GG-404-5 Field Technicians
Salary: $17.32 per hour
Vacancy # SRFS-20-001
Opens: 12/09/2019 Closes: 01/03/2020
Duration of job: April 20, 2020 through approx. August 30, 2020
Type of appointment: Temporary – Fulltime, with possible periods of PT or Intermittent work.
Duty Station: Corvallis, OR.
Must have 9 months of field experience OR 3 years of sub-professional work experience OR 3 years of college with courses related to the work of the position to be filled (equivalent to 120 semester/180 quarter hrs) plus 3 months of lab or field work experience. In addition, incumbents must have at least 3 months of experience identifying plants in the field. Incumbents with no experience will not be considered.
DUTIES: Technicians will work on a project to investigate the ecological impacts of fuel reduction treatments in the intermountain sagebrush steppe and western juniper woodlands. To find out more about the project go to (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.sagestep.org&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Cf244167c1eb342be707b08d77eec0bc5%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637117424591029193&sdata=j6PXQDPpwZ1m%2F6ccaVcRskkJ73uWM1onGQi5BTZPW3A%3D&reserved=0). Technicians will also work on a project looking at the efficacy of sagebrush restoration approaches and their success in creating functional sage-grouse habitat in post-fire landscapes. Technician may also work on several other USGS-BRD projects identifying strategies to control the dominance of cheatgrass and other weeds on Great Basin rangelands, restoring native species, and increasing biodiversity.
DUTIES (specific): Performs the following and similar types of routine tasks to support research on ecology and restoration of the sagebrush steppe:
• Identifying plants to species (up to 250 different species)
• Monitoring native grasses, forbs, and shrub germination and density
• Performing various vegetation cover and fuel load sampling techniques
• Collection of GPS and photo points
• Driving on poor and sometime muddy roads
• Collection of soil cores and plant samples
• Accurately recording data
• Processing plant samples and soil cores in the laboratory
• Data entry
• Operates 4-wheel drive vehicles.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Field work will take place throughout eastern Oregon including Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, eastern Washington, northern California, southwestern Idaho, northern Nevada, and lab/computer work will be done in Corvallis, Oregon. Technicians will be part a four to five person team working in the field together. Field work will involve exposure to extreme temperatures and weather conditions. Candidates will be chosen based on their combination of experience and education. Preferred candidates will have experience in plant identification, especially within the Great Basin. Travel expenses will be covered by the projects using either standard federal per diem or a camp rate per diem.
Fieldwork will typically involve 5-10 consecutive days of work in remote field locations, with work days up to 12 hours/day. Because of the wide geographical extent of this project, extensive travel is necessary. Work will involve camping in tents on public lands, hiking in rugged terrain, and working under extreme weather conditions. Must have a valid driver’s license. Taking and passing a background investigation and pre-employment medical examination at Federal expense is a required due to the physical demands of this job.
The jobs will be posted on the internet at the following site. Make sure to indicate in your application the Job # SRFS-20-001. All applicants must apply by following the instructions stated below. Application instructions can also be found in the job announcement at the following website:
Opens: 12/09/2019 Closes: 01/03/2020
Posting # 2499240
Agency Job # SRFS-20-001
HOW TO APPLY: Submit one of the following forms of application: (a) résumé OR (b) OF-612, Optional Application for Federal Employment, OR (c) other written format. IF SUBMITTING A RESUME be sure to include the following for EACH job listed: To and From dates of employment as mm/dd/yyyy and how many hours per week you worked each job; percentage of time spent doing field survey work; percentage of time spent doing laboratory work; statement of duties; supervisor contact information. Be sure to also address the additional qualifier, if applicable. Please also submit transcripts (unofficial is acceptable) to document all education used for position qualification. ALWAYS INCLUDE THE JOB# OF THE VACANCY YOU ARE APPLYING TO (SRFS-20-001). Application package can be submitted electronically to email address provided below by closing date. Hard Copy applications are also accepted but must be received by the closing date. To claim 5 point Veteran’s Preference, a DD214 showing character of discharge is required. If claiming 10 point Veteran’s Preference, a SF15 with proof of claim is required.
The USGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, fitness, and qualifications without regard to race, sex, color, religion, age, marital status, national origin, non-disqualifying handicap conditions, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factors. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities
For more information and to apply please contact:
Michelle Schatz – USGS FRESC HQ – for application questions
Ph. (541)750-1040 OR Email: gs_nw_fresc_jobs@usgs.gov
For more information about the position please contact:
Scott Shaff
Ph. (541) 750-0942 OR Email: sshaff@usgs.gov