QUALIFICATIONS: To qualify for a GG-5 you need 1 year and 9 months of field experience OR 3 years of subprofessional work experience OR 3 years of college with courses related to the work of the position to be filled (equivalent to 90 semester/135 quarter hrs) plus 3 months of lab or field work experience.

DUTIES (specific): Performs the following and similar types of routine tasks to collect field data for studies evaluating the competitive impacts of barred owls on northern spotted owls in Washington:

·        Under the oversight of the Lead Field Coordinator, collect field data from nocturnal birds of prey (primarily barred owls and northern spotted owls) following specific study plans and established protocols.

·        Locates and identifies nocturnal birds of prey based on auditory and visual observations.

·        Navigate remote forest roads and terrain, primarily at night, using a compass, maps, and handheld GPS unit.

·        Operate a variety of field equipment necessary for performing biological studies and collecting field data, including 4-wheel drive vehicles, remote broadcasting devices, compass, data loggers, and handheld GPS units.

·        Communicate results and logistical details to the Field Coordinator in a clear and timely manner.

·        Enter data carefully into a computer database.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:   Field work for this position will be on public and private lands in Oregon and Washington. The incumbent will be placed in duty station: Cle Elum, WA. Occasional travel to secondary duty stations may be required. In all areas, the incumbent will be working in steep, rugged terrain under potentially harsh environmental conditions. Field work is completed almost entirely alone and at night. The appointee must be willing and able to carry a backpack and research equipment weighing up to 35 pounds, hike up to 10 miles alone each night, and work in inclement weather conditions that may include wind, rain, and snow. Fieldwork will require working flexible hours, typically 10-12 hours per shift. During the summer months (June – August), the work “day” will typically span from 6pm – 6am.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  Work will primarily consist of field duties in support of research evaluating the effectiveness of barred owl removals to benefit northern spotted owls in the Pacific Northwest. The appointee should be comfortable with collecting data that informs and facilitates primarily lethal removal of barred owls in select areas across the northern spotted owl’s range. The appointee will be working independently in the field, but he/she is expected to work as part of a small team under the instruction of the Lead Field Coordinator. The appointee should be willing and able to coordinate with a variety of partners, including fellow team members, supervisors, collaborators from other federal and state agencies, and private land owners.

Some office work will be required. The appointee will enter and clean the field-collected data to digital systems following established project protocols. In addition, good organizational skills and proficiency with technical equipment (including GPS, personal computer, and digital camera) are required. Appointee should have had or be willing to take First Aid and CPR. Must have a valid driver’s license. Must be 21 yrs or older (to comply with government regulations regarding off-road use of official vehicles) & possess a valid driver’s license & ability to competently drive a government vehicle in urban, interstate, & off-road (4×4) environments.  No housing provided.

Taking and passing a pre-employment medical examination at Federal Agency expense is required due to the physical demands of this job.

Additional Benefit Information:
Working for the U. S. Geological Survey offers a benefits package including paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. Annual and sick leave will be accrued only for appointments lasting more than 90 days (except in intermittent status). In addition, temporary appointees expected to work at least 130 hours per month for at least 90 days will be eligible to enroll in a Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) plan. Individuals eligible under this rule receive the full government contribution to their premiums regardless of work schedule and will also be eligible to participate in the Flexible Spending Accounts and Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program. Temporary appointees are NOT covered by the Federal Employee Retirement System and are ineligible for Federal life, dental, or vision insurance.

HOW TO APPLY: Submit one of the following forms of application: (a) résumé OR (b) OF-612, Optional Application for Federal Employment, OR (c) other written format. IF SUBMITTING A RESUME be sure to include the following for EACH job listed: To and From dates of employment as mm/dd/yyyy and how many hours per week you worked each job; percentage of time spent doing field survey work; percentage of time spent doing laboratory work; statement of duties; supervisor contact information.  Be sure to also address the additional qualifier, if applicable. Please also submit transcripts (unofficial is acceptable) to document all education used for position qualification. ALWAYS INCLUDE THE JOB# OF THE VACANCY YOU ARE APPLYING TO. Application package can be submitted electronically to email address provided below by closing date. Hard Copy applications are also accepted but must be received by the closing date. To claim 5 point Veteran’s Preference, a DD214 showing character of discharge is required. If claiming 10 point Veteran’s Preference, a SF15 with proof of claim is required.
Send Application packages to: gs_nw_fresc_jobs@usgs.gov OR mail to 777 NW 9th St, Suite 400, Corvallis,OR 97330