Job Description: The USDA, Agriculture Research Service, Northern Plains Agriculture Research Laboratory in Sidney, MT is seeking an enthusiastic and hard-working individual to serve as a biological science aide. Project research examines the effects of fire and livestock grazing on grasshopper populations, rangeland insect biodiversity, and rangeland vegetation; the impact of grasshopper herbivory on interactions between native and exotic plants; and climate effects on grasshopper populations. Work may include sampling and catching grasshoppers and other rangeland insects, vegetation clipping and sampling, and site setup in the field. It will also include work in the laboratory rearing grasshoppers and sorting insect and vegetation catches. Most field work will be conducted in the Little Missouri National Grassland in western North Dakota and at Ft. Keogh near Miles City, Montana. Some overnight travel will be required.
Job title, Grade & Salary: Biological Science Aide GS 0404/3 at $11.95/hour Dates: This is a 10 or 11 week appointment with a start date of May 24, 2010. Shared accommodation is available at a cost of $150.00 for an 8-week period. Qualifications: The candidate must be physically fit, and comfortable spending long hours outside in sometimes uncomfortable field conditions (hot, biting insects etc.) Willingness to work long days, and weekends when necessary is also a must. Candidate must have 1 academic year of education above the high school level or 6 months of general experience, or an equivalent combination of both. Undergraduate course work in ecology, entomology, range or environmental sciences, and previous field or lab work experience is preferred. Application process: If you are interested in applying for this position, please send a cover letter explaining your interest in the job, relevant experience and education; a resume (CV); names and contact information of two professional references and unofficial transcripts (electronically) to Nicole Davidson ([email protected]). Unofficial transcripts can be mailed separately if not in electronic form. Evaluation of applications will begin March 22, 2010 and continue until the position is filled. For more information on our research program visit our website at: www.ars.usda.gov/npa/nparl/dbranson or contact us directly. Mailing Address: Nicole Davidson USDA,ARS 1500 N. Central Ave. Sidney, MT 59270 406-433-2020
