GS-0400 - BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES GROUP
GS-0401 - General Biological Science Series
This series includes positions that involve professional work in biology, agriculture, or related natural resource management when there is no other more appropriate series. Thus included in this series are positions that involve: (1) a combination of several professional fields with none predominant; or (2) a specialized professional field not readily identified with other existing series.
This series includes all classes of positions the duties of which involve the performance of scientific and professional work in the field of microbiology. Microbiology deals with the study of the characteristics and life processes of microorganisms, the interrelationships among microorganisms, their relationships to other living forms, and their reactions to the environment in which they are found. This includes: (1) work with the protozoa, bacteria, algae, fungi, viruses, rickettsiae, microscopic parasites and similar microscopic and submicroscopic forms; (2) work in such fields as immunology, medical parasitology, physiology, serology, genetics, taxonomy, and cytology as they relate to microorganisms; (3) studies of the form, structure, reproductive processes, genetics, taxonomy, and cytology as they relate to microorganisms and the products of their chemical activities; (4) studies of the distribution of microorganisms in natural and manmade environments (including agricultural and nonagricultural products and food processing establishments), their reaction to physical and chemical factors in the environment, their role aspathogenic and immunizing agents, and their isolation, cultivation, identification, and systematic classification; and (5) work that involves the development of scientific microbiological methods, procedures, and techniques, and the production and use of microorganisms in agricultural, industrial, medical, sanitary, and other practical applications.
GS-0404 - Biological Science Technician Series
This series includes all positions that 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, GS-0400. Biological science technicians provide practical technical support to production, research, operations, or program administration efforts in laboratories, field, or other settings including greenhouses, barns, caves, or wildlife refuges.
GS-0455 - Range Technician Series
This series includes all positions that primarily require a practical knowledge of the methods and techniques of range conservation and related resource management fields. Range technicians provide practical technical support in range research efforts; in the marketing of the range resource; and in the scientific management, protection, and development of grasslands and other range resources.
GS-0457 - Soil Conservation Series
This series includes positions involving the performance of professional work in the conservation of soil, water, and related environmental resources to achieve sound land use. Conservation work requires knowledge of: (1) soils and crops; (2) the pertinent elements of agronomy, engineering, hydrology, range conservation, biology, and forestry; and (3) skill in oral and written communication methods and techniques sufficient to impart these knowledge to selected client groups.
This series includes positions that require primarily professional knowledge and competence in forestry science. The work includes development, production, conservation, and utilization of the natural resources of forests and associated lands; the inventory, planning, evaluation, and management of each forest resource including timber, soil, land, water, wildlife and fish habitat, minerals, forage, and outdoor recreation including wilderness, in relationship with each other to meet both present and future public and local private needs and demands; the protection of resources against fire, insects, disease, floods, erosion, and other depredations; the valuation, management and protection of forest lands and properties; the interpretation and communication of principles, facts and legislation upon which the management of forest land rests; and the development of new, improved, or more economic scientific methods, practices, or techniques necessary to perform such work.
GS-0462 - Forestry Technician Series
This series includes all positions that primarily require a practical knowledge of the methods and techniques of forestry and other biologically based resource management fields. Forestry technicians provide practical technical support in forestry research efforts; in the marketing of forest resources; or in the scientific management, protection, and development of forest resources.
GS-0480 - General Fish and Wildlife Administration Series
This series includes all classes of positions that involve professional and scientific work in administering, directing, or exercising administrative and technical control over programs, regulatory activities, projects, or operations that are concerned with the conservation and management of fishery resources, wildlife resources, or fish and wildlife resources.
GS-0482 - Fishery Biology Series
This series includes positions that require professional knowledge and competence in the science of fishery biology to perform work: (1) developing, conserving, managing, and administering fishery resources; and (2) evaluating the impact of construction projects and other socioeconomic activities that present potential or actual adverse effects on fishery resources and their habitat. The work also requires an ability to determine, establish, and apply biological facts, principles, methods, techniques, and procedures that are necessary for the production and/or management of aquatic resources in their natural habitat and/or within facilities and systems that have been constructed for their benefit and public use.
GS-0485 - Wildlife Refuge Management Series
This series includes positions that require primarily professional knowledge and competence in the management, administration, and scientific operation of public lands and waters designated as national wildlife refuges. The work requires biological analyses, planning, and evaluation, and has as its principal purpose the conservation, protection, and propagation of wildlife species and the manipulation and utilization of their required habitat. The work involves a variety of activities in land, water, and habitat management, land planning, resource identification and allocation, administration, public relations, supervision, and other activities involving wildlife resource utilization, protection, inventory and evaluation, and maintenance of grasslands, marshes, and soils. The work also involves management considerations of land exploration and public, commercial, industrial, and agrarian land use.
GS-0486 - Wildlife Biology Series
This series includes positions that require professional knowledge and competence in the science of wildlife biology to perform work involving: (1) the conservation, propagation, management, protection, and administration of wildlife species; or (2) the determination, establishment, and application of biological facts, principles, methods, techniques, and procedures necessary for the conservation and management of wildlife resources and habitats. The work requires professional knowledge of the distribution, habits, life histories, and classification of birds, mammals, and other forms of wildlife.
