Handbook of Occupational Groups and Families		Classification Programs Division
Release Date:  August 2001		Section Eight of Sixty-six

    GS-0400 - BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES GROUP   

This group includes all classes of positions the duties of which are to advise on, administer, supervise, or perform research or other professional and scientific work or subordinate technical work in any of the fields of science concerned with living organisms, their distribution, characteristics, life processes, and adaptations and relations to the environment; the soil, its properties and distribution, and the living organisms growing in or on the soil; and the management, conservation, or utilization thereof for particular purposes or uses.

Throughout the following information, an asterisk (*) stands for series with a published standard and a double asterisk (**) stands for series with a published flysheet.

Series in this group are:

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.

GS-0403 - Microbiology 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-0405 - Pharmacology Series**

This series includes positions the duties of which are primarily to administer, advise on, supervise, or perform research, analytical, advisory, or other professional and scientific work in the discipline of pharmacology. Such work requires the application of a knowledge of the history, sources, physical and chemical properties, biochemical, toxic, and physiological effects, mechanisms of action, absorption, distribution, metabolism, biotransformation and excretion, and therapeutic and other uses of drugs. Pharmacology: (1) involves the many aspects of the action of drugs or similar agents on living systems and their constituent parts, ranging from the intermolecular reactions of chemical compounds in a cell with drugs, to the evaluation of the effectiveness of a drug or agent in the treatment of human disease; and (2) requires intensive preparation and training in organic chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology; the application and interpretation of a full range of methods, procedures, and techniques relative to the action of drugs or similar agents, but does not require full professional training in medicine or veterinary medicine.

GS-0406 - Agricultural Extension Series

This series includes all classes of positions the duties of which are to advise on, administer, supervise, or perform research or other professional and scientific work in connection with extension and instruction projects in some phase of agricultural or home economics.

GS-0408 - Ecology Series**

This series includes positions that involve primarily advisory, research, analytical, or other professional work in the science of ecology. Ecology utilizes a systems approach to study the interrelationships of organisms with each other, with their physical and chemical environment, and with society. Such relationships are considered primarily at the levels of individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems. Ecologists analyze biological components and processes in the context of ecosystems including environmental factors, physical-chemical relationships, and social relationships. They use quantitative and systems analysis techniques to predict effects of planned or natural changes in ecosystems and to develop understanding of and solutions to ecological problems.

GS-0410 - Zoology Series**

This series includes positions that involve work in the field of zoology, including classification, structure, ecology, parasitological phenomena, evolution and the life history of animals. This work requires professional education and training in the animal and related natural sciences, and knowledge of the principles, methods, techniques, and procedures applied in the investigation, and solution of zoological problems.

GS-0413 - Physiology Series

This series includes all classes of positions the duties of which are to advise on, administer, supervise, or perform research or other professional and scientific work in the field of human and animal physiology, including studies of the functions, environmental response, and biological activities and processes of the basic living organism and its component parts.

GS-0414 - Entomology Series*

This series includes positions the duties of which are to advise on, administer, supervise, or perform professional and scientific work in the field of entomology that requires a fundamental knowledge of the principles of the biological and physical sciences that underlie the field and a specific knowledge of the application of these principles to the solution of entomological problems.

GS-0415 - Toxicology Series**

This series includes positions the duties of which are primarily to administer, advise on, supervise, or perform research, analytical, advisory, or other professional and scientific work in the discipline of toxicology. Such work involves the study of adverse effects of chemical substances or similar agents on living organisms and/or the environment, and the assessment of the probability of their occurrence under specified conditions of use or exposure. Toxicology: (1) involves the study of the interaction of chemical and physical agents and biological systems, the exploration of the nature and mechanisms of adverse reactions, and the assessment of the likelihood that adverse effects will occur; and (2) requires the application of scientific knowledge including, but not limited to, pathology, anatomy, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, pharmacology, toxicology, and materials sciences (e.g., as they pertain to the interrelationships of composition, structure, and properties) but does not require full preparation for practice in any one of those disciplines or full professional training in medicine or veterinary medicine.

GS-0421 - Plant Protection Technician Series**

This series includes all positions that primarily require a practical knowledge of the methods and techniques of plant protection and quarantine. Plant protection technicians provide technical support in research efforts; in the establishment and enforcement of plant quarantines governing the movement of insects, plant diseases, nematodes, and other plant pests of economic importance; or in the survey, detection, field identification, control or eradication of plant pests. The duties require the application of a practical knowledge of the types and characteristics of plant pests, quarantine procedures, pest control and eradication methods, and plant pest survey techniques.

