POSITION: Biological Science Technician (Plants), GG-404-4/5
Or Range Technician, GS-454-4/5
SALARY: $13.18 to $14.74 per hour
TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Temporary 180 day appointment
STARTING DATE: 05/25/09 or possibly earlier depending on availability
NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 4
LENGTH OF POSITION: 3-6 months, contingent on budget. Not to exceed
09/30/09, but extension possible
TOUR OF DUTY: Full Time, with possible periods of part-time and
intermittent work.
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: All U.S. citizens-ALL APPLICANTS MUST BE UNITED
STATES CITIZENS
LOCATION: US Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Great Basin
Ecology Laboratory, Reno, Nevada
DUTIES (specific): Technicians will work on a Joint Fire Science Program
funded project to investigate the ecological impacts of fuel reduction
treatments in the intermountain sagebrush steppe/pinyon-juniper woodlands.
To find out more about the project go to (www.sagestep.org). Duties include
identifying plants to species, performing various vegetation sampling
techniques, soil sampling, accurately recording data, driving on poor and
sometimes muddy roads, collection of GPS and photo points, and processing
plant and soil samples in the laboratory.
Field work will take place in Eastern Nevada, and lab work will be done
in Reno, Nevada. Technicians will be part a five to six person team
working in the field together. Field work will involve exposure to
extreme temperature and weather conditions, and extended stays (up to 10
days) in remote locations (backcountry camping). Candidates will be chosen
based on their combination of experience and education. Preferred
candidates will have experience in plant identification, especially within
the Great Basin. Travel expenses will be covered by the projects using
either standard federal per diem or a camp rate per diem.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work involves long hours spent standing,
bending, and walking, often over rough terrain requiring 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 the day, and will vary
during the employment term with weather and field conditions. Core hours
will typically be 8am - 5pm.
HOW TO APPLY: Applicants can apply in two ways. Those enrolled at least ½
time in a college or university may apply directly by submitting the
following: 1) your résume, 2) a copy of you college transcripts (unofficial
acceptable) to document all education used for position qualification. And
3) an official letter from your Admissions Office documenting your
enrollment status. Submit these to:
Robin J. Tausch
Research Range Scientist
US Forest Service,
Rocky Mountain Research Station
920 Valley Road
Reno, Nevada 89512
Phone: 775-784-5329
Fax: 775-784-4583
Email: [email protected]
For those who do not qualify as a student you may apply through USAJobs
through the nationwide announcements for Biological Science Technician,
Plants or the Range Technician options. Be sure to specify Reno, Nevada as
your requested duty station.
