Announcement #: USGS-SAC-24-12406523-DE-ML
Salary: $49,025 (Step 01) to $63,733 (Step 10); First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at Step 01.
Duration of Job: This is a temporary appointment for 1 year that may be extended for 1 additional year without further competition
Duty Station: Boise, ID.
Job Open From: 05/16/24 to 5/24/24 (Announcement will close at the end of the day in which 35 applications are received)
Applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-07 level: Possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 level in the Federal service that is in or related to the duties of this position. Examples of general experience may include working in any professional, technical, or other responsible field that provided you with a familiarity of native plants in their natural habitat or techniques of collecting scientific data. Examples of specialized experience may include following specific instructions to check extensive data relating to the survey/study area; collecting samples; observing and recording specific information (i.e., vegetative cover, water quality samples, flora or fauna). Examples of GS-06 level assignments include: 1) collecting vegetation samples and assisting in the identification & damage assessment of any problems they have caused; compiling and summarizing data from surveys, biological evaluations, and pilot tests; and/or running routine computer programs and checking resulting data for inconsistencies; 2) assembling basic information on ecosystem characteristics through field studies and associated analyses; 3) assuming responsibility for limited projects such as compiling data obtained through collecting a variety of vegetation data; 4) collecting vegetation materials and making preliminary assessments of such things as species composition and cover, quantity of biomass, and shrub densities. For examples 1-4, a designated authority initially provided direction on the priorities and objectives for work assignments and assisted with any unusual situations that did not have clear precedents. OR Applicants may substitute successful completion of 1 year of appropriate graduate level education (18 semester hours, 27 quarter hours or the equivalent) in biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics or other field of study directly related to the work of this position for the required 1 year of specialized experience if it provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of this position. OR Applicants may substitute a combination of appropriate specialized experience (as described above) and appropriate graduate level education (as described above) that is beyond the first 1/2 year of progressive graduate study to meet the qualification requirements.
DUTIES: The selected candidate will contribute to a USGS project examining fire treatment and restoration efforts in sagebrush steppe ecosystems. Fieldwork in and around the Great Basin. Specific duties include: Training and leading multiple crews in data collection and following protocols; Assisting in logistics and planning daily activities for projects; Collecting high-quality vegetation data including identifying sagebrush community plants to species, collecting fuels/biomass samples, measuring shrub characteristics; Ensuring data quality control and data management; Navigating to remote study sites using maps and GPS; Driving on poor and sometimes muddy 4WD roads; Conducting sample processing and laboratory work; Assisting in the preparation of scientific reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
Physical Demands: Work requires some physical exertion such as bending and walking in terrain that is rough, rocky, mountainous and densely vegetated. Required to lift and carry equipment necessary to efficiently perform the work of the position, and to provide for personal comfort and safety. This can include tools, personal protective equipment, food and water for extended periods of work away from vehicles.
Work Environment: The work environment varies from laboratory setting to field sites and offices. The work involves moderate risks and discomforts such as high noise levels and exposure to chemicals, adverse weather conditions, and extreme temperatures that may require following special safety procedures. Field trips will often require extensive driving, and may include extended periods of backcountry camping with extensive stays (up to 7 nights per trip) in remote locations. Laboratory and office time will be required following field data collection in the summer/early fall. Travel expenses will be paid by the project at camp rate per diem. If selected, you will be required to complete a pre-employment physical and either have current First Aid/CPR certifications or be willing to become certified prior to employment.
Taking and passing a background investigation and pre-employment medical examination at Federal expense is a required due to the physical demands of this job. The USGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, fitness, and qualifications without regard to race, sex, color, religion, age, marital status, national origin, non-disqualifying handicap conditions, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factors. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities.
Apply online at: USAJOBS - Job Announcement
For more information about the position contact: Dr. Susan McIlroy, Biologist, 208-387-1359, smcilroy@usgs.gov
