The Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center (USGS) is recruiting a temporary Biological Science Technician to perform technical field and laboratory work supporting scientists in a research and monitoring program focusing on the ecology of riparian plants and the impacts of dam management on riparian ecosystems. The person who fills this position will help with riparian vegetation sampling along the Colorado River in Glen and Grand Canyons, as well as do data entry and collection management.
This position requires a strong background in plant identification and experience identifying southwestern plants in the field. Field work is conducted along the Colorado River below Glen Canyon dam, which will be very hot and potentially very rainy for most of the field season. Additionally, this person needs to be available to start work on Aug. 10 and be able to be in the field for all of the following dates: Aug 11- 14 Aug. 25 - Sept 11 Sept 22 - Oct 9 *Location:* Flagstaff, AZ; fieldwork in Glen Canyon NRA and Grand Canyon National Park *Compensation and Timeline:* Start Date: Aug.10, 2015 End Date: Dec. 11, 2015 Rate of Pay: GS-4 or 5, depending on experience, $13.68 per hr/15.31 per hr *Duties:* - Assists in field sampling of riparian vegetation and associated environmental attributes of the Colorado River ecoregion with accuracy and precision using specialized techniques at pre-selected study sites under the supervision of a field crew leader. - Assists in identification of native and non-native plant species and collects vegetation and ground cover data using visual estimates. - Prepares a variety of samples, enters and organizes data on a Windows-based computer using spreadsheets and an Access database. - Creates herbarium quality plant collections and identifies collected plant species in the lab using a dichotomous key. *About the position:* - THIS IS A TEMPORARY, EXCEPTED SERVICES POSITION for which all qualified applicants, with or without Federal status, may apply and be considered. - Appointment is time-limited, not to exceed 180 days or 12 months. Appointment may be renewed for an additional 180 days/12 months contingent on funding and project needs. - Appointment does not convey permanent or preferential hiring status in the Federal Service. *Required skills:* - Practical knowledge of the processes, methods and procedures of biological science and ecology in both laboratory and field environments. - Knowledge of routine field data collection and documentation procedures using Windows-based data management tools (e.g., Excel). - Knowledge of common native and non-native plant species in northern Arizona. - Demonstrated skill in software tools used to enter, archive and manage data. - Skill in operating, maintaining and servicing a variety of biological recording and measuring instruments in both field and laboratory environments. - Incumbent must be able to withstand hiking, carrying loads and working in remote field locations for as long as 17 continuous days. *Job credentials:* - A bachelor's degree in a biological science discipline, or a combination of education and field and/or lab experience that is comparable in type, scope and thoroughness to the educational requirements. Course work in botany and ecology is preferred. - Applicants must have a valid driver's license and good driving record. Applicants must pass a background check to determine suitability for employment with the federal government. *How to Apply*: Apply by email to Emily Palmquist ([email protected]) by *July 3, 2015* Please provide: - Resume - Cover letter - College transcripts (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable but if selected, applicant will be asked to provide official transcripts). If claiming Veteran’s Preference, please provide a DD-214. If claiming 10-point preference, please include an SF-15.
