2025 Summer Jobs in Fisheries and Invasive Species

2025 Summer Jobs in Fisheries and Invasive Species

(For students with a Bachelor’s degree)

The US Geological Survey (USGS), Columbia Environmental Research is seeking students interested in seasonal contract positions working with invasive carp. The students will work with scientists on the USGS Invasive Carp Team.  The Invasive Carp team is a collaborative, multidisciplinary research team developed to examine the behavior and ecology of invasive carps and dedicated to investigating various control strategies.  Information about the various projects may be found at the following URL: Invasive Species Ecology | U.S. Geological Survey

Duties:

The student will be expected to assist in multiple field activities that include developing an acoustic sound system to provide an auditory stimulus to attract invasive carp to feeding stations, to herd fish to netting areas using an auditory deterrent, to observe and interpret the response of free ranging fish through pit tag, acoustic, and advanced telemetry technology to identify locations and movements of invasive carp. The student will be expected to assist in multiple field and laboratory activities including: initiation of chemical exposures and stocking of fish, daily maintenance and water quality measurements in test systems, daily maintenance of fish and other aquatic organism cultures, video sampling and digital analysis of behavioral activity, observations and interpretation of response of free ranging fish through pit tag, acoustic, and telemetry technology to identify locations and movements of invasive carp relative to the application of chemical attractants and repellants, assist with developing new prototype fish feeders and deploying the apparatus on the upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers with the use of a boat and motor, entering data into computers, and assisting in preparation of data summaries and reports. The student will occasionally be expected to perform routine tasks independently without supervision and may be required to assist in other projects associated with the Fisheries & Invasive Species and Ecology Branches on an as needed basis. Overnight travel to field sites required.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree with an interest in fish biology, animal behavior, statistical modeling or environmental studies.  Must have experience in fisheries biology. Must have experience with the operation of a boat and motor.   Knowledge of basic computer operations for desktop and field computers is required. Exceptional inter-personal skills are required.  Must have a valid driver’s license as operation of Government vehicles may be required.  Must be comfortable working in, on, or near the water, and from watercraft.  CPR and/or first aid skills are desirable.   

Hours and Duration of employment:

This is a full-time summer position, with the potential for some part time work during the school year.    Applicants must be able to work full time for the period from May 15, 2025, through September 30, 2025. The total number of hours worked shall not exceed 800 hours. 

Description of working conditions:

Work duties are split 50:50 between local, laboratory and field locations.  The work is performed in office and laboratory settings where fish are exposed or tested in aquaria and various apparatus, in experimental pond mesocosms located on site, and field study sites. The field work may occur under a range of weather and temperature conditions.  River conditions can be dangerous as high-water velocities, debris, and obstructions are common.  Physical demands during deployment of telemetry apparatus and fish sampling gears require heavy lifting (up to 50 pounds).  Exposure to nuisance insects is expected.  Students are advised that work may continue 7 days a week in the field, and that workdays will normally be greater than 8 hours.  Field work may require substantial travel within the states of Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio and Minnesota. Compensation for lodging and per diem are provided for required travel.

Compensation: 

Compensation is commensurate with the level of education and experience, as follows: 

$20.81 per hour (BA/BS degree)

There is no salary withholding from contractor compensations.  Students must arrange to pay their own social security and any applicable taxes.

Student is responsible for all costs of transportation to and from the principal duty station location (Columbia, Missouri). The Government does not provide housing, meals or other living expenses while working at the principal duty station. Transportation will be provided to and from field investigation site(s). Meals/cost of food while on travel away from the principal duty station at field investigation sites will be provided by the USGS in the same manner as for federal employees, in accordance with the Government Travel Regulations.  The position is a contract position, and not a federal government position. 

How to apply:

The anticipated start date for this position is on or about May 15, 2025, and the position will continue through May 14, 2026.  The contract may be renewed for 1 additional year.

Jobs will remain open until filled, but it is anticipated that all selections will be made prior to the end of May 2025.   After selection, selected applicants will be required to provide an official transcript and to register as a contractor, including acquiring and providing a UEI number to USGS.  A UEI number is required for all federal contracts.  There is no charge for a UEI number.  No work can be performed, and no payment can be provided prior to USGS receipt of the applicant’s UEI number.   Successful candidates are contractors and will be responsible for withholding of state and federal taxes.

In responding to this USGS contract opportunity, interested students should submit a cover letter and resume that includes: full legal name of the student, mailing address, telephone number, email address (if available), date of birth, place of birth, citizenship (if not a US citizen, provide immigration/VISA status), education (including descriptions of relevant classes) and work or volunteer experience related to the scientific field.  In addition, a copy of the most recent transcript listing courses taken and the student’s overall GPA should be submitted.  All materials must be submitted by April 18, 2025, to:

Robin D. Calfee, Supervisory Research Biologist. U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO 65202. via email: rcalfee@usgs.gov

Additional information about the position can be requested by phone inquiry (573-442-2969).