Dear Colleagues, We are hiring for two seasonal field technician positions
based in Billings, Montana, and Fort Collins, CO. Please note that the
closing date is April 3, 2015. Detailed application instructions are
included in the position description below. Thank you for your interest,
and best wishes, Sara Simonson [email protected]
NOW HIRING – 2 POSITIONS
APPLIED RANGELAND ECOLOGY – SEASONAL FIELD TECHNICIANS
Colorado State University, Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory
In cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center
Fort Collins, Colorado
POSITION: Biological Science Technician
SALARY: approx. $12-15/hour (exact rate based on
experience)
TYPE OF APPT: Temporary, Not-to-Exceed 180 paid days during the year
following the hire date. This position begins approximately May 21, 2014
and ends approximately August 30, 2014 (can be adjusted to academic
schedule)
LOCATIONS: Billings, Montana and Fort Collins, Colorado
CLOSING DATE: April 3, 2015 (5 pm. MST), or when 2 positions are filled.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: This is a collaborative CSU-USGS project.
The goal of this project is to examine natural and anthropogenic factors
influencing the composition and condition of rangeland ecosystems within
the Greater Yellowstone River watershed (south-central Montana). The focus
of this project is development of tools and relationships that NPS
(National Park Service) resource managers can use to evaluate the condition
of NPS managed rangelands. The incumbents will sample managed, natural
rangelands at the ecotone between sagebrush steppe and northern mixed-grass
prairies across southern Montana. Familiarity with northern mixed-grass
plant species is a plus. The incumbents will be trained in the use of
existing sampling protocols.
Training and/or experience in plant identification, including scientific
nomenclature and dichotomous keys, is an asset. Individuals with specific
knowledge of plant species occurring in shrub-steppe and semi-arid
grassland habitats are desired.
DUTIES: Technicians will locate and establish sampling sites and identify
and measure vegetation across a variety of shrub-steppe habitats in
southeastern Montana. This will require working long hours in the field,
camping at remote, undeveloped sites for up to a week at a time, living and
working closely with fellow employees, and tolerating potentially adverse
environmental conditions.
General duties may include: (1) operating 4 wheel-drive vehicles on
undeveloped roads and hauling a camping trailer; (2) navigating with maps,
a compass, GPS technology, and GIS software; (3) hiking to and from
vegetation sampling sites; (4) accurately surveying and delineating sample
units using compass and GPS; (5) using plant taxonomic keys, field guides,
and sampling protocols to accurately identify and measure native and
invasive plants; and (6) entering data into Excel and Access databases.
Previous skills and experience doing one or more of the above tasks,
especially experience identifying and measuring native and invasive plants
using scientific nomenclature, plant taxonomic keys, field guides, and
sampling protocols, will qualify for greater pay-grade.
Additional skills that will benefit your application and pay-grade include:
(7) assisting with the development and planning of work schedules; and (8)
maintaining data and protocol consistency.
Experience to support the primary task of identifying and measuring native
and invasive plants, especially those occurring in shrub-steppe ecosystems,
is most vital among these skills.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Field work will be strenuous at times. Position demands
hiking moderate distances in varying temperature, carrying equipment, using
sharp tools, and lifting objects weighing up to 40 pounds. Most work will
be in the field where the incumbent may encounter hot, dry and windy
conditions as well as sudden rain and snow storms, biting insects, and
other potential hazards typical of eastern Montana.
QUALIFICATIONS: Experience or education beyond high school as described
below is required:
6 months field experience OR 2 years sub-professional experience OR 1 year
college study related to biology. (Sub-professional experience is defined
as technical work performed in support of field or laboratory investigation
relating to the biological sciences which provided basic knowledge or
skills in gathering, recording, and assembling scientific data; using
scientific instruments; setting up and operating test apparatus; and
manipulating quantitative data. Experience may include assisting
professional employee in such duties.) Satisfactory completion of a field
course in biology may be substituted for the 3 months of field and/or
laboratory experience.
All Grades: A current driver’s license is required. You will have to pass a
USGS safe vehicle operations course to operate a Federally-owned vehicle.
BASIS OF EVALUATION: All applicants will be evaluated on the basis of
education and experience (including unpaid or volunteer experience).
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the
closing date of this announcement.
The U.S. Geological Survey and Colorado State University are an Equal
Opportunity Employers. Selection for these positions will be based solely
on merit, fitness, and qualifications without regard to race, sex, color,
religion, age, marital status, national origin, non-disqualifying handicap
conditions, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factors
Applications must be received by email by the closing date on the
announcement to be considered.
APPLY: Please refer to details requested at the end of this announcement.
Submit the following items as your application: (a) resume, (b) submit
college transcripts (unofficial is acceptable) specifying title of
coursework, completion date, semester or quarter hours earned by course
title, and grade earned, and (c) a letter of interest highlighting your
qualifications. If references are not included in your resume, please
attach at least two (2) references (who are not family members).
Questions and Applications may be addressed to (digital attachments are
encouraged):
And,
Steven Garman
Research Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey
Geoscience and Environmental Change
Science Center,
Denver Federal Center, Bldg. 25,
Denver, CO 80225
Email: [email protected]
Daniel Manier
Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey
Adjunct, Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability
Fort Collins Science Center 2150 Center Ave., Bldg. C, Fort Collins, CO
80526-8118
Email: [email protected]
YOU MAY CALL WITH QUESTIONS.
Steve’s phone: 303.236.1353
Dan’s Phone: 970.226.9466
Within your application materials, the following basic information should
be included:
JOB INFORMATION:
-Cover letter and resume
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
-Full name, mailing address (with zip code) and day and evening phone
numbers (with area code)
-Highest Federal civilian grade held (also give job series and dates held)
EDUCATION:
-High School (name, address, including zip code if known)
-Colleges and universities (address including zip code if known)
-Majors
-type and year of any degrees received (if no degree, show total credits
earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hours)
-Send a copy of your college transcripts or list of college courses
completed. Specify title of course, semester or quarter hours earned for
each course, date completed, grade earned.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
-Give the following information on your paid and unpaid work experience
related to the job:
-Job Title (include series and grade if Federal job)
-Duties and accomplishments
-Employer’s name and address
-Supervisor’s name and phone numbers
-Starting and ending dates (MONTH, DATE and YEAR)
-HOURS PER WEEK
-Salary
-Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:
-Job-related training courses (title, length, date taken)
-Job-related skills (i.e., other languages, computer software/hardware,
tools, machinery, typing speed, first aid, etc.
-Job-related certificates and licenses (current only)
-Job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments (i.e.,
publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership
activities, public speaking, and performance awards). Give details but do
not send documents unless requested.
