Permanent Research Technician Position in Invading Weed Ecology and Genetics

Permanent Research Technician Position in Invading Weed Ecology and Genetics 

The USDA Agricultural Research Service, Pest Management Research Unit in Sidney Montana is seeking a permanent, full time Biological Science Technician to support research by a newly hired scientist on invasive weed ecology and management, using genetic tools, field and greenhouse experiments, and data synthesis. The selected candidate is expected to have experience performing vegetation surveys and performing DNA extractions in the laboratory; data and sample management; a strong work ethic and excellent interpersonal skills. Experience in plant and insect identification in addition to statistical data analysis is preferred but not required. Seasonal overnight travel, driving to field sites, and work in rough terrain and potentially harsh weather conditions is expected. The research unit mission is to develop ecologically based, sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches to manage pest insects, beneficial organisms and weeds in rangeland and cropland systems. Our location houses a team of highly collaborative and enthusiastic scientists and technical staff working in the fields of ecology, botany, entomology, habitat management, population genetics, and agronomy. This is a permanent, full-time position advertised at a GS-6 (starting salary $44K), GS-7 ($49K), GS-8 ($54K) with promotion potential to a GS-9. The position provides full benefits including 13 days of both paid vacation and sick leave in the first year, 11 paid federal holidays, health insurance, a federal pension and 401K employer matching contributions. To find out more about the research unit visit: www.ars.usda.gov/pa/nparl/pmru.

The position is open to all U.S. Citizens and Nationals and is open until December 27, 2024, unless extended. USAJobs Announcement number ARS-S25Y-12634215-RG. 

Important Note: Human Resources screens applications using the job application assessment questionnaire and many applicants do not make it past the initial screening. In the past, HR typically only forwarded a subset of applicants who indicated they had experience in all areas listed in assessment question #5 and indicated they were considered an expert in performing a task when that was an assessment question option. Please feel free to contact Dave Branson (dave.branson@usda.gov) for more information. 

To Apply: Please apply on USAJobs. https://www.usajobs.gov/job/823758700