amount of aerial bear survey work. The technician may also assist other programs (visitor services, maintenance) for up to 6 weeks during their season. Visitor services/maintenance work primarily includes engaging with the public at the Refuge Visitor Center or on the Refuge, and public-use cabin maintenance. When not in the field, the incumbent will assist with data processing, entry, management, and reporting. Work distribution is expected to be approximately: 35% data entry, management, and reporting; 30% on-the ground monitoring and management; 20% assisting other programs; 10% aerial surveys; 5% training. 

The Kodiak Refuge headquarters office, where you will be based and spend most of your time, is located in the town of Kodiak, AK. In town, a FWS bunkhouse is available with shared rooms for rent for the season (~$300/pay period). A shared government vehicle is also available for limited personal use in your off time.

Your work on the refuge is accessed by small airplane and boat or hiking. Work on the refuge will require staying in remote cabins or tents for a week at a time throughout the summer, potentially without cell/internet connectivity. Hiking will be with a pack over uneven terrain, in dense vegetation, in challenging weather and conditions (rain, wind, mosquitoes). The ability to work a flexible schedule, maintain a positive, team-oriented attitude, and carry a FWS shotgun are required. Field gear will be supplied.

Please note that the USAJobs announcement for this position is a generalized posting for multiple positions/locations across Alaska and the above information best reflects the duties of the position being offered by Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge.

Qualifications:

• The ability to follow written protocols and verbal instruction in order to ensure high-quality, consistent data collection
• Comfort working in bear habitat and carrying a shotgun
• A positive attitude, ability to work well in a team
• Ability to be flexible and adjust to constantly changing schedules and conditions
• Previous aerial survey experience, manipulating data in R and ArcGIS are a plus
• GS-7: Applicant must have one year of experience comparable in scope to grade GS-6 in the federal service, completion of 1 year of graduate study in a related field, or a combination of both which equate to one year of experience + education
• U.S. Citizenship
• Valid driver's license
• Drug testing required
• Ability to successfully pass a criminal history background check and other required government trainings

Additional requirements can be found within the USAJobs posting