Job title: Biological Science Aid Series/Grade: GS-0404-03/04 Start Date: May 2016 End Date: Variable Location: Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center Number of Positions: multiple Duties: Aids will work with Ecologists and Range Technicians. Fieldwork is based in ecological studies with emphasis on revegetation of sagebrush steppe plant communities. Topics of study include: determining attributes of high quality seed, identifying safe sites for seedling establishment and reducing early herbivory of seedlings. Responsibilities are to assist in the collection of field and laboratory data. Field work takes up about 85% of the position responsibilities. Laboratory work consists of biomass separation and weighing and seed quality assessment.
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. 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: $12.33 to $13.84/hr depending on experience and/or education. Workweek is typically 40 hrs. To Apply: Send an email with “Biological Science Aid” in the title to elsie.den...@ars.usda.gov by Feb. 5, 2016. Email should include: cover letter, resume, college transcripts, and OF-306 form. List any pertinent classes in rangeland science, botany, soils, wildlife, natural resources, etc. OF-306 form can be found at this website: http://www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf_fill/of0306.pdf (Note: you are an applicant so fill out 17a, not 17b) USDA-ARS is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Elsie Denton EOARC-Burns 67826-A Hwy 205 Burns, OR 97720 elsie.den...@ars.usda.gov (541) 573-8912
