USDA -  Biological Science Student Technician

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency. Their job is finding solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table.

Major responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to: Prepare field sampling materials (e.g. labeling, packing, cleaning) for any field projects that are on-going within the project Assist in field sampling, including but not limited to soil, water, crop, insect, and feces sampling, as well as upon proper training, potential for some animal care/husbandry responsiilities (mainly poultry) Process samples in the lab for cultural isolation/quantification and molecular detection of bacterial communities, including foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella and Campylobacter Cleaning of the lab glass/plasticware, maintaining the cleanliness of the lab, and ensuring that the plastic consumables are stocked at all times Making of cultural media, as well as autoclaving of plastic consumables and lab waste.

Desired skills: Experience in molecular biology or microbiology laboratories, prior experience with or interest in field work, prior animal care/handling experience is a bonus, but not a requirement. 

Desired majors: Poultry Science, Animal Science, Microbiology, Ecology, Vet Medicine