The United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) is seeking to fill a four- to six-month position at the Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory in Miles City, Montana. Candidates must be able to start prior to May 15, 2025.  The position is ideal for individuals seeking experience in grassland ecology.  Pay will be $15 to $23.94 per hour depending on experience. 

The position will require extensive travel in Montana, Colorado, North Dakota, and South Dakota.  Research will focus on establishing flowering plants to support pollinator insects on former agricultural lands and restoring native plant communities following coal mining.  Activities will include vegetation measurements, data entry and analysis, and perhaps herbicide applications. 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY ?                        MAIN LOCATION:

Anyone who:                                                      USDA-ARS

• is a U.S. citizen                                         Fort Keogh LARRL
• 18 years of age or older                          Miles City, MT 59301                                                                    

REQUIREMENTS: General knowledge or willingness to learn plant identification, plant biology, weed science, etc. Ability or willingness to learn to operate hand-held GPS devices.  Willingness to obtain employer-paid Mine Safety and Health Administration training.  Willingness to complete government travel card training. Ability to perform routine plant ecology tasks such as collecting biomass samples, reading vegetation line transects, quantifying plant densities, and estimating plant cover. Ability to keep detailed records of experimental data. Ability to operate a personal computer using word processing, spreadsheet, and other software. Ability to independently carry out work assignments.  Ability to work long hours outside in all weather conditions. Housing may be available for rent at Fort Keogh.