Barred Owl Surveyors (Job# CRG-20-007) – Washington
Agency: U.S. Geological Survey
Location: Cle Elum, WA
Job Category: Temporary/Seasonal Positions
Salary: $16.27 per hour
Start Date: 03/01/2020
Last Date to Apply: 2/06/2019
Website: https://www.usgs.gov/centers/fresc
Description
The USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC) is seeking 1-2 individuals to assist with nocturnal wildlife surveys near Cle Elum, WA. These are full-time, seasonal positions starting in early March and ending in late August. The details of the positions are as follows:
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 primarily on Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest lands in Washington’s Cascade Range. With elevations ranging from 1,000 ft. to 9,000 ft., the environment in these mountains varies anywhere between deep valleys of old growth forest and glaciated alpine peaks. The work generally requires a great amount of physical exertion because it involves long hours hiking on closed roads and trails. Off-trail hikes on steep, rocky terrain will be frequent. Field work is completed almost entirely alone and at night. The appointee must be willing and able to carry backpacks and research equipment weighing up to 45 pounds, hike up to 15 miles each night, hike off-trails, and work in inclement weather conditions that may include wind, rain, and snow. Snowmobile and ATV operation will be needed to access sites 1-4 days/week. 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 5pm – 5am.
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 incumbent 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 incumbent 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 incumbent 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. Incumbent should have had or be willing to take First Aid and CPR. A background investigation is required for this position.
Candidates will be chosen based on the combination of experience and education. Housing will NOT be provided.
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS: To qualify for a GG-5 you need 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. Subprofessional experience consists of working as a technician or aid in the field or in a laboratory or similar environment. Equivalent combinations of successfully completed education and experience are qualifying. Incumbents with no experience will not be considered. Previous experience working with spotted owls and/or barred owls is highly desirable, but not required.
Taking and passing a pre-employment medical examination at Federal expense is a required due to the physical demands of this job.
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 INFORMATION REGARDING WORK EXPERIENCE:
-Job Title (include series and grade if Federal job)
-Duties and accomplishments
-Employer’s name and address
-Supervisor’s name and phone number
-Starting and ending dates (month, day and year)
-Hours per week
-Salary
-Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor
Email, mail, or fax applications to:
FRESC Jobs
USGS-CRG-Forest & Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
777 NW 9th St, Suite 400
Corvallis, Oregon 97330
E-mail: GS_NW_FRESC_Jobs@usgs.gov
Fax: 541-750-1066
APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT TO BE CONSIDERED
Please note: Due to the high volume of applicants and the cumbersome federal hiring process, it may take 1-2 months after submitting your application to be contacted for an interview. For an update on your application status, please contact Krista Dilione (kdilione@usgs.gov) or Michelle Schatz (GS_NW_FRESC_Jobs@usgs.gov).
Contact Person: Michelle Schatz
Contact Phone: 541-750-1040
Contact eMail: GS_NW_FRESC_Jobs@usgs.gov