The USDA Agriculture Research Service (ARS) in Boise, Idaho is seeking to hire two Biological Sciences Technicians (Plants) to lead field crews collecting vegetation data for rangeland research. Pay grade for these Federal positions will range from GS-5 to GS-7 ($16.73/hr to $20.72/hr) depending on the applicant’s education and previous work experience. Federal employee benefits are included. Term of the positions will not exceed 180 days. Start date is expected to be in early March although later start dates (e.g., April/May) may be negotiable. Some positions will end in late August and others will be extended depending on available funding. The duty stations for these positions will either be located at the BLM District Office in Elko, Nevada, or the field station in Frenchglen, OR.

Duties: Technical work will be conducted primarily in remote field locations but will also include some laboratory work. Each Biological Sciences Technician crew lead will guide a team of 3-5 technicians to assess and monitor vegetation on rangelands invaded by cheatgrass and other introduced annual grasses at sites in the Great Basin. Crews will establish monitoring transects and collect botanical data and samples in accordance with established guidelines and protocols (AIM protocols, rangeland health protocols). Specifically, crews will identify grasses, herbs, and shrubs to species; label and catalog plant materials collected during the season; operate field instrumentation and equipment; enter field data into a tablet (DIMA); sort, process, and analyze vegetation materials in the laboratory; and compile data for reports.

Physical Demands: Work will be physically demanding with prolonged periods in the field (10-hour days), walking and bending often required. Heavy items (packs and equipment) must be lifted and carried on a routine basis over complex terrain in potentially dry, hot or cold, wet weather conditions. Operation of 4-wheel drive vehicles and all-terrain vehicles (UTVs) will be required. Travel and camping at remote backcountry locations may be required. Successful applicants will receive training in ecological field and laboratory techniques. Specific training in vegetation sampling, plant species identification, data recording, and operation and maintenance of field instrumentation and equipment will be provided. Laboratory training generally will include vegetation sample preparation, laboratory analysis, and data collection and entry into electronic databases. Training in safe operation of field vehicles will be provided.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Leadership and team coordination.
• B.S in ecology or related environmental field preferred.
• Proficiency with common software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Word and Access).
• Field vegetation sampling/ID skills (experience with AIM protocol and DIMA software preferred).
• Experience with demanding physical work outdoors.
• Experience driving on unimproved or primitive roads.

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