Grasshopper Surveyor (MUST LIVE IN SOUTHERN Colorado)
USDA's - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is advertising for an individual to work on grasshopper surveys in Colorado
JOB TITLE: Grasshopper Surveyor (GS-3 to GS-5) Seasonal, Part-Time
ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: 26COSPHD-02
CLOSING DATE: March 20th, 2026 or until filled
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES (may include, but not be limited to):
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Carrying out grasshopper surveys (# per square yard) and completing the related record keeping, data entry, mapping and communication as assigned.
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Proficient use of tablets, GPS devices, maps, and smartphones is required.
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Developing a 5x5 mile grid of assigned territory and identifying survey locations during the season.
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Collecting grasshopper samples using equipment such as ethyl acetate and isopropyl alcohol.
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Cooperating with ranchers, farmers, county, state, university, federal and tribal land management agency personnel as required.
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Driving a government-owned vehicle supplied by USDA (equipped with 4-wheel drive). Some work activities may require use of off-road ATV equipment.
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Work may involve pest control programs, which includes pesticide application, collecting samples for analysis, biological control organism release, and other activities related to pest management with pesticides or biological control agents.
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May also perform survey/trapping for additional federally targeted pests including trap assembly, determining proper placement, retrieval, and insect sorting/triaging.
DUTY STATION/WORK ASSIGNMENTS:
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Employee must live in one of the following counties: Pueblo, Crowley, Otero, or Las Animas (exceptions may be made for surrounding areas).
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Duty station and work will be based out of the employee’s home residence. Travel costs, salary, etc. will be calculated from that location.
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Work will occur from mid-May to mid-September. Start and end dates are negotiable depending on the employee’s availability.
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There may be limited opportunities for work outside of this time frame.
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Employee must be available to attend an in-person training at our office in Aurora, CO.
TRAVEL:
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Employees may be required to travel for survey work. Travel expenses will be paid by APHIS.
DESIRABLE SKILLS/EXPERIENCE THAT WILL BE CONSIDERED:
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Be a self-starter and able to work independently with little supervision.
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Have a valid Colorado driver’s license and be at least 18 years old.
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The ability to enter and exit fenced agricultural fields without gates.
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The ability to visualize spatial sizes and counts withbasic math skills without mechanical or electronic devices.
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The ability to safely drive on unpaved roads for extended periods of time.
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Willingness to work in rural/remote areas with the ability to use maps, GPS devices, and tablets to track and accurately record locations. Basic data entry skills are required.
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The ability to work constructively and effectively with the rancher/farmer community, federal, state and county cooperators as well as with co-workers.
SUMMER 2026
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Experience in operating ATV and 4-wheel drive vehicles is desirable but not required.
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A ranch/farm background is desirable but not required.
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An academic background or interest in biology, agriculture, pest management, range management or related field is desirable but not required.
WORK HOURS:
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Hours will be approximately 20-30 hours per week. No more than 39 hours per week may be worked unless authorized by supervisor. No Sunday or Federal holiday work.
PAY:
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Starting pay is at a GS-3 ($17.47/hour). Applicants with related experience, skills, or education may qualify up to the maximum GS-5 level ($19.52/hour).
TRANSPORTATION:
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USDA will provide a government vehicle and pay for vehicle costs. This vehicle may only be used to conduct official government business.
HOW TO APPLY:
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Interested applicants should submit a resume detailing work experience, including if work was full or part-time, hours worked per week, and supervisor contact information.
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Applications must be received by March 20th, 2026. Applications will be accepted by mail to the address below or emailed to: Elvir.tenic@usda.gov
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Applicants will be required to submit an official college transcript (if applicable) upon selection.
USDA, APHIS, PPQ
3950 N. Lewiston Street, Suite 104
Aurora CO 80011
Phone: (303) 371-3355
For questions or additional information please call: (303) 371-3355