GS-0430 - Botany Series**

This series includes positions that involve research or other professional scientific work in the field of botany, including plant taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and ethnobotany. This work requires full professional education and training in the plant sciences and a fundamental knowledge of the principles, methods, techniques, procedures, and relationships of the science of botany and of the application of this knowledge in the investigation, analysis, and solution of botanical problems.

GS-0434 - Plant Pathology Series

This series includes all classes of positions the duties of which are to advise on, administer, supervise, or perform research or other professional and scientific work in the investigation of the cause, nature, prevalence, and severity of parasitic, nonparasitic, and virus diseases attacking plants; experimentation in and the establishment of methods for the prevention and control of such diseases; or the relation of such diseases to practices involved in the propagation, planting, cultivation, transportation, and storage of plants and plant products; or any combination thereof.

GS-0435 - Plant Physiology Series**

This series includes positions that involve research or other professional and scientific work pertaining to one or more of such vital functions as plant growth, nutrition, respiration, and reproduction that are essential to the life of the plant or its use. This includes work on the internal processes such as assimilation, photosynthesis, translocation, or transpiration that are involved in vital functions; or on the influence that one or more environmental factors, such as humidity, water, light, mineral nutrients, and temperature have on these functions and processes.

GS-0436 - Plant Protection and Quarantine Series*

This series includes all classes of positions the duties of which are to advise on, administer, supervise, and perform professional and scientific work in the establishment and enforcement of agricultural quarantines governing movement of plant pests of economic significance into or within the United States, and in the survey, detection, regulation, and control or eradication of plant pests. These duties require the application of professional training and knowledge in one or more of the biological and agricultural sciences such as plant pathology, entomology, nematology, horticulture and related sciences. Most positions also require practical knowledge of the transportation and shipping industries, farming, nursery and related operations, and inspection, quarantine and control techniques as applied to plants, plant products, animal byproducts and other items of agricultural quarantine interest.

GS-0437 - Horticulture Series**

This series includes all classes of positions the duties of which are to advise on, administer, supervise, or perform research or other professional and scientific work in the behavior, breeding, or culture (or any combination thereof) of fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental trees and shrubs, and in allied problems of their production, storage, and handling.

GS-0440 - Genetics Series

This series includes all classes of positions the duties of which are to advise on, administer, supervise, or perform professional research in the principles and mechanisms of transmission of characters by inheritance, including in some instances the application of these principles in planning breeding programs.

GS-0454 - Rangeland Management Series*

This series covers positions that require primarily professional knowledge and competence in rangeland management to perform work involving the preservation, development, and management of rangelands. This includes the ability to analyze and protect the natural resources, to develop programs and standards for rangeland use and conservation, and to advise State officials, and private and Indian landowners in rangeland management practices.

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.

GS-0458 - Soil Conservation Technician Series**

This series includes all positions that require a practical knowledge of the methods and techniques of soil, water, and environmental conservation as they relate to agricultural operations and land use measures. Soil conservation technicians advise property holders on the effectiveness of applying soil and water conservation practices or assist in research efforts.

GS-0459 - Irrigation System Operation Series*

This series includes positions that involve the management or operation of irrigation systems, where the work requires primarily knowledge of the methods and procedures used in distributing, controlling, and measuring irrigation water.

GS-0460 - Forestry Series*

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-0470 - Soil Science Series*

This series includes positions that involve professional and scientific work in the investigation of soils, their management, and their adaptation for alternative uses. Such work requires knowledge of chemical, physical, mineralogical and biological properties and processes of the soils and their relationships to climatic, physiographic, and biologic influences.

GS-0471 - Agronomy Series*

This series includes all classes of positions the duties of which involve the performance of professional and scientific work in the field of agronomy, including the application of the fundamental principles of the plant, soil, and related sciences, (and those affecting the water relationships involved) to the improvement, production, management, and utilization of field crops, pasture and cover crops, turf, and related types of vegetation; to soil and crop management; to the development and use of weed controls and plant regulators; and to related fields.

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.

GS-0487 - Animal Science Series**

This series includes positions that involve research or other professional and scientific work in the field of animal science including nutritional, biophysical, biochemical, and physiological relationships. This work requires full professional education and training in the biological and agricultural sciences and a fundamental knowledge of the principles, methods, techniques, and relationships in the field of animal science and the application of this knowledge in the investigation, analysis, and solution of animal science problems.

GS-0493 - Home Economics Series*

This series includes all positions that require application of professional knowledge of home economics pertaining to foods and nutrition, selection and use of household equipment, textiles, clothing and other products used in family care, and household management practices.

GS-0499 - Biological Science Student Trainee Series

See the series definition for the General Student Trainee Series, GS-0099.