Fisheries Technicians --  Biological Science Technician, GS 5/6

Hydrology Technicians -- Seasonal Hydrologic Technician GS 4/5

Post-doctoral Ecologist - currently no open positions

Other Information -- Information about Boise

Other Job Links (Forest Service, USDA, and Federal Government)

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Research Fishery Biologist/Aquatic Ecologist, GS-482/408-13

This is a preliminary outreach announcement for a GS-482/408-13, Permanent Full-Time position with the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS) in Boise, Idaho.  

The research assignment includes identification of important linkages between landscape characteristics, land management, and processes that structure and constrain the expression of aquatic biological diversity.  It may include development of practical conservation strategies and other information relevant to federal land management.    Research models may be derived from emerging theory in population biology, conservation biology, and landscape ecology, but any approach will be challenged to consider processes important over spatial and temporal scales with little empirical precedent.  The scientist will be expected to develop a research program using both internal and external funding consistent with their strengths and interests and potential for collaboration with other scientists and managers. The work should also result in publishable contributions to primary scientific journals in ecology, population biology, fish biology, conservation biology, watershed science and/or integrated environmental management.  Solution to the personal research assignment and the unit mission requires close collaboration and communication with land managers, management and regulatory biologists and with scientists working on related physical and terrestrial ecological processes.

This is a preliminary outreach announcement.  To express your interest in the position or if you would like additional information, please contact Marian Lathrop at 970-498-1302, or mjlathrop <at> fs.fed.us by December 5, 2008.   Other application procedures will be required to formally apply for the position.  Interested candidates will be notified when the position is formally opened for application.

Full Outreach Notice - PDF

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Seasonal Position Available – Biological Science Technician, GS 5/6

Position Description:  The USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS) in Boise, Idaho is seeking 2-3 seasonal research technicians to participate in a study linking reservoir operations to aquatic foodwebs and fish habitat.  The research will be done in the Deadwood River system in central Idaho, where managers seek to improve conditions for threatened bull trout in the reservoir and downstream river.  In this project, we will describe quantitatively the links between reservoir operations, physical habitat, primary production, and fish population response in the reservoir and downstream river. 

Labwork (~50 %) and fieldwork (~50 %) will be conducted.  Labwork will be done at our laboratories in Boise, and will include processing samples for analysis of stable isotopes and community composition, and basic synthesis and analysis of data.  Fieldwork will be done at the Deadwood Reservoir and River in the Payette River basin of Idaho.  Field trips will be 3-8 days in length.  Fieldwork will include sampling of water, algae, invertebrates, and fish in the reservoir and river.  Fieldwork is physically demanding, and is conducted in rugged terrain under highly variable weather conditions.  Fieldwork to assist other projects may be conducted, and could include multi-day backpacking trips.  The successful candidate must show enthusiasm for working in both the office and field, performing a variety of tasks, and creatively solving logistical and scientific problems with little oversight. 

The position is for six months and the technician must be available to start between May 1 and June 12, 2009.  Housing is not provided in Boise.  For fieldwork, accommodations (tent and cabin), per diem, and a vehicle will be provided.  The position will be filled at the GS-5 or 6 level ($14 – 16.50/hr), and pay is dependent upon education and experience.   

Required Qualifications:  Bachelor’s degree in a biology or natural resources program and fieldwork experience; proficiency using Microsoft Excel and Word; ability to conduct strenuous fieldwork in difficult conditions; driver’s license and excellent driving record.  Required characteristics include strong communication skills, demonstrated attention to detail, ability to learn quickly, work independently and with little supervision, and prioritize safety.   

Preferred Qualifications:  Please describe in your application if you have any of the following qualifications: experience in fisheries or aquatic ecology; experience with GIS and Microsoft Access; skill in taxonomic identification of algae or invertebrates; experience operating boats; safety certifications such as Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or boating safety.

Contact: Claire McGrath (208-373-4380) can provide additional information about the position.  To apply, email or send a resume describing your education, work experience and the names and phone numbers of three references to Dr. Claire McGrath (ccmcgrath<at>fs.fed.us), Rocky Mountain Research Station, 322 East Front St., Suite 401, Boise, Idaho 83702.  For priority consideration, send application materials by January 16, 2009.

