DUTIES (specific): As a Biological Science Technician Field Assistant with the U.S. Geological Survey, some of your specific duties will include:
•      Identify grasses, forbs, and shrubs to species (up to 250 different species)
•       Monitor native grasses, forbs, and shrub volume and density
•       Perform various vegetation cover and fuel load sampling protocols
•       Operates 4-wheel drive vehicles on poor and sometimes muddy roads
•       Accurately record and enter data on tablets in field

Seeking to hire 4 technicians that will work on three different projects over the summer, investigating: 1) the long-term ecological impacts of fuel reduction treatments in the intermountain sagebrush steppe and western juniper woodlands (find out more about the project at www.sagestep.org); 2) methods to improve and streamline fuel load measurements along Potential Control Lines to support strategic pre-fire planning in sagebrush rangelands, linking on-the-ground measurements with UAV imagery; and 3) the efficacy of sagebrush restoration approaches and their success in creating functional sage-grouse habitat in post-fire landscapes.  Technicians may also work on several other USGS projects identifying strategies to control the dominance of cheatgrass and other weeds on Great Basin rangelands, restoring native species, and increasing biodiversity. Technicians will be part of a four-person team working and camping in the field together.  Crews will install monitoring transects in established long term subplots to collect botanical & fuel data & samples following established protocols.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Field work will take place throughout eastern OR, eastern WA, northern CA, southwestern ID, and northern NV, and lab/computer work will be done in Corvallis, OR.  Work is performed in a lab and field environment. Field work involves moderate or sometimes extreme exposure to the discomforts of rain, wind, & extreme cold/hot weather.  Fieldwork typically involves 5-9 consecutive days in remote field locations with workdays up to 12 hours/day.  Due to the wide geographical extent of the project, extensive travel is necessary.  Work involves camping in tents on public lands, hiking in rugged terrain, & working under extreme weather conditions.  Must know and follow personal safety precautions. If selected, you will be required to complete a pre-employment physical and must have a valid driver’s license.

Benefits:
Technicians are eligible to enroll in a Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) plan.
Technicians will receive $40/day per diem while camping.
Technicians will earn 4 hours of sick leave and 4 hours of annual leave every pay period.

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 for EACH job listed: To and From dates of employment as mm/dd/yyyy and how many hours per week you worked each job; percentage of time spent doing field survey work; percentage of time spent doing laboratory work; statement of duties; supervisor contact information. Also identify any job on resume that you received credit on a college transcript for.  Be sure to also address the additional qualifier, if applicable. Please also submit transcripts (unofficial is acceptable) to document all education used for position qualification. ALWAYS INCLUDE THE JOB# OF THE VACANCY YOU ARE APPLYING TO. Application package can be submitted electronically to email address provided below by closing date. Hard Copy applications are also accepted but must be received by the closing date. To claim 5 point Veteran’s Preference, a DD214 showing character of discharge is required. If claiming 10 point Veteran’s Preference, a SF15 with proof of claim is required.

Send Application packages to: gs_nw_fresc_jobs@usgs.gov

OR

Apply In Person At:
USGS FRESC
777 NW 9th St STE 400
CORVALLIS, OR 97330-6169

Apply By Mail To:
FRESC Jobs, USGS FRESC
777 NW 9th St STE 400
CORVALLIS, OR 97330-6169

Contact By:
Phone   (541) 750-1040
Fax     (541) 750-1066
Email   gs_nw_fresc_jobs@usgs.gov

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.   This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities