Bilingual Biologist Position Available - Laurel MD

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Biological Technician - Bilingual (English and Spanish)

****Individual must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer****

Location: U.S. Geological Survey Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (PWRC), Laurel, MD

Introduction: The Bird Banding Laboratory at PWRC operates a 1-800 number for collection of data from banded birds reported by hunters or band finders when birds are recovered or found. The 1-800 number has been expanded into Mexico. Bilingual services are required to take calls and translate letters that will be generated by the increase of Spanish language reports from Mexico.

Responsibilities: IAP World Services has an open position for a full time Biological Technician to perform contract work for the USGS at PWRC. Duties include:

1. Data Acquisition: Answer incoming telephone calls in Spanish and perform data entry into database from 1-800 calls from Mexico as needed. In Spanish, provide general information and referrals to callers as needed. Also review web page encounter reports from Spanish countries to check for quality. Provide suggestions and gives advice on improvements in accuracy of reports taken via the 1-800-Mexico report line and data in the database.

2. Data Assessment and Report Requests: Search files, documents, or other sources of information to make corrections to banding and encounter data, files, documents or other sources of information from Spanish speaking locations.

Process sightings of marked birds received in the BBL from Mexico and other Spanish speaking locations, and correspondence about these observations, according to protocols provided by BBL. Use or oversee the use of look up tables provided in the BBL to identify marked birds and assign the corresponding federal band number. When necessary, contact banders to obtain individual band numbers for uniquely marked birds or additional look up tables.

Performs duties relative to 1-800-Mexico data acquisition and retrieval needs for the Oracle transition and other BBL projects. Compile and display information and data relative to the 1-800-Mexico program, and to Latin American banding data, for presentation and planning purposes, in Spanish and English.

3. Translation Services: Translate, review and edit Spanish versions of BBL web page, BBL MTAB, and other materials as needed. Assist in development of web page material in Spanish for the BBL web page. Provide Spanish language support while new employees are trained in Spanish Encounter Processing to improve accuracy of reports taken from calls and from the web page.

4. Biological Technical Support and Logistical Services: Serve as a resource to problem solve questions on banding and bird biology as needed by BBL staff, banders, and the public, as related to the 1-800-Mexico program and data from other Spanish speaking areas. This problem solving will include technical questions on bird banding, marking, and biology but not permit issues.

Prepare summaries on biological data and 1-800-Mexico information, and provide logistical support (e.g. coordination of materials, Spanish communication of preparations) for meetings with Spanish speaking visitors before, during, and after the meetings.

Provides answers to biological questions related to birds and banding data, and communication and coordination regarding the 1-800-Mexico program, to Spanish speaking callers, whether hunters, birders, or biologists from Mexican agencies or organizations.

Assist staff in the use of sighting resolution protocols and provide biological support in ways to improve accuracy of reports taken from calls on the BBL's toll-free band reporting line and on the BBL's web page for encounter reports.

Provide answers to biological questions related to birds and banding data. Serve as a resource to problem solve questions on banding and bird biology as needed by BBL staff. This problem solving will include technical questions on bird banding, marking, and biology but not permit issues.

Maintain Excel spreadsheet on neck collar resolutions. Maintain files on neck collar resolutions. Check the quality of neck collar sighting work conducted by clerical staff.

Qualifications: The position requires a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and knowledge or experience of biology or zoology, ecology, botany, wildlife, and/or fisheries biology. Experience with microcomputer systems is required, as well as knowledge and/or experience with word processors and minicomputer systems in general. Special Skills and Knowledge Required include: Knowledge of migratory birds, their biology, behavior, and ecology; ability to read, write, and speak English and Spanish; general knowledge of biological concepts and terminology related to bird banding encounters and associated recordkeeping.

Starting Salary: $21.22/hr plus $3.16/hr for Health and Welfare benefits. Full benefits package.

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