The Ottawa National Forest (Ironwood, MI) is seeking four people for summer work performing invasive plant treatments and educating recreational boaters about aquatic invasive species during the 2010 field season (approximately May through August). Pay range: $13.41 to $15.00 per hour.
Two positions will be primarily treating and mapping invasive plant infestations. Work schedule would be Monday to Thursday, 10-hour days. Two positions will be a mix of invasive plant treatments and boater education. Work schedule would be Wednesday to Saturday, 10-hour days. *Description of work:* Invasive plant work will be conducted along roads and various habitat types. Infestations targeted for treatment in 2010 include garlic mustard, purple loosestrife, Japanese barberry, exotic honeysuckles, and exotic buckthorns. Methods to be used include herbicide application, hand-pulling, weed-whacking, cutting, and digging. The work involved is strenuous. Employees should be able to a carry a 3-gallon backpack sprayer over long distances in difficult terrain. Employees will be required to wear personal protective equipment such as hard hats, and for chemical applications, gloves, eye protection and disposable Tyvek suits. All four employees will be expected to pass a written test to become certified Michigan pesticide applicators (test preparation time will be allowed at the start of the position). Boater education would occur primarily on Fridays and Saturdays. Two employees will take a portable boat washer (similar to the one pictured below) to public boat launches and other public locations. At these sites, employees will engage recreational boaters and other visitors in conversations about aquatic invasive species (e.g., Eurasian watermilfoil, spiny waterflea) and actions that people can take to prevent the spread of these harmful organisms. Among the most important of these actions is for people to inspect and clean their boats and trailers whenever they move among waterways. Employees will also demonstrate boat washing procedures and help visitors clean their boats using the portable washer. This work will require good communication skills and willingness to interact with a diverse array of visitors. Employees will also collect data on number of visitors contacted, visitor awareness of aquatic invasive species, boat usage patterns, and if any plants or animals were detected during cleaning. At the GS-5 level, the employee will usually serve as the crew leader for a small crew of other employees and/or volunteers, and will summarize and analyze weed data, prepare summary reports, and make recommendations for future weed eradication projects. The duty location is Ironwood, Michigan. Work will occur across the Ottawa National Forest with transportation to work sites provided. Government housing is not available. *Qualifications & Pay* GS-4. $13.41 per hour, three positions. GS-04 positions require two years of education beyond the high school level with courses related to the position OR 1 year of experience which included at least 6 months of specialized experience. Combinations of education and experience may be used to qualify. GS-5. $15.00 per hour, one position, Monday-Thursday invasive plant work. GS-05 positions require four years of education beyond the high school level leading to a Bachelor's degree, or a Bachelor's degree with courses related to the position, OR 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least a GS-04. Combinations of education and experience may be used to quality. To be considered for both the GS-4 and GS-5 you must submit two applications. Please review the lengthier qualifications required given in the vacancy announcements online. A valid state drivers license is required for all positions. Candidates should have clothing and footwear for fieldwork. *How to apply* Interested applicants can apply on-line at www.usajobs.gov. Applicants must respond to one or both of the these vacancy announcement numbers: TEMP-OCR-404-4-PLANT (for the GS-4 positions) TEMP-OCR-404-5-PLANT (for the GS-5 position) Applicants must select Ironwood, Michigan, as the duty station. Applications must be submitted electronically by March 19, 2010, to be considered. *STUDENTS: *One or more positions may also be filled through the Student Temporary Employment Program. If you are a current college student, and will return to school in the fall, you may be able to apply through this method. Contact Ian Shackleford at phone number below for more information. No applications can be accepted at local offices. If you have any additional questions regarding this employment opportunity, please contact: Ian Shackleford Ottawa National Forest E 6248 US 2, Ironwood, MI 49938 (906) 932-1330 ext. 331 [email protected] *Description of the duty location (Ironwood, Michigan):* Government housing is not available. Apartment and small house rentals are available in the local community for approximately $300 to $500 per month. Ironwood, Bessemer, Wakefield, Ramsay, and Hurley are within 20 miles. There is limited public transportation available. Grocery and department stores and medical facilities are available in the Ironwood area. For more information, visit the Ottawa National Forest web page ( www.fs.usda.gov/ottawa) or call Ian Shackleford (906-932-1330 ext. 331).
