Position Description
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 ($16.95/hr to $21.00/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. Both 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 BLM District Office in Elko, Nevada, or the ARS office facility in Boise, Idaho. The crew lead based in Boise will travel to Oregon on 8- day work hitches, camping nearby their study site. Vehicles and some camping gear will 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 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.
To apply, send resume to Brooke Hansen (Bowers)— brooke.bowers@usda.gov
Please specify which position/location(s) you are applying for in your email.
For questions on the research or positions, contact Tyler Norton– tyler.norton@usda.gov