Research Assistant in Grassland Insect Ecology (3-4 month position)

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.  Our research

focuses on grassland insect and rangeland ecology; specifically how

interactions between grasshoppers and Mormon crickets affect Mormon cricket

and grasshopper diets, insect immunity to pathogens, and grassland health.

Work may include sampling grasshoppers and other rangeland insects in large

scale experiments, sampling rangeland plants, setting up and conducting

manipulative experiments in the field and lab.  Most field work will be

conducted in subalpine meadows at 9000 feet elevation in the Bighorn

Mountains in northern Wyoming. A willingness to drive on overnight travel to

sites in Wyoming will be required.

Salary: $11.48 =96 12.53 per hour (GS-2 =96 GS-3) dependent on experience and

education.  Dorm-style, shared housing is available on location for ~$140

per month, including utilities, internet and basic cable TV.

Dates: Starting June 11 through the end of September or October, depending

on a candidate=92s availability.

Qualifications: The candidate must be a US citizen.  Additionally, the

candidate should be physically fit, able to walk rapidly over rangeland, and

comfortable spending long hours outside at high elevation. The candidate

will need a driver=92s license.  Willingness to work long days, and some

weekends when necessary is also a must.  Undergraduate course work in

ecology, entomology, range or environmental sciences, and previous field

work experience is preferred, but not required.=20

Application process: Please send cover letter, resume, and names and contact

information of two references (electronically) to Robert Srygley

(robert.srygley@ars.usda.gov).  Be sure to include available start and end

dates. In your cover letter and please describe any experience or coursework

you have in relevant areas such as field ecology, entomology, or plant

identification In your cover letter or resume.

Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until the

position is filled. For more information on the grasshopper research program

visit: www.ars.usda.gov/pa/nparl/rsrygley or contact us directly.