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 Seasonal Hydrologic Technician  

The US Forest Service (Boise National Forest and Rocky Mountain Research Station) is currently hiring people to conduct inventories to help understand the environmental impacts of roads.  Field crews will conduct detailed GPS-based road inventories using the GRAIP (Geomorphic Roads Analysis and Inventory Package) road inventory system.  The work will be conducted from a vehicle as well as on foot.  For more information on GRAIP see: http://www.fs.fed.us/GRAIP/index.shtml.  Crews will be based mostly in Central Idaho, noted for it excellent outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, mountain biking, boating and unique hot springs.  

Type of Positions: Crew member, Data Steward/Crew Leader, GIS Technician. The two-person crews will work closely together using a GPS data collector to gather geomorphic data on remote forest roads.  The Data Steward/Crew Leader will supervise one or more crews, arrange survey logistics, ensure quality data collection and process data daily.  The GIS technician will process collected road data in ArcMap and work closely with the Data Steward.

Location: Central Idaho and Eastern Oregon. Crews will be based in Lowman, Garden Valley or Boise, Idaho or in the vicinity of Pendleton, Oregon. 

Housing: Housing will be provided by the Forest Service in bunk houses, cabins and campgrounds. Camping in remote locations may also be necessary. 

Salary: Positions will be filled at the GS-4 ($12.75/hr) and GS-5 ($14.25/hr) levels.  A per diem stipend may be available to defray travel costs. 

Work Schedule: Typically, the work schedule will be 8 days on and 6 days off, but will depend on location.  

Qualifications: Course work in Geomorphology, Hydrology, Earth Science, Forestry or Engineering is preferred.  Fieldwork experience, GPS and GIS experience are highly desirable. The GIS technician positions should have experience with ArcMap. Candidates should be organized, self motivated, and have an excellent driving record.  A current state driver’s license is required.  Successful candidates will be physically fit and have the capacity to enjoy long field days and the peaceful solitude of nights in the woods. 

Employment Period: Work will begin in June and continue through August or September 2009. 

Application Deadline: We will begin reviewing applications February 1, 2009. 

Contact Info: Please contact Kari Grover Wier for more information (208) 259-3361 or kgroverwier<at>fs.fed.us.

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Information about Boise

Boise is the capital city of Idaho with a population of approximately 250,000.  Average housing prices in Boise City range from approximately $70,000 to $1,000,000, however many people choose to commute to Boise from the rural setting of Canyon County, where home prices are below that of Boise City and the quality of life is quiet and laid back.  The median home price in Ada County is $119,900 and in Canyon County it is $86,900.  Rental prices range from $700-$1,000/month and start at about $500+a month for apartments or condos.

There are full medical facilities which include two regional medical centers, a V.A. hospital, two psychiatric hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital and 17 Nursing Homes.  Churches for all denominations are also available. There are several exceptional elementary schools, middle and high schools, private schools and day care facilities. Complementing the area's schools system is the presence of Boise State University, the largest university in the state of Idaho. 

Climate in the Boise area offers a wide variety through the four seasons.  It is characterized by a mean temperature of 51 degrees Fahrenheit; average annual precipitation of 12.11 inches, average annual snowfall of 20.9 inches, and an average wind velocity of nine miles per hour.  While averages are often deceiving, the extreme temperatures of cold and hot are still very comfortable, with typically low humidity, a sparse snowfall in the winter, and a frequent mild breeze.  Adjacent mountain areas have greater snowfall, making winter recreation very accessible.  Major recreation areas include boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and picnicking. 

Boise news and entertainment needs are serviced by 29 radio stations, 6 television stations, numerous cable/satellite communications companies, 2 daily newspapers, and 3 weekly newspapers.

Other related websites to visit our Boise area: www.Boise.org  www.ci.boise.id.us/ or  http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/boise/

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Other Job Links

AVUE Digital Services -- On-line applicant assessment system used to apply to vacancy announcements.

Forest Service Jobs

Federal Employment of People with Disabilities

USDA Employment Page

Government Jobs