The Biology Technician will supports the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) in advancing wildlife health science for the benefit of animals, humans, and the environment. This position provides critical laboratory support for wildlife disease surveillance, detection, research, and prevention activities. Working collaboratively with government scientists and laboratory personnel, the Biology Tech will generate scientific data, perform laboratory analyses, maintain laboratory operations, and contribute to disease investigations that protect public health, agricultural interests, and wildlife populations.
The successful candidate will work independently within established protocols and quality standards while supporting diagnostic testing, research initiatives, and laboratory modernization efforts.
Responsibilities
Prepare media and reagents for diagnostic workflows.
Culture cell tissues to support diagnostic testing.
Operate laboratory equipment (balances, centrifuges, microscopes, incubators, shakers, & pipettes).
Maintain rigorous laboratory hygiene.
Monitor and maintain scientific equipment.
Order laboratory supplies including PPE, reagents, and compressed gases.
Follow and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for compliance and quality assurance.
Contribute to laboratory modernization efforts.
Manage and track chemical inventories.
Support diagnostic courier duties to ensure efficient sample transportation to and from partners.
Relies on moderate level of experience and judgement, along with instructions and pre- established guidelines to perform the laboratory work.
Adhere to guidelines of a Quality Management System (QMS).
Ensure all laboratory safety standards are met.
Qualifications
Must be a US Citizen able to obtain and maintain a Department of Interior PIV card (note: this can take up to 30 days from offer).
High School diploma.
Minimum of 1-2 years of work-related experience in laboratory setting (classwork or school experience not applicable).
Experience working in a laboratory environment performing biological, microbiological, or diagnostic procedures.
Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, quality assurance procedures, and scientific recordkeeping.
Experience operating standard laboratory equipment and instruments.
Ability to follow detailed procedures, SOPs, and established laboratory protocols.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Able to bend, walk and tolerate moderate amounts of physical exertion in a laboratory environment, manual dexterity
A Driver's License will be required for local travel. Some travel may be required to support program tasks, such as occasional attendance at professional society meetings, trainings/workshops, or to travel to pick up or drop off samples.
Job ID
2026-23890
Work Type
On-Site
Company Description
Work Where it Matters
Akima Systems Engineering (ASE), an Akima company, is not just another federal systems support contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.
At ASE, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.
For our shareholders , ASE provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.
For our government customers , ASE delivers solutions in maritime IT, systems engineering, and integration across the Department of Defense and stands ready to help improve operational performance at a reasonable and sustainable cost.
As an ASE employee , you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.
We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All applicants will receive consideration for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender or gender-identity, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, pregnancy or parental status, or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability, or have known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us at job-assist@akima.com or 571-353-7053 (information about job applications status is not available at this contact information).