Job Title: Terminal Lakes Waterbird Prey Availability Biological Science Technicians (pre-announcement)

USGS Corvallis Research Group will be seeking biological science technicians located in Oregon, to assist in studies of food web ecology within terminal lakes of the Great Basin (Primarily Oregon, California, Nevada).  We are seeking a highly motivated and dedicated individual with strong communication skills and experience in field and laboratory settings. 

Duties: This position will entail a combination of fieldwork and lab work that includes aquatic invertebrate sampling, collecting water chemistry data, specimen identification, sample processing, and data entry.  The incumbent will assist a team of researchers in investigating the influence of hydrology and water chemistry on food webs related to waterbirds throughout Great Basin terminal lakes.  Specific duties may include processing biological samples in the lab, entering and managing large datasets, and maintenance of equipment.  Field duties may include sampling and quantitatively enumerating zooplankton, aquatic invertebrates, collecting biological and water quality data in the field under varied and sometimes extreme conditions, and safely driving 4-wheel drive vehicles in adverse conditions.  Candidates must be comfortable working in both field and laboratory settings and following established protocols.  The incumbent will be required to work both independently and as a team member to execute research tasks.

Qualifications:  A Bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, wildlife biology, or a related discipline and/or professional research experience.  Familiarity and experience with benthic invertebrate study and aquatic ecology is preferred.  Experience running motorboats and having a federal motorboat operator course certificate (MOCC) is a plus. Preferred candidates will also have strong attention to detail, written and verbal communication skills, and the ability/willingness to perform both exciting and tedious tasks as needed.  A current driver's license and a good driving record are required.

We are seeking an organized, enthusiastic, and versatile person with a strong science and work ethic and a desire to gain experience in a variety of disciplines.

This will be a temporary 9-month, GS-5 level position with a possible extension dependent upon funding.  Start date is expected to be March/April 2025.

Please send cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Garth Herring (gherring@usgs.gov) with “Terminal Lakes Biological Science Technician” as the subject line by 11/22/2024. THIS IS A PRE-ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE REQUIRED APPLICATION PROCESS. U.S. citizenship is required. The USGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, fitness, and qualifications without regard to race, sex, color, religion, age, marital status, national origin, non-disqualifying handicap conditions, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factors.   This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities.