Fall-Winter Research Assistant: Sustainable Agriculture and Grassland Conservation
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 to assist with processing of insect samples from research projects focused on developing ecologically-based, sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches to pest management and insect conservation in the dominant crop and grassland systems of the Northern Plains. Projects include studies of the influence of landscape structure and drought on pest insects and their natural enemies (e.g. ladybeetles, parasitoid wasps), and the impacts of oil development and other management practices on grasshopper communities. The duties of this position will primarily entail laboratory work, to sort, count and identify insects from samples collected from wheat, alfalfa and rangeland. Rearing insects and/or growing plants in growth chambers or greenhouse may additionally be involved. The position will also involve helping with routine maintenance of the workspace (i.e. organizing samples and supplies, washing laboratory equipment, etc.). The successful candidate will gain hands on experience with insect sample processing and identification, as well as the chance to work with the diverse insect fauna across three major systems in a team oriented research environment. Salary: $11.17 (GS-2) or $12.19 (GS-3) per hour depending on experience and education. The candidate will receive overtime pay when working above 40 hours a week. Housing is not covered, but dorm-style shared housing is available on location for $131 per month, including utilities. Dates: We are looking for an individual who can work at least 3 months and up to 7 months during the period from October through April. Please specify your available start and end dates in your application. Qualifications: The candidate must be a US citizen. Must be able to rapidly learn new skills, remain focused in a shared work environment and be comfortable working long hours at repetitive tasks in the lab. Undergraduate course work in ecology or entomology, and previous field and lab work experience is preferred, but not required. Application process: Please send cover letter, resume and names and contact information of two references (electronically) to Dr. Tatyana Rand ([email protected]). Evaluation of applications will begin immediately, and continue until the position is filled. Please note that due to long processing times for federal hiring, there will be a minimum of 5-weeks delay between selection of the successful candidate and receipt of all their final application materials, and the actual start date of work at the lab. For more information on the application process or our research program visit our website at www.ars.usda.gov/npa/nparl or contact us directly.
