The South Texas Refuge Complex has 4 3-month seasonal positions open with 3 vacancies at the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge and one position at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. The positions are as follow: 1) Biological Science Technician (Invasive Plants) – we are seeking 3 applicants to assist with a variety of invasive plant species mapping, control, and monitoring on the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Major duties will include implementing control measure directly through cutting vegetation with hand tools, applying herbicide with various types of spray equipment including back-pack sprayers and ATV mounted sprayers, conducing surveys, and recording occurrences using paper forms and handheld GPS units. Proficiency in the use of maps, GPS units, and Microsoft Excel is beneficial. A valid State driver’s license and the ability to obtain a Texas Pesticide Applicators License upon employment is required.
The Biological Science Technician positions are being hired through the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) and the applicant must be enrolled, at least part time, in a degree seeking program through a college or university at the time of employment. Internship credits offered during the time of employment through a university qualifies for being enrolled at least part time, as well as enrollment for the following Fall 2010 semester. Graduating seniors, not receiving internship credits or enrolling for graduate school for the Fall 2010 semester, are not eligible. The position will be filled at a GS-4 level for those who have not yet attained their Bachelor of Science degree/diploma and at the GS-5 level for those who have their degree in-hand but are enrolling this coming fall for graduate school. The refuge will provide on site accommodations in 32’ travel trailers and all hookups (electric, water, propane) for those hired. Start and end dates are flexible based on students’ availability. The position will last for 3 months during the summer. To apply, please send resume, 3 references, and college transcripts to kimberly_w...@fws.gov by April 22, 2010. 2) Biological Science Technician (Invasive Species) – we are seeking 1 applicant to assist with an invasive species mapping, monitoring, and control program at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. Major duties will include mapping and monitoring of invasive plant populations and collecting survey data for Nilgai antelope and feral pigs on the three Refuge units, totaling 84,000 acres. A valid State driver’s license is required. The Biological Science Technician position is being hired through the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) and the applicant must be enrolled, at least part time, in a degree seeking program through a college or university at the time of employment. Internship credits offered during the time of employment through a university qualifies for being enrolled at least part time, was well as enrollment for the following Fall 2010 semester. Graduating seniors, not receiving internship credits or enrolling for graduate school for the Fall 2010 semester, are not eligible. The position will be filled at a GS-4 level. The refuge will provide on-site housing. Start and end dates are flexible based on student’s availability. The position will last for 3 months during the summer. To apply, please send resume, 3 references, and college transcripts to leo_gustaf...@fws.gov by May 3, 2010. Kim Wahl Plant Ecologist Lower Rio Grande Valley NWR
