Biological Science Technician

USDA-ARS Biological Science Technician, Sidney, Montana. The USDA Agricultural Research Service, Pest Management Research Unit in Sidney, Montana is seeking a permanent, full time Biological Science Technician to support research on the sustainable management of insect pests in agroecosystems with a focus on entomology, insect ecology and conservation biological control. The selected candidate is expected to have strong experience in insect sampling and identification; data and sample management, laboratory organization and field entomology or ecology; a strong work ethic and excellent interpersonal skills. Experience in plant identification and 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. The position is open to all U.S. Citizens and Nationals and is open from July 9 to July 23, 2024. 

Please apply on USAJobs. This job is concurrently advertised under TWO announcements differing in eligibility requirements: 1) All US citizens  https://www.usajobs.gov/job/798970300; 2) Merit promotion including current and former federal employees, former AmeriCorps VISTA or Peace Corps, military spouses and other categories  https://www.usajobs.gov/job/798970900. Applying to both announcements may expand the possibilities of consideration since different referral criteria apply to each announcement. 

To find out more about the research program of Dr. Tatyana Rand and other scientists in the research unit visit: www.ars.usda.gov/pa/nparl/trand and www.ars.usda.gov/pa/nparl/pmru. Interested applicants should reach out to BOTH Dr. Natalie West: natalie.west@usda.gov and Dr. Dave Branson: dave.branson@usda.gov for more information and guidance as to how to navigate the federal job application HR screening process. We may not see your application otherwise. 

The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.