Range Ecology Technician

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USDA-ARS

Burns, Oregon

Job Type: Full-Time (Seasonal)

Salary: $15.37 - $19.33 per hour

Start / End Dates: May/June 2026 to August/Sept 2026

Number of Positions Available: 3

Job Description: Techs work with the research scientists. Fieldwork consists of ecological studies with emphasis on plant succession, plant community composition, post-fire ecology, and soil surveys. Responsibilities are to assist in the collection of field data (vegetation and soils descriptions). Field work takes up about 85% of the position responsibilities.  Work is in mainly remote areas of southeastern Oregon. Office and lab work is chiefly data entry and sample processing.

Research projects include:

  • Vegetation and soil surveys, shrub steppe communities; southeast Oregon.
  • Fire ecology in juniper woodlands and sagebrush steppe; southeast Oregon.
  • Influence of fire and grazing on vegetation succession in sagebrush steppe.
  • There will be opportunities to work on other scientists’ research projects.

Qualifications / Experience Level Required:

Requirements: Undergraduates or graduates in ecology, botany, soils, wildlife, animal science or other natural resource fields. Must be able to hike over steep and rough terrain; lift/pack up to 50 lbs.; and able to squat/kneel for extended periods of time for sample collection. Expertise using spreadsheets and GIS a plus. Applicants must be US citizen, have a valid driver’s license (Real ID is now required) and pass federal background checks.

Salary, housing, etc: Depending on experience and status (graduate or undergrad); GS3 ($15.37/hr), GS4 ($17.27/hr), GS5 (19.33/hr). Hourly wages are from the 2025 pay scale – may be slightly higher in 2026. Workweek is 40 hours, consisting of 4, 10-hr days, Mon-Thur. Overtime is generally required in May and June, working into Friday. Camping out 2 to 4 nights most weeks. A food allowance of $40-60/day is provided when camping overnight in the field. Housing, Wi-Fi and utilities are provided at the research station.

Hiring: We will schedule a phone interview ASAP after receiving your application materials. Job offers are quick; often first-come, first-hired. This is a federal job so it takes up to 2-3 months to complete the hiring process.

To be hired you will need:
  • Fingerprints (instructions on electronic fingerprinting will be sent to you)
  • OF-306 Form, Declaration for Federal Employment (form will be emailed to you)
  • Social Security Card
  • Photo I.D. (real ID)
  • Transcripts (non-official is fine)

How To Apply
To Apply: Send or email letter of interest, resume, and 3 references to the address below. List any pertinent classes in rangeland science, botany, natural resources, wildlife, and soil science. USDA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

CONTACT:
John Yoder or Jon Bates
E-mail: john.yoder@usda.gov; jon.bates@oregonstate.edu
EOARC-Burns
67826-A Hwy 205,
Burns, OR 97720
Phone: 541-573-8903; 541-573-8932
Website: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/EOARC/

Housing: Yes

Contact:

John Bates

541-573-8932

jon.bates@oregonstate.edu

Apply for This Position: jon.bates@oregonstate.edu

Application Closes: Open Until Filled

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