Research Technician in Pollinating Insect Ecology

Research Technician in Pollinating Insect Ecology (4-6 months, May – September/October 2022, Montana and North Dakota)

The USDA, Agriculture Research Service, Northern Plains Agriculture Research Laboratory in Sidney, MT is seeking an enthusiastic and hard-working individual to assist in pollinating insect research. Our research primarily focuses on habitat management impacts on native bees and other insect pollinators. The diverse work duties will include assisting with field work that involves setting up/taking down various insect traps, collecting insects with sweep nets, and conducting plant community surveys. In addition to field work, the individual will also conduct lab work that primarily involves sorting and pinning insects, and data entry. Overnight travel to surrounding states may be required, with government vehicles provided. Periodic camping for 1 to 5 nights at a time may be required. Candidates will gain hands-on experience with diverse field sampling and experimental methods, as well as insect and plant identification techniques, while working in a team oriented research environment.

Salary: Full time, $12.33-$13.45 per hour (GS-2 – GS-3) dependent on experience and education.  The candidate will receive overtime pay when working more than 40 hours per week.

Dates: Mid-May through the end of September, depending on a candidate’s availability with the possibility of an extension.  

Qualifications: The candidate should be able to walk rapidly over rangeland, be physically fit, lift up to 50lbs, able to spend long hours in difficult field conditions (hot weather, biting insects), and should not be scared of or allergic to bees or wasps. Willingness to work long days and weekends when necessary is a must. Valid driver’s license required. Undergraduate course work in entomology and botany, and previous field research experience working with insects in the Northern Great Plains is preferred, but not required. Must be a US citizen. Additionally, federal employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of their duty location. If selected, you will be required to submit documentation of COVID-19 vaccination before appointment.

Application process: Please send cover letter describing relevant experience or coursework, resume (including major, relevant experience/coursework, technical skills, and prior employment), and names and contact information of two references (electronically) to Josh Campbell (joshua.campbell@usda.gov). Be sure to include available start and end dates. Additional inquiries about the position can be directed to Alex Morphew (alexandra.morphew@usda.gov).

Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For more information on the research program visit:  www.ars.usda.gov/pa/nparlor contact us directly.

Title: Biological Science Aide

Series: 0404  Grade: GS2 or GS3

Vacancy Announcement Number: Seasonal L/A 

Location: USDA-ARS Northern Plains Agricultural Research Lab, Sidney, Montana  

USDA is an equal opportunity employer.   

Reasonable Accommodation:  If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, or have questions regarding reasonable accommodation and/or accessibility for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Disability Program Manager on 202-720-6161 or through the DC Relay Service on 202-855-1234 (TDD).

Alex Morphew

Biological Science Technician

Native bee specialist

USDA ARS NPARL

alexandra.morphew@usda.gov

cell: 303 501 4016