The USDA, Agriculture Research Service, Northern Plains Agriculture Research Laboratory in Sidney, MT is seeking an enthusiastic and hard-working individual to assist in pollinating insect research. Our research primarily focuses on habitat management impacts on native bees and other insect pollinators. Work duties will be primarily lab-focused but include assisting occasionally with insect field work. The individual will enter data, process insect samples, pin and label insect pollinators, and assist with any other laboratory tasks required. Occasional field duties involve setting up/taking down various insect traps, sweep-netting insects, and surveying plant communities. Driving to study sites may be required and government vehicles will be provided. Candidates will gain hands-on experience with entomological techniques in the lab, as well as field sampling and experimental methods, while working in a team-oriented research environment.
Salary: Full time, $15-$16 per hour (GS-2 – GS-3) dependent on experience and education. The candidate will receive overtime pay when working more than 40 hours per week.
Dates: April through the end of August or September, depending on a candidate’s availability.
Qualifications: The candidate should be able to sit for long hours at a computer or a microscope in a research laboratory, walk rapidly over rangeland, be physically fit, lift up to 50lbs, able to work in difficult field conditions (hot weather, biting insects), and should not be scared of or allergic to bees or wasps. Willingness to work a flexible schedule depending on field and lab work requirements is a must. Valid driver’s license required. Undergraduate course work in entomology and botany, and previous field research experience working with insects in the Northern Great Plains is preferred, but not required. Must be a US citizen.
Application process: Please send cover letter describing relevant experience or coursework, resume (including major, relevant experience/coursework, technical skills, and prior employment), and names and contact information of two references (electronically) to Josh Campbell (joshua.campbell@usda.gov). Be sure to include available start and end dates. Additional inquiries about the position can be directed to Alex Morphew (alexandra.morphew@usda.gov).
Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For more information on the research program visit: www.ars.usda.gov/pa/nparl or contact us directly.