Job Title: Wood Duck Biological Science Technician (pre-announcement)

USGS Corvallis Research Group will be seeking a biological science technician located in Harrison, ID to assist in studies of wood duck contaminant ecology studies.  We are seeking a highly motivated and dedicated individual with strong communication skills and experience in field settings. 

Duties: The incumbent will assist a team of researchers examining the utility of using wood ducks as ecological receptors for lead contamination in the lower Coeur d’Alene River valley in northern Idaho.  Specific duties will include capture and radio-tagging of wood ducks, collecting of biological samples, radio telemetry tracking, nest searching, egg sampling, aquatic invertebrate sampling, entering and managing field datasets, and maintenance of field equipment.  Field work will be under varied and sometimes extreme conditions (snow, cold, wind), and may require safely driving 4-wheel drive vehicles in adverse conditions.  Candidates must be comfortable working irregular hours in the field under a variety of weather conditions 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 waterfowl research, radio telemetry, and 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 strong science and work ethics and a desire to gain experience in a variety of disciplines.

This will be a temporary 5-month, GG-5 level position with a possible extension dependent upon funding.  Start date is expected to be Feb/Mar 2025

Please send cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Garth Herring (gherring@usgs.gov) with “Wood Duck 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.