WANTED:

Soil Science Technicians

Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forests

The Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forests are hiring several seasonal Biological Science Technicians (Soils) (GS-0404-5; $15.74/hour; GS-0404-6; $17.54/hour) to support Forest management project planning, implementation and monitoring. Primary duties will be conducting soil surveys using the Forest Soil Disturbance Monitoring Protocol in areas proposed for future timber harvest or recently harvested. Surveys will be used to evaluate soil disturbance, stability, sensitivity and productivity; and include basic soil and vegetation characterization and coarse woody debris measurements. Collected information will be used for pre-project planning and post-project monitoring. Other duties may involve soil monitoring in post-fire (prescribed or wildfire) or rangeland (grazing allotments) settings. Duties will also include data organization and entry; producing basic survey summaries and maps; managing GPS and GIS data; and possibly assisting in preparation of technical reports. Field work is often arduous and requires extensive cross-country walking while carrying day gear and shovel. Work often involves navigating difficult and very steep terrain. Weather conditions during the work season can be highly variable, challenging, and range from cold and wet to hot, dry and smoky. Technicians will primarily work in teams of two with other technicians or specialists.

The Forests are looking for people who are enthusiastic and self-motivated with a responsible work-ethic and a genuine interest in forest soils and forest management. Selected candidates will be expected to work safely and effectively with other crew members and independently. The ability to work effectively in physically and mentally challenging field conditions is required. Valuable experience includes soil data collection, especially in a forested or rangeland environment; data organization and entry; orientation by map, photo and GPS; basic GPS, GIS and Microsoft Office application skills; and general outdoor experience. This is an excellent opportunity to participate in forest management efforts in a spectacular landscape.

The duration of the positions is approximately May through September, 40-hrs/week. Depending on funding and applicant schedules, employment may be extended beyond September (but not to exceed base 1039 hours). Government housing may available for the positions (dependent on specific duty station location, available space and project locations). Remote fieldwork will require staying at Forest Service work stations or camping. Employees will receive a field stipend (per-diem), in addition to regular wages, when work requires overnight stays away from their duty station.

The following positions may be filled.  The exact number and specific locations of positions filled will be based on the current budget and specific project needs.

All interested applicants need to apply through www.usajobs.gov for open vacancy announcement:  17-TEMP-R1-0404-5SOILS-DT for the GS-5 positions or 17-TEMP-R1-0404-6PLSOL-DT for the GS-6 positions. Individual duty stations may be selected, however applicants MUST select all potential duty station locations to be considered for all duty station locations.

This job announcement will only be open for 7 days in USA Jobs, from February 1 to February 7, 2017.

For more information contact Robert Bergstrom (robertbergstrom@fs.fed.us, 208-935-2513), Andre Snyder, (ajsnyder@fs.fed.us, 208-347-0335), or Rebecca Lloyd (rebeccalloyd@fs.fed.us, 208-926-8939) at the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.

HOW TO APPLY:

APPLY ONLINE at www.USAJOBS.gov

This job announcement will only be open for 7 days in USA Jobs, from February 1 to February 7, 2017

Step 1: Create a USAJOBS account (if you do not already have one) at www.USAJOBS.gov. It is recommended that as part of your profile you set up automatic email notification to be informed when the status of your application changes. If you choose not to set up this automatic notification, then you will have to log into your USAJOBS account to check on the status of your application.

Step 2: Create a resume with USAJOBS or upload a resume into your USAJOBS account. You may want to customize your resume to ensure it documents duties and accomplishments you have attained that are directly related to this position, so your application will meet required qualifications. (Ensure you provide exact dates of employment so your qualifications are accurately documented: e.g. May 1, 2010 to Oct 29, 2010 will be calculated as 5 months of experience; listing May 2010 to Oct 2010 may be calculated as only 3 months of experience, assuming a start date in late May and an end date at the beginning of Oct).

Step 3: Search for the job announcement number 17-TEMP-R1-0404-5SOILS-DT for the GS-5 positions or 17-TEMP-R1-0404-6PLSOL-DT for the GS-6 positions to apply to the open vacancy announcements. Read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin. Click “Apply Online” and follow the prompts to complete the Occupational Questionnaire and attach any additional documents that may be required. Assure you select duty locations of Pierce, ID; Kamiah, ID; Orofino, ID; Grangeville, ID; Elk City, ID; and White Bird, ID to be considered for the these positions. You can update your application or documents anytime while the announcement is open. Simply log into your USAJOBS account and click on “Application Status”. Click on the position title and then select “Update Application” to continue.