Quantitative Ecology Applied Math intern

Title: Quantitative ecology and applied math intern (Student/Recent Graduate)
Position: Student Service Contractor (SSC)
Organization: U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
Location: La Crosse, Wisconsin
Hourly Rate of Pay: 

• $19.44 (GS Scale Equivalent GS-05; BA/BS)
• $24.08 (GS Scale Equivalent GS-07; BA/BS with Superior Academic Achievement)
• $35.64 (GS Scale Equivalent GS-11; MA/MS-level)

Duration: <1 year (approx. 248 work days), part-time possible for current students
Application Deadline: 15 December 2023, review of resumes will occur as they arrive.
Start date: As soon as possible, likely February 2024 given background check.

Job Summary: Primary service provided by the student/recent graduate is to run, analyze and document models used to support the control of invasive species and their effects on native species.

Project Description: The student or recent graduate will provide support to the control of invasive species through the development, improvement, and application of statistical and mathematical models. The specific project will be focused on bigheaded carp and native fish movement in the Upper Mississippi River. Please see recent publications at https://www.usgs.gov/staff-profiles/richard-erickson#publications for example project . The selected candidate will be expected to learn new technical skills as part of their internship training. Furthermore, the intern will have the opportunity develop professional skills such as resume building and presenting. Previous interns have developed technical skills to help them obtain academic and industry data science, graduate school, and federal positions.

Services to be Provided: The student or recent hire will work closely with a Research Quantitative Ecologist and Mathematical Statisticians to help run, analyze, and develop models.
• At the BA/BS-level, the student will be expected to use scientific and statistical software to complete the assigned research project with minimal guidance.
• At the BA/BS-level with Superior Academic Achievement, the student or recent graduate will be expected to complete the previous tasks plus assist with model analysis and write-up.
• At the MA/MS-level, the student or recent graduate will be expected to complete the previous tasks plus operate independently and identify future research or development topics.
At all levels, the student or recent graduate will be responsible for assisting with partner communications and either knowing R or Python and Git or being able to quickly learn these programs.

Qualifications: There are three sets of qualifications, based upon the position: the BA/BS student-level require general knowledge of statistical, biological, or mathematical modeling; the BA/BS requires a baccalaureate or higher degree with superior academic achievement and general knowledge of statistical, biological, or mathematical modeling; and the MS/MA requires completion of at least 1 year graduate-level coursework in population/quantitative ecology, fisheries, wildlife conservation sciences or similar; or applied mathematics, statistics, biometrics or similar. All levels require knowledge modeling, and, the ideal candidates will also have subject area expertise in biology and ecology. However, candidates with expertise in modeling or ecology and the desire to learn the other area will be considered. Prior experience with R, Python, or similar languages (e.g., Matlab) are desirable as are experience with Git, Markdown, and Jupyter Notebooks.

Required Documents: Cover Letter: brief letter describing interest in position, your interest in ecological/environmental problems, and how this position would help your career. Resume: include contact information, as well as, relevant knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and contact information for three references. Transcript: unofficial transcript that includes proof of degree earned and Superior Academic Achievement; or letter from university registrar or academic advisor. For description of Superior Academic Achievement see Section 5.4.f in https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies
Eligibility: Students are eligible if they graduated with a college/university degree less than 12 months ago and are at least 18 years of age. Non-US citizens may be eligible to participate, depending on their immigration status and the applicable regulations of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. USGS employees, their spouses, and their children are not eligible to participate in this program.
Notice: Students are paid for each hour worked. Students will be working as independent contractors and do not receive a premium rate for work beyond 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. Additionally, students are paid only for hours worked (with no holiday or personal leave benefits). Students do earn 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Pay Rates for students include cost of self-employment taxes for social security and Medicare. This announcement is to fill one vacancy.