Plant Protection & Quarantine Aid/Technician

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USDA

Baker City, Burns, Hermiston, John Day, La Grande, Madras, Pendleton, Prineville, Ontario, Vale, Oregon

Job Type: Full-Time (Seasonal)

Salary: $17.45-$19.52

Start / End Dates: 04-06-26 to 09-18-26

Job Description: The USDA is seeking qualified and self-motivated individual to work as seasonal technician (temporary, full-time position). Employees will begin work on April 6th, 2026, and end around late August or mid-September 2026. We will begin interviewing candidates as resumes are received, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. After February 27th, please call (503) 820-2746 to inquire about potential vacancies.

Duties: These position(s) conduct nymphal and adult grasshopper and Mormon cricket surveys; may assist in environmental monitoring; may assist with grasshopper and Mormon cricket suppression programs; carry out biological control programs; release biological control agents; typically set, service and remove traps in Oregon; navigate with paper and electronic maps;  plan routes, follow trap assignment maps, assemble traps, contact property owners, prepare weekly reports, use data collection application on iPhone, upload trapping data to database, communicate regularly and as directed by supervisor, assist with additional programs as needed and other duties as assigned. The following abilities are important: work independently, prioritize work, good verbal communication skills, ability, and willingness to interact with public, learn simple insect and plant identification, practice safe driving habits, drive up to 250-500 miles per week, work outdoors in rugged terrain and seasonal weather, and commitment to work through the season. This position requires a very responsible individual.

Most of the work will involve frequent (weekly) extended overnight travel across central and eastern Oregon. Work hours will be Monday – Friday from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.  While in official travel status, a government vehicle will be provided, hotel expenses will be paid by the employer, and meals will be reimbursed. Most of the duties require working independently, without direct supervision, often in rural areas; while maintaining contact with supervisor and field personnel.

TO APPLY:   Provide your transcripts and resume (no more than two pages) that include detailed tasks, responsibilities, and other experience. Describe years/months of previous positions. For example: hours per week (Aug 2023 – May 2024 roughly 20 hours per week). Please indicate on your resume you are applying for the eastern/central Oregon position.

  • The Resume must be signed and dated.
  • Complete, sign and submit Optional Form 306 (Declaration for Federal Employment). To obtain an OF306, visit the web site above or https://www.opm.gov/forms/optional-forms/
  • Submit college transcripts (from the college- not the internet) if applicable.
  • Submit application forms (two page resume and OF306) to Jake Bodart at the Portland APHIS office. Application packets must be received by close of business on February 27th, 2026.
  • Selected applicants must provide Official Fingerprints for background check and must pass USDA Security Awareness Training prior to employment. Defensive Driver Training must be completed prior to operating a government vehicle.
  • If you have any questions about the position or would like to request an application packet please call or email the contact office listed above for more information.
  • Mail or email your completed resume and transcripts to the contact office listed above. Be sure to include your e-mail address. Call if you have questions.

Qualifications / Experience Level Required:

For GS-4: Successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 8 semester hours in courses such as biology, plant pathology, entomology, zoology, botany, forestry, chemistry, agriculture, or physics.

For GS-5: Successful completion of 4 years of study that included at least 16 semester hours in courses such as biology, plant pathology, entomology, zoology, botany, forestry, chemistry, agriculture, or physics.

OR COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE AS FOLLOWS

General Experience: 6 months – (1) Any type of work which demonstrates the applicant’s ability to perform the work of the position or (2) experience which provided a familiarity with the subject matter or process of the broad subject area of the occupation.

Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): 6 months qualifying specialized experience must have provided familiarity with the methods, procedures, and techniques involved in inspecting, detecting, identifying, eradicating, suppressing, or controlling plant pests, and in the enforcement of Federal and State quarantines. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include:
  • Inspecting nursery plants for the presence of a specific plant pest.
  • Surveying areas for specific plant pests or for the presence of alternate plant hosts.
  • Developing rough maps showing control or eradication treatment completed, areas surveyed, or pest finds located.
  • Performing survey control or eradication procedures in a local pest control program.
  • Answering questions regarding plant pest control procedures, harmful side-effects of pesticides to other living organisms, etc.
  • Inspecting vehicles in the enforcement of plant quarantine regulations.
  • Performing laboratory work involved with raising and/or sterilizing various insects.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
  • Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Applicant must have a valid state driver’s license and a good driving record.
  • Applicant must be able to communicate verbally in a tactful way to the public.
  • Applicant must reside in assigned area.
  • All males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service Board. Applicants selected for Federal positions will be required to complete a background information form before entering on duty.

Housing: No

Contact:

Jake Bodart

503-820-2746

jake.bodart@usda.gov

Apply for This Position: https://www.opm.gov/forms/optional-forms/

Application Closes: 02/27/26

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