Biological Field Technician

Dept./Agency: DOI, U.S. Geological Survey, Forest & Rangeland Ecosystem
Science Center

Series/Grade: GG-0404-04; full-time, temporary position ($13.41/hr, plus
$18/day field per diem)

Length of Appointment: approximately 6/05/11 through 8/27/11 (end-date
flexible).

Description: A biological field technician is needed to assist with
dendrochronological sampling in aspen woodlands in the mountains of northern
Nevada (Jarbidge, Ruby, and Santa Rosa Mountains), as a part of a project to
assess aspen dynamics in relation to aspen-associated bird communities.
Sampling in these scenic mountain woodlands is a great way to spend the
summer! The work will consist of collecting tree cores for aspen age data
using an increment borer and other dendrochronology equipment, as well as
some general vegetation sampling. Work will include driving 4-wheel drive
vehicles, hiking over rugged terrain, and navigating in a remote mountainous
landscape with GPS units and GIS software. Electronic entry of field data
using PCs and PDAs will be required. Field conditions involve exposure to
wind, dust, extreme heat and cold, and hiking at high elevations (5,000 –
10,00 feet). The work requires camping at remote mountain sites for eight
10-hour days, followed by 6-day breaks. Campers will have periodic access
to a base camp with either a trailer or a wall tent, but overnight camping
in a personal sleep tent will usually be necessary.

Qualifications: Applicants need at least 6 months of field experience or 1
year of college with courses related to the work of the position to be
filled; applicants without at least 3 months experience sampling plant
communities WILL NOT be considered. We are particularly interested in
applicants with a strong work ethic, proven ability to live and work in
remote areas under rugged conditions, and experience in vegetation sampling.

How to Apply: For information about the work, please contact Dr. Douglas
Shinneman, 208-426-5206, dshinneman@usgs.gov. Send application materials by
email or mail to Michelle Schatz (michelle_schatz@usgs.gov), USGS-Biological
Resources Division, Forest & Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 777 NW 9th
St., Suite 400, Corvallis, OR 97330. Include the following in your
application: a) reference to Job# SRFS-11-006; b) letter of interest
indicating availability for the field season; c) resume, including
professional experience, especially evidence that you meet the
qualifications (see above); d) when listing professional experience, be sure
to indicate starting and ending dates, and hours worked per week, to verify
that you meet the qualifications; e) copies of academic transcripts,
unofficial transcripts are acceptable; f) list of 3 references and their
contact information; g) indicate preferred duty station (Elko, NV or
Winnemucca, NV, or indicate that either is acceptable). Applications must be
received by February 04, 2011.