Habitat & Range Ecology Technicians
Job title: Biological Science Aid or Technician
Series/Grade: GS-0404-03/04
Start Date: May-June 2008
End Date: August-September (depending on when you go back to college)
Location: Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center
Number of Positions: 3 or 4
Job Description:
Assists a research scientist who is conducting vegetation ecology research in sagebrush steppe and riparian plant communities located in the northern Great Basin. Projects include determining the impacts of wild horse on riparian areas, investigating the effects of prescribed burning and mechanical sagebrush thinning on wildlife habitat, evaluating the impacts of invasive plant infestations on sage-grouse habitat, determining landscape scale vegetation patterns, investigating management and climate influence on vegetation characteristics and sage-grouse habitat, evaluating methods to contain and prevent invasive plant infestations, and investigating methods to shift succession to desired plant communities. Duties include vegetation and environmental data collection, processing vegetation and soil samples, establishment and maintenance of research plots, and data entry. Duties will also include assisting in some laboratory work. Travel and camping throughout eastern and southern Oregon, northern Nevada, and southwestern Idaho is required.
Requirements: Undergraduates in range, soils, wildlife, or other natural resource fields. Must be able to lift objects that weigh up to 50 pounds including backpack and kneel/squat for extended periods of time for sample collection. Must have a valid state motor vehicle operator's license and be able to operate motor vehicles. Must be able to work and camp in adverse weather conditions. Must be able to hike over rugged and steep terrain. Need to be at least 16 years of age. Need to be a citizen of the United States of America.
GS-3: Successful completion of 1 year of study that included at least 6 semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics OR 6 months of general experience, which demonstrates the ability to perform the work of the position.
GS-4: 6 months of general and 6 months of specialized experience OR successful completion of 2 years of post high school study that included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture or mathematics of which 6 semester hours of courses relate directly to the duties of the position (plant biology, range/ecology, or natural resource management). General experience must have demonstrated the ability to perform the work of the position or provided a familiarity with the subject matter. Specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the GS-03 grade level in the Federal Service.
Salary and Housing: $11 to $12/hr depending on experience and/or education. Workweek is typically 40 to 50 hrs. Housing and utilities are provided at the research station at no charge. When staying overnight in the field, food will be provided.
To Apply: Send an email or letter of interest and resume to the address below. List any pertinent classes in natural resources, rangeland science, botany, wildlife, soils, and environmental science. USDA-ARS is an AA/EOE.
Dr. Kirk Davies
EOARC-Burns
67826-A Hwy 205
Burns, OR 97720
(541) 573-4074