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 ($13.49/hr to $16.95/hr) depending on the applicant’s education and previous work experience. Federal employee benefits are included. Start date is expected to be in early March although later start dates (e.g., April/May) may be negotiable. All positions will end by late August, with the term not exceeding 180 days. 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 French Glen, OR. Housing scarcity near the Oregon study site may require the Oregon crew to be based out of Boise, Idaho instead. In which case, that crew would travel to Oregon on 8-day work hitches, camping nearby the study site. Vehicles and some camping gear would be supplied. Employees will be compensated with per diem for each day spent in travel status.
Duties: Technical 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.
Physical Demands: Work 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. Weather conditions ranging from cold/wet to hot/dry requiring proper preparation and safety measures. Operation of 4-wheel drive vehicles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) 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:
· Rangeland Plant identification preferred.
· Field sampling and plot layout experience preferred.
· Proficiency with common software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Word and Access).
· Experience with AIM protocol and DIMA software preferred, but not required.
· Experience with demanding physical work outdoors.
· Familiarity with GPS instrumentation.
· Experience driving on unimproved or primitive roads.
Northwest Watershed Research Center
USDA-ARS
251 E Front Street, Suite 400 Boise, ID 83702
Voice 208.422.0720 Fax 208.334.1502 E-mail pat.clark@ars.usda.gov
USDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
To apply, send resume and CL to Brooke Hansen (Bowers)– brooke.bowers@usda.gov
Please specify which position/location(s) you’re applying for in your cover letter.