Weed ecology and biocontrol research technician

The USDA Agricultural Research Service is seeking a permanent, full-time Biological Technician to support research in weed ecology and biological control. The position is in the Pest Management Research Unit at the Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory in Sidney MT. We expect the selected candidate to work on a wide range of projects focused on the ecological and population factors influencing control and management of range and wildland weeds, with an emphasis on weed biological control using insects. Plant communities of concern currently include low agricultural-input rangelands and riparian areas impacted by invasive plants and resource extraction. The candidate must have experience in field research working with insects or plants and a solid working knowledge of software such as Excel and Word. Experience or coursework using GIS and R and with rearing and identifying organisms (insects or plants) is preferred but not required. Seasonal overnight travel to field sites will be required. The mission of the laboratory is to develop and implement ecologically based strategies, technologies, and products for the sustainable management of insects, pests, and weeds in crops and rangeland. Our location houses a team of highly collaborative and enthusiastic scientists and support staff working in the fields of ecology, botany, entomology, pollinator resources, population genetics and agronomy. The position is advertised at the GS7 level ($42K – 54K starting salary), includes full government benefits, has promotion potential to GS-9, and is open to all U.S. Citizens and Nationals. Please apply on USAJobs here (www.usajobs.gov; Job Announcement Number: 547615100). Ad opens October 3 and closes on October 30, 2019. Questions? Please contact Dr. Natalie West (natalie.west@usda.gov).