- Agency
- USDA Agricultural Research Service
- Location
- Sidney, MT
- Job Category
- Temporary/Seasonal Positions
- Salary
- $16/hour
- Start Date
- 05/22/2023
- Last Date to Apply
- 03/20/2023
- Website
- https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/sidney-mt/northern-plains-agricultural-research-laboratory/
- Description
- The USDA, Agriculture Research Service, Northern Plains Agriculture Research Laboratory in Sidney, MT is seeking an enthusiastic and hard-working individual to assist with grasshopper and pollinator components of a larger study assessing the combined effects of cattle grazing and wildfire on grassland ecosystems in eastern Montana. Work duties will be primarily lab-focused (80%) but include assisting occasionally with insect field work (20%). The individual will enter data, sort and process pan trap and sweep-netted insect samples, pin and label insect pollinators, and assist with any other laboratory tasks required. Occasional field duties involve setting up/taking down various insect traps, sweep-netting insects, and surveying plant communities. Driving to study sites will be required and government vehicles are provided. Candidates will gain hands-on experience with entomological techniques in the lab, as well as field sampling and experimental methods, while working in a team-oriented research environment. Dates: May/June through September/October. Start and end dates depend on candidate’s availability. Housing: On-site housing is available for seasonal employees at $250-300/month, utilities, cable, and wifi included. Application process: Please send cover letter describing relevant experience or coursework, resume (including major, relevant experience/coursework, technical skills, and prior employment), and names and contact information of two references (electronically) to Josh Campbell (joshua.campbell@usda.gov). Be sure to include available start and end dates. Additional inquiries about the position can be directed to Alex Morphew (alexandra.morphew@usda.gov). Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For more information on the research program visit: www.ars.usda.gov/pa/nparl or contact us directly Title: Biological Science Aide Series: 0404 Grade: GS2 or GS3 Vacancy Announcement Number: Seasonal L/A Location: USDA-ARS Northern Plains Agricultural Research Lab, Sidney, Montana USDA is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable Accommodation: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, or have questions regarding reasonable accommodation and/or accessibility for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Disability Program Manager on 202-720-6161 or through the DC Relay Service on 202-855-1234 (TDD).
- Qualifications
- The candidate should be able to sit for long hours at a computer or a microscope in a research laboratory, have excellent attention to detail and ability to focus on repetitive tasks, walk rapidly over rangeland, be physically fit, lift up to 50lbs, able to work in difficult field conditions (hot weather, biting insects), and should not be scared, of or allergic to, bees, wasps, or grasshoppers. Willingness to work a flexible schedule depending on field and lab work requirements is a must. Valid driver’s license required. Undergraduate course work in entomology and botany, and previous field research experience working with insects in the Northern Great Plains is preferred, but not required. Must be a US citizen.
- Contact Person
- Alex Morphew- alexandra.morphew@usda.gov
- Contact eMail
- joshua.campbell@usda.gov
