Job title: Biological Science Aide

Series/Grade: GS-0404-03/04

Start Date: 1 February 2021

Position Length: 6 months to 9 months

Location: Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center

Number of Positions: three

Duties:

Aide will work with Ecologists and Range Technicians. Fieldwork is based in ecological studies with emphasis on revegetation of sagebrush steppe plant communities as well as the effects of grazing in existing communities. Topics of study include: studying the long-term effects of grazing on soils and arthropod communities, determining attributes of high quality seed, and using vegetative growth as a restoration technology. Responsibilities are to assist in the collection of field and laboratory data. Fieldwork takes up about 50% of the position responsibilities. Laboratory work consists of arthropod id, biomass separation and weighing, seed quality assessment, data entry and photographic analysis.

Requirements:

Undergraduate studies in range, soils, wildlife, or other natural resource fields preferred; those with related experience or education will be considered. Must be able to lift objects that weigh up to 50 pounds and kneel/squat for extended periods of time for sample collection. Must have a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license and be able to operate motor vehicles.

Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions (both heat and cold). Must be able to hike over rugged and steep terrain. Must to be at least 16 years of age. Must be a citizen of the United States of America.

GS-3: 6 months of general experience, which demonstrates the ability to perform the work of the position; OR Successful completion of 1 year of post-high school study that included at least 6 semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics.

GS-4: 6 months of general AND 6 months of specialized experience; OR successful completion of 2 years of post-high school study that included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture or mathematics of which 6 semester hours of courses relate directly to the duties of the position (plant biology, range/ecology, or natural resource management).

General experience: must have demonstrated the ability to perform the work of the position or provided a familiarity with the subject matter.

Specialized experience: must have been at least equivalent to the GS-03 grade level in the Federal Service.

Salary: $13.32 to $14.95 per hour depending on experience and/or education. Workweek is typically 40 hours but some longer weeks will be expected. Housing potentially provided.

To Apply:

Send an email with Ãf¢ÒÂEURÃ’ÂoeBiological Science AideÃf¢ÒÂEURҝ in the title to elsie.denton@usda.gov  AND elsie.denton@oregonstate.edu by 20 Dec 2020. Email should include: cover letter, ONE PAGE resume, and college transcripts. List any pertinent classes in rangeland science, botany, soils, wildlife, natural resources, etc. Applications that go to only one email address will not be considered.

USDA-ARS is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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