JOB: Research Assistant in Rocky Mountain Insect Ecology (3 month position)

Job Description:  The USDA, Agriculture Research Service, Northern Plains
Agriculture Research Laboratory in Sidney, MT is seeking an enthusiastic and
hard-working individual to serve as a biological science aide.  Our research
focuses on grassland insect and rangeland ecology; specifically how
interactions between grasshoppers and Mormon crickets affect Mormon cricket
and grasshopper diets, insect immunity to pathogens, and grassland health.
Work may include sampling grasshoppers, Mormon crickets, and other rangeland
insects in large scale experiments, sampling rangeland plants, setting up
and conducting manipulative experiments in the field and lab.  Most field
work will be conducted in subalpine meadows at 9000 feet elevation in the
Bighorn Mountains in northern Wyoming. A willingness to drive on overnight
travel to sites in Wyoming will be required.

Salary: $11.68 – 12.74 per hour (GS-2 – GS-3) dependent on experience and
education.  Dorm-style, shared housing is available on location for ~$150
per month, including utilities, internet and basic cable TV.

Dates: Starting June 10th and continuing through the middle of September.

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 at high elevation. The candidate
will need a driver’s license.  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 field
work experience is preferred, but not required.

Application process: Please send cover letter, resume, and names and contact
information of two references (electronically) to David Branson
(dave.branson@ars.usda.gov).  Be sure to include available start and end
dates. In your cover letter and please describe any experience or coursework
you have in relevant areas such as field ecology, entomology, or plant
identification In your cover letter or resume.

Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until the
position is filled. For more information on the grasshopper research program
visit: http://bit.ly/2v1SHRb or http://bit.ly/2D5bppW or contact us directly.