Job Announcement: Biological Science Technician GS-0404-08 USGS PATUXENT WILDLIFE RESEARCH CENTER
The U.S. Geological Survey?s Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative Northeast program will be hiring full time biological science technician to support research in amphibian populations in the northeastern United States. This is a term position: to be filled for a term of one year, renewable for up to three years. The technician will be a member of a science team conducting amphibian surveys at National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia (e.g. C&O Canal National Historic Park, Patuxent Research Refuge, Prince William Forest Park, Rock Creek Park, and Shenandoah National Park). Field work involves identifying, catching, measuring, and marking amphibians, and collecting water quality and environmental data. The technician will be required to conduct field surveys using techniques including visual encounter surveys, dip netting, stream transect searches, temporary removal sampling, and conducting a mark-recapture study using visual implant elastomer. All fieldwork will be conducted as part of teams of 2-3 people, so a demonstrated ability and desire to work effectively with a group is imperative. In addition, the technician provides support for the ARMI lead researcher by completing data processing (data entry and quality control). The technician creates summaries, and conducts preliminary analyses as directed by supervisory researchers. The technician also completes graphical presentations of field and laboratory data as needed for publication and other presentations. The position also requires database and website management. Previous field experience with amphibians common in the Northeast US is highly recommended. The position requires the use of GPS units, digital cameras, and computer software for data entry and presentation (e.g. Microsoft Excel, Access). The successful applicant may also be asked to mark amphibians with injectable florescent elastomer. Most of the work is outdoors, sometimes under harsh or hot conditions or in rain. The position requires good physical condition, as the job requires long hours in the field (including some night-time surveys) and hiking with up to 25 pounds of equipment. Some overnight travel may be required. The position will be located at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, MD, and will be advertised at the GS-08 level. Please apply for the position through the usajobs.gov website, search under position # ER-2009-0132. For more information contact: Evan Grant ([email protected]; preferred) USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center 12100 Beech Forest Road Laurel, Maryland 20708-4038
