EMPLOYER: United States Department of the Interior Geological Survey VACANCY NO: SRFS-12-012 POSITION: Biological Science Technician (Botany), GG-404-5 SALARY: $15.00 per hour DATE OPENED: 03/28/2012 DATE CLOSED: 04/13/2012 STARTING DATE: 05/15/2012 TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Temporary 180 day appointment LENGTH OF POSITION: 3-4 months, contingent on budget TOUR OF DUTY: Full Time, with possible periods of part-time and intermittent work AREA OF CONSIDERATION: All U.S. citizens LOCATION: U.S. Geological Survey, Forest & Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Snake River Field Station, Boise, ID
DUTIES: The work is part of a Joint Fire Science Program-funded project that seeks to assess regional fuel loads and species composition in sagebrush ecosystems across successional and invasion gradient, as well as the efficacy of restoration treatments in reducing fuel loads. The biological science technicians will collect data to quantify fuel loads throughout a wide range of sagebrush conditions, including undisturbed stands, burned and invaded by non-native plant species (but untreated), and burned and treated (for post-fire rehabilitation). The project will also examine ongoing experimental restoration treatments that utilize mowing, grazing, seeding and herbicide applications. Field work will take place in the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area in southern Idaho. Major duties of the position include identifying Great Basin plants to species, collecting vegetation and fuel load sampling data, collection of GPS and photo points, driving on poor and sometimes muddy roads, collection of plant and/or soil samples, accurately recording ecological data, and data entry. The technicians may also assist with site selection protocols to identify suitable study site and plot locations. Field trips will often require extensive driving. The biological science technicians will work in 2-person teams in conjunction with two field crew coordinators. Field work will involve exposure to extreme temperature and weather conditions. Crews will work independently with extensive stays (up to 10 days) in remote locations. Field trips will include extended periods of backcountry camping. Candidates will be chosen based on their combination of experience and education. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in identifying Great Basin grasses, forbs, and shrubs to the species level. QUALIFICATIONS: To qualify for a GG-5 you need 9 months of field experience OR 3 years of sub-professional 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. Sub-professional 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. In addition, incumbents must have at least 1 months experience in sampling plant communities, and must be familiar with plant species in the Great Basin ecoregion. Candidates without 1 months experience sampling and identifying sagebrush biome plant communities will not be considered. Good organizational skills, proficiency with technical equipment (including GPS, personal computer, and digital camera), map reading, and field collection protocols are required. Incumbent should have had or be willing to take First Aid and CPR prior to employment. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work involves long hours spent standing, bending, walking, and a great amount of physical exertion. The incumbent may be required to lift containers weighing up to 35 pounds in the performance of the assignment. Work could possibly be done in 10 -12 hours per day; hours can include all times of day and night, and will vary during the employment term with weather and field conditions. Core hours will typically be 8am 5pm. HOW TO APPLY: Carefully read all information and instructions. It is the responsibility of the applicant to insure the application is complete. The personnel office will not be responsible for soliciting additional information from applicants or from official personnel records, but will consider individuals based on their applications as submitted. Applications must be received in the FRESC, by the closing date on the announcement in order to be considered. To obtain an OF 612, contact the U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Discipline or any federal personnel office. Submit one of the following forms of application: (a) resume OR (b) OF-612, Optional Application for Federal Employment, OR (c) other written format. Electronic submissions acceptable. Must also submit a copy of you college transcripts (unofficial acceptable) to document all education used for position qualification. To claim 5 point Veteran's Preference, a D D-214 showing character of discharge is required. If claiming 10 point Veteran's Preference, an SF-15 with proof of claim is required. SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO: Teah Laviolette, Admin Operations Asst USGS Forest & Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center 777 NW 9th Street, Suite 400 Corvallis, Oregon 97330-6169 Phone: (541) 750-1049 Fax: (541) 750-1066 Email: [email protected] FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Doug Shinneman, Research Fire Ecologist USGS, Snake River Field Station, 970 Lusk St. Boise, ID 83706 Phone: 208-426-5206 Email: [email protected] (please email copies of applications to this address)
