Summer Research Assistant: Grassland Ecology
Plains Agriculture Research Laboratory in Sidney, MT is seeking an
enthusiastic and hard-working individual to serve as a biological
science aide. Our research studies the environmental impacts of
grassland restoration efforts in two main projects. The first project is
studying how rangeland reclamation following energy development has
affected plant, insect and soil communities in the Bakken region of
western North Dakota. The second project is studying recovery of
riparian plant and insect communities following removal of Russian
olive, an invasive tree. Additional opportunities exist to work on
projects related to grasshopper ecology and biological control of wheat
stem sawfly. Work may include sampling grasshoppers and other rangeland
insects in large scale experiments, sampling rangeland plants, setting
up and conducting small scale manipulative experiments in the field and
lab work to sort and process samples collected; an even split between
lab and field time is expected. Most field work will be conducted on
diverse and beautiful native rangelands in eastern Montana and on the
Little Missouri National Grassland in western North Dakota, with the
possibility of some research conducted at 9000 feet elevation in the
Bighorn Mountains in northern Wyoming. Some overnight travel to sites in
eastern Montana and Wyoming may be required.
Salary: Approximately $12.30 per hour (GS-3) dependent on experience and
education. The candidate will receive overtime pay when working more
than 40 hours per week. Dorm-style, shared housing is available on
location for $131 per month, including utilities and internet.
Dates: Starting May 15th or 30th through the end of August. Please
specify your available start and end dates in your application.
Qualifications: The candidate must be a US citizen. Additionally, the
candidate should be physically fit, able to walk rapidly over rangeland,
and comfortable spending long hours outside in hot conditions.
Willingness to work long days, and some weekends when necessary is also
a must. Undergraduate course work in ecology, entomology, range or
environmental sciences, and previous laboratory and field work
experience is preferred, but not required.
Application process: Please send cover letter with available start and
end dates, resume, and names and contact information of two references
(electronically) to Zachary Sylvain (zachary.sylvain@ars.usda.gov).
Evaluation of applications will begin February 15 and continue until the
position is filled.
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