OUTREACH NOTICE
Biological Science Technician
GS-404-5
Region 6 (Oregon and Washington)
Dorena Genetic Resource Center
Cottage Grove, Oregon
4/17/2019
Dorena Genetic Resource Center is planning to fill two TERM, full-time Biological Science Technician (GS-404-05) positions with the Five-Needle Pine’s White Pine Blister Rust Resistance Program. These positions are non-status appointments in the competitive service for a period of more than 1 year, but not more than 4 years. The vacancy announcements for these positions will be posted on the USAJobs website (http://www.usajobs.opm.gov) when they open.
About the positions
The positions are based at Dorena Genetic Resource Center (DGRC), near Cottage Grove, Oregon. A primary focus will be to provide support to National Science Foundation (DGRC PI: Dr. Richard Sniezko) and Cooperative Agreement projects (in conjunction with Northern Arizona University and other partners) examining genetic resistance of southwestern white pine (Pinus strobiformis) and other white pine species to white pine blister rust (caused by the fungal pathogen Cronartium ribicola) as well as performing detailed measurements on thousands of seedlings in common garden trials. Other duties include assisting in disease-resistance screening trials of native conifers, which includes inoculation of seedlings and assessments of disease symptoms in both nursery, greenhouse, and field trials, as well as seed orchard assessments. Other responsibilities may include grafting, breeding, and seed production efforts. Key responsibilities include data collection, management, and summary as well as report writing. The person selected will work closely with the geneticists, plant biologists, technicians, a post-doctoral researcher and a statistician on various phases of the work.
The position requires performing demanding fieldwork at Dorena Genetic Resource Center and in rugged terrain and sometimes inclement weather with the expectation of extensive overnight travel during the field season.
For more information about these positions, contact Angelia Kegley, Plant Biologist (email: angelia.kegley@usda.gov; phone: 541-767-5711).
REPLY DUE DATE IS MAY 17, 2019.
Please see attached for response form: Outreach Notice