Fire Ecology Research Position – USDA Laboratory

Dates: mid to late May – late August 2022 (8 or 10-week appointment).

Please specify your available start and end dates in your application.

Job Description/Duties: Two enthusiastic and hard-working individuals are sought to assist with research on the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s Livestock and Range Research Laboratory in Miles City, MT. In collaboration with the USDA ARS Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory in Sidney, MT, we are conducting experiments designed to assess drivers of grass productivity following prescribed burning and grazing, and sagebrush responses to fire. Broadly, our research focuses on management of native rangelands with an emphasis on ecological disturbances by grazing and fire. Fire is a natural process in rangeland ecosystems, which provide important grazing resources for livestock that support rural livelihoods worldwide. Knowledge generated from this project will increase the ability of people who depend on rangelands to produce livestock profitably and sustainably. Training will include techniques for measuring plant and soil responses to treatments in the field and lab. The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience with diverse field sampling and experimental methods, plant identification techniques, and experience with electronics while working in a team-oriented research environment.

Note: At least one of these positions must be filled as a research internship, for which the successful candidate will be expected to present research findings to the labs upon completion. The other position will be offered as either a second internship, or a standard hourly technician, based on the interests of competitive candidates.

Salary: Full time $13.45 (GS-3) per hour for both positions. Housing is not covered, but assistance in finding affordable housing in Miles City, MT will be available.

Qualifications: The candidate must be a US citizen, with a valid driver’s license. Additionally, the candidate should be physically fit, and comfortable spending time outside in uncomfortable field conditions (hot, biting insects etc.). Willingness to work long days and weekends when necessary is a must. Introductory coursework in either biology or ecology is required. Coursework in field ecology or plant biology is preferred. Field experience related to plant and soil sampling is preferred.

Application process: Please send cover letter outlining relevant experience/skills, resume (including relevant coursework and prior employment), and names and contact information of two references (electronically) in a single file to Devan McGranahan (Devan.McGranahan@usda.gov). Be sure to include available start and end dates. Please also indicate your preference for appointment as a research intern or hourly technician.

Open Period: Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For more information on our research programs visit our websites at https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/miles-city-mt/larrl/ and https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/sidney-mt/northern-plains-agricultural-research-laboratory/ or contact Carissa Wonkka (Carissa.Wonkka@usda.gov) or Devan McGranahan (Devan.McGranahan@usda.gov) directly.