Summer job – Biological Science Technician
Forest Ecology/ Forestry/ Fire research
The U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station anticipates
filling four temporary positions for the summer of 2012 (approximately
late May/early June through late August to mid September - start and end
dates somewhat flexible and an extended season may be an option) to assist
with forestry and forest ecology research. The duty station for the
positions will be Pinecrest, California, 35 miles east of Sonora in the
central Sierra Nevada. Three crew members will be hired at the GS-4 level
($14.36/hour), and one, the crew leader, will be hired at the GS-5 level
($16.06/hour).
Job description: Successful applicants will assist with forestry and
forest ecology/fire ecology-related research projects in the Stanislaus-
Tuolumne Experimental Forest. The primary focus during the summer of 2012
will be a new study of thinning and prescribed burning treatments designed
to restore the complexity and diversity once found in these forests.
Duties will include collecting data on understory vegetation, fuels, and
canopy conditions, as well as basic forest inventory using compass, prism,
diameter tapes, laser rangefinders and other tools.
The Stanislaus-Tuolumne Experimental Forest is in a spectacular
location just west of the Emigrant Wilderness and north of Yosemite
National Park. These jobs are an excellent opportunity for students or
recent college graduates interested in gaining field experience.
Employees are paid for federal holidays and accrue vacation time (4 hours
per two week pay period). Shared housing in a nearby community is an
option (cost approx. $7/day), and transportation from housing to work
locations will be provided.
Qualifications:
o GS-4: some undergraduate coursework in forestry, ecology, botany,
natural resources, biology or a related field. specifically relating to
the position; GS-5: Bachelor’s degree, or one year experience at the GS-4
level.
o Ability to identify forest trees and understory plants to species
(training will be provided for those not familiar with the local flora)
o Must be physically fit and capable of hiking long distances over
difficult terrain
o Enjoys being outdoors, and can deal with inclement weather and bugs
o Valid driver’s license
o Capable of living and working closely together with others
To apply: GS-4 positions: Must be a continuing or new student (i.e.
intending to enroll for at least 9 units in the fall of 2012.). Please
send a resume, prior to March 15, 2012, listing all recent job experience,
scholastic experience, major, GPA, and the title, names, email addresses
and phone numbers of at least three professional references to: Eric Knapp
(ekn...@fs.fed.us).
GS-5: position: Apply at www.usajobs.gov. To find the job announcement,
type: “Biological Science Technician (Natural Resources)” in the “What”
box. Leave the “Where” box blank. Scroll down to vacancy announcement
indicating a salary of $31,315: OCRT-0404-5-NATRES-DT, Forest Service
locations (Nationwide). When applying, you must select Pinecrest, CA as
one of the duty stations you would like to be considered for. This is an
Open Continuous vacancy announcement with no closing date, but those
wishing to be considered for these positions must apply before March 15,
2012. All who have applied on March 14 or before and are found to be
qualified will be referred for consideration. For more information about
either job, please contact Eric Knapp at (530) 226-2555 or
ekn...@fs.fed.us.
