2017 SUMMER JOBS IN THE SIERRA NEVADA
AMPHIBIAN CREW WANTED
Apply Immediately – Closing Date January 23, 2017
Employer: USDA Forest Service, Region 5 (Pacific Southwest)
Location: Field work is throughout the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range of
California.
Job location is Sonora, California.
Employment Duration: Most are approximately 3 months (mid-June-mid to
September); Several positions may be of longer duration.
Titles: Biological Technician (Fisheries, Wildlife)
Grade Levels: GS-04, 05, 06, 07 (Temporary 1039)
Application Period: January 17-23, 2017
Eligibility: US citizens at least 18 years of age.
Background and Job Description:
The U.S. Forest Service is hiring seasonal crew leaders and crew members
for a long-term amphibian monitoring program focusing on the Sierra Nevada
yellow-legged frog (Rana sierrae), southern mountain yellow-legged frog
(Rana muscosa), and the Yosemite toad (Bufo canorus).
These jobs will predominantly consist of field work in the Sierra Nevada
at elevations of 5,000-12,000 feet. Primary duties include locating and
traveling to selected sample sites; surveying lakes, ponds, meadows, and
streams for amphibians; and collecting habitat data. Many of the sites
will be remote, requiring backpacking trips of up to 8-days duration.
Some office work including data entry and checking is required during the
season. Some preparatory office work may be available in early season and
data entry or cleanup at the end of the season. We are looking for
applicants with a background and/or high level of interest in herpetology
and/or aquatic biology who are in good physical condition and willing to
endure high altitude, temperature extremes, rough terrain, and the
occasional mosquito (ok, maybe thousands). Backpacking and backcountry
experience, and experience in amphibian surveys and identification are
desired. Ability to get along with crew members for prolonged periods in
the backcountry is a must.
Crew leaders will supervise a 2-person crew and have additional
responsibilities helping with the general organization of work during the
season.
Application Procedure:
IMPORTANT: The US Forest Service has a new hiring procedure with a quick
turn-around time. Announcements are open in USAJOBS January 17, 2017 and
close January 23, 2017.
Interested individuals should send a brief note of inquiry and a resume to
Cathy Brown (cathybrown@fs.fed.us) with subject line reading “2017
Amphibian Monitoring Positions.” In your email specify the positions
(field technician and/or field crew leader), grade level(s), and series
(fishery, wildlife) you are applying for.
These jobs are highly competitive. Thus, you are encouraged to apply to
multiple grade levels to increase your chances of being selected. Because
amphibian expertise comes from multiple disciplines, candidates are
selected from both the FISHERIES and WILDLIFE series. Apply to the one
you think you qualify for based on your background. You are encouraged to
apply to both.
Hiring will occur through www.usajobs.gov. This year the application
period is limited to a short window from January 17-23rd, 2017.
Applications and supporting information must be submitted online by 8:59
pm Pacific Time on the closing date (Jan 23, 2017) to be considered for
employment. Late applications cannot be accepted. Be sure to attach a
resume with references and a copy of your transcripts to your USAjobs
application.
** This online USAjobs application allows you to apply for many Biological
Science Technician jobs throughout the United States. To be eligible for
the Amphibian Monitoring Crew positions, you must apply to the location
“Sonora, CA”. To do so add Sonora, CA to your desired work location in
your USAjobs profile.
NOTE: Be sure you get a confirmation that your application was received.
If you do not receive confirmation by email shortly after you apply, try
again.
Eligibility for each pay grade is based on education and/or experience and
details for each pay grade can be found in the USAjobs announcements.
Positions are open to all U.S. citizens at least 18 years of age. A valid
state driver’s license is required.
To find the job announcements enter the following announcement numbers in
the search field:
Biological Science Technician Positions [Crew Members]:
GS-4:
17-TEMP-R5-0404-4WLDF-DT BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (WILDLIFE)
17-TEMP-R5-0404-4FISH-DT BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (FISHERIES)
GS-5:
17-TEMP-R5-0404-5WLDF-DT BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICAN (WILDLIFE)
17-TEMP-R5-0404-5FISH-DT BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (FISHERIES)
Biological Science Technician Positions [Crew Leaders]:
GS-6:
17-TEMP-R5-0404-6WILD-DT BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (WILDLIFE)
17-TEMP-R5-0404-6FISH-DT BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (FISHERIES)
GS-7:
17-TEMP-R5-0404-7WILD-DT BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (WILDLIFE)
17-TEMP-R5-0404-7FISH-DT BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (WILDLIFE)
Student Hiring:
We may consider hiring students through the Student Conservation
Association Conservation (SCA) Internship program. If this is of interest
to you send a brief note of inquiry and a resume to Cathy Brown
(cathybrown@fs.fed.us) with subject line reading “2017 Amphibian
Monitoring Positions-SCA”.
This is a great employment opportunity in an incredibly beautiful
location. We are looking forward to a very busy and exceptionally fun
field season. Join us!