This incumbentwill work primarily in the field independently to complete inventories and treatments on non-native invasive plant species. The duties will include using a backpack sprayer to apply herbicide on National Forest Lands. Other duties will also include mapping (GPS, ArcMap GIS) and data entry for invasive plant populations. The successful applicant will have experience in plant identification using technical dichotomous keys, computer data entry, fieldexperience with GPS and/or portable data recorder, safe operation of a 4-wheel drive vehicle, and off-trail navigation skills.
Qualifications: Preferred applicants should have completed a B.S. degree in biology, botany, plant ecology, forest ecology, resource management or a related discipline, or have an equivalent combination of education and experience. Applicants must have the ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and to carry heavy loads. The position may be filled GS-05 ($31,315 est. annual salary) pay grade, based on applicant qualifications. United States citizens onlywill be considered for these positions. Applicants must have: 1) botanical skills to identify state-listed noxious weeds and other exotic plants at various growth stages and to distinguish these from native species that may be “look-alikes” . 2) Applicants must have a current driver’s license. 3) Applicants must have a current pesticide applicator or valid public operator license and be within the recertification cycle.
In order to be considered, make sure you attach supporting documentation for the three items above! Botanical skills can be supported by education (transcripts) or work history.
Physical Demands: This position requires field work for up to four months (approximately June through September). The incumbent will encountertemperature extremes, rough walking surfaces, steep terrain, rain, wind, and possibly snow.
Location: The position’s duty station is based out of the forest headquarters in Everett, Washington, but field work spans the entire Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
ABOUT THE MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST: This forest extends 140 miles along the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains from the Canadian border to Mt. Rainer National Park. The Forest encompasses eight designated wilderness areas, four ski areas, the Skagit Wild and Scenic River, and over 1500 miles of trail, including 100 miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. The Forest covers portions of Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, King and Pierce Counties. Together, these counties contain over 55 percent of the state’s total population. Nearly five million people live in or near the Puget Sound metropolitan area. Another two million people live in southwest British Columbia and make frequent use of the north end of the Forest. This coupled with the fact that four major mountain passes cross the Cascades through the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, makes this one of the most visible National Forests in thecountry. It is also one of the busiest recreation Forests in the nation. Hiking, camping, mountaineering, and backpacking are among the most popular recreational activities in the Puget Sound area and the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is the largest supplier of these recreational opportunities.
The Forest Supervisor’s office (headquarters) is located in Everett, Washington, located approximately 29 miles north of downtown Seattle. District offices are located in Sedro-Woolley and Darrington to the north, Skykomish to the east and North Bend to the south. For more information about the MBS, visit the Forest website: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/ .
HOW TO APPLY: Please apply online through AVUE at www.usajobs.gov.
Specify Everett, Washington as the location (duty station), and specify Vacancy
Annoucement # 12-110605-6728-DT-KP-2. OPENS April 23, 2012, CLOSES May 7, 2012.
FOR MORE INFO: Laura Potash, Botany Program Manager at (425) 783-6043.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, maritalstatus, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not allprohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s Target Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).
USDA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER.