<\/p>\n
\nJob Type Temporary
\nSalary Details $13.32 to $16.73\/hr
\nDeadline Feb 15, 2021
\nRequired Experience 0 – 1 years<\/p>\n
Biological Sciences Technician\/Aide (Federal-Seasonal)<\/p>\n
The USDA Agriculture Research Service (ARS) in Boise, Idaho is seeking to hire crews of Biological Sciences Technicians (Plants) or Biological Sciences Aides to collect vegetation data for rangeland research. Pay grade for these Federal positions will range from GS-3 to GS-5 ($13.32\/hr to $16.73\/hr) depending on the applicant\u2019s education and previous work experience. 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 may be extended depending on available funding. The duty stations for these positions will either be located at the ARS office facility in Boise, Idaho, the BLM District Office in Elko, Nevada, or the field station in Frenchglen, OR.<\/p>\n
Duties:<\/strong>\u00a0Technical work will be conducted primarily in remote field locations but will also include some laboratory work. Each Biological Sciences Technician will work as part of a crew of 4-5 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. 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 personal computer; sort, process, and analyze vegetation materials in the laboratory; and compile data for reports.<\/p>\n Physical Demands:<\/strong>\u00a0Work will be physically demanding with prolonged periods in the field, 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 (ATVs) will be required. Travel and camping at remote backcountry locations may be required.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Desired Skills and Experience:<\/strong> \u00b7 Experience with AIM protocol and DIMA software preferred, but not required. USDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n For questions contact Tyler Norton–\u00a0tyler.norton@usda.gov<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\u00b7 Rangeland Plant identification preferred.
\n\u00b7 Field sampling and plot layout experience preferred.
\n\u00b7 Proficiency with common software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Word and Access).<\/p>\n
\n\u00b7 Experience with demanding physical work outdoors.
\n\u00b7 Familiarity with GPS instrumentation.
\n\u00b7 Experience driving on unimproved or primitive roads.<\/p>\n