Seasonal Plant Ecology / Botany Technician

Job title: Biological Science Technician (USDA-Agricultural Research Service)

Series/Grade: GS-0404-04/05

Dates: March/April-August/September (1 position), April/May-August/September (2 positions)

Location: Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Burns, Oregon

Number of Positions: 3

Job Description

The research unit focuses on applied management questions in grassland and shrubland ecosystems, collaboration with a broad set of managers and other researchers, and engagement with diverse audiences and stakeholders. Technicians will be collecting data on a set of field-based projects assessing restoration success and post-fire plant communities in the eastern Oregon sagebrush steppe. Primary duties include: identifying native and non-native plant species, vegetation sampling (cover, density, seedling survival), measuring plant physiological responses to stress and traits, and site characterization (aspect, slope, elevation, soil sampling, GPS location). The position will also include data entry, sample processing, and other miscellaneous tasks. Fieldwork will occasionally involve short camping trips in remote areas.

Requirements and Qualifications

Undergraduate studies and experience in botany, ecology, environmental science, range, soils, wildlife, or other natural resource fields required. Must be able to lift objects that weigh up to 50 pounds and kneel/squat for extended periods of time for sample collection. Must have a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license and be able to operate motor vehicles. Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions and hike over rugged and steep terrain. Must be a US Citizen.

GS-4: 6 months of general AND 6 months of specialized experience; OR successful completion of 2 years of post-high school education that included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture or mathematics of which 6 semester hours of courses relate directly to the duties of the position (plant biology, range/ecology, or natural resource management).

GS-5: One year of specialized experience at the GS-4 level; OR successful completion of a bachelor’s degree (a) with major study in an appropriate field (i.e., biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics) or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours, or the equivalent, in courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics of which 6 semester hours relate directly to the position to be filled (plant biology, range/ecology, or natural resource management); OR a combination of specialized experience and post-high school education.

Salary, Housing, and Benefits

Full time (40 hours/week, schedule is four 10 hour days) and $14.95-16.73 per hour depending on GS level (see requirements above). Housing is provided at the field station. Per diem is provided when fieldwork requires camping. Healthcare and leave benefits are available.

USDA-ARS is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.