USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, Morgantown, WV

Job Title:  Field Technicians/Botanists (3 positions)
Series and Grade: 0404 and GS 3 or 4, Temporary (about $10.46 -- $11.78/hr)
Location (Duty Station):  Morgantown, WV
Time Period:  Mid-May - mid August, 2012, possible extensions through September

Duties:  The selected persons will assist in surveying 56 research plots for 
three invasive plant species.  The goal of this project is to evaluate invasive 
species growth and survival in sites with 1) no treatment, 2) prescribed burn, 
3) shelterwood harvest, and 4) diameter-limit harvest, all with and without 
deer herbivory control. The research plots are located in WV, OH, and VA.  A 
second project will require re-sampling 30 closed-canopy forests in WV that are 
90+ years old.  A third project consists of re-sampling the understory 
vegetation at three sites in northern PA.  These sites are part of an 
experiment testing for the effects of fencing, fire, herbicide, and harvesting 
on understory plants.

While botanical and taxonomic skills are not required, a strong interest in 
understory vegetation is necessary.  Good orienteering skills are desired.  
There may be a need to re-establish some plots which could require carrying 
relatively heavy equipment.  Those selected may also help with 
greenhouse/growth chamber/common garden studies, enter data, and mount 
herbarium specimens.

The selected persons must be willing to relocate to Morgantown, WV.  They must 
also be a licensed driver, willing to travel extensively (with reimbursement 
and in provided government vehicles), and able to drive 4WD vehicles.  
Willingness to work in rough terrain and in over-grown vegetation with the 
possibility of encountering insects, ticks, snakes, and black bears, as well as 
in all kinds of weather is required.  The persons should also work well 
independently as well as with others.

Application Procedure: The vacancy announcements for these positions are posted 
at www.usajobs.gov<http://www.usajobs.gov/> under  OCRT-404-3-General-DT and 
OCRT-404-4-Plant-DT. These are Open Continuous vacancy announcements. Those 
that wish to be considered for these positions must apply by March 1, 2012.  
The Referral Lists will be issued on approximately March 2, 2012.  All 
qualified applicants who have applied to the announcement on or before March 1, 
2012 will be considered.  Before applying, you will need to set up your profile 
in AVUE at https://www.avuedigitalservices.com/usfs/applicant.html and click on 
Sign up.  Be sure to include WV in your desired localities and to apply to both 
the 03 and 04 if you wish to be considered for both grade levels.  Please also 
submit your resume to Dr. Cynthia Huebner, USDA Forest Service, Northern 
Research Station, 180 Canfield St., Morgantown, WV 26505, 
[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>; (304) 285-1582 by March 1, 2012 
or preferably earlier so that your application status can be confirmed.

If you are a student and will be a student next year, you can apply directly as 
part of the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP).  Please provide a 
CV/resume, letter from your college/university confirming your student status, 
and copies of your transcripts to: Dr. Cynthia Huebner, USDA Forest Service, 
Northern Research Station, 180 Canfield St., Morgantown, WV 26505, 
[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>; (304) 285-1582. Please also 
apply through AVUE as described above.

Contact Dr. Huebner if you have questions.


Cynthia D. Huebner, PhD
Supervisory Research Botanist
Ecology and Management of Invasive Species and Forest Ecosystems
USDA Forest Service
Northern Research Station
180 Canfield St.
Morgantown, WV 26505-3180
(304) 285-1582 (phone)
(304) 285-1505 (fax)
[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
http://nrs.fs.fed.us/people/chuebner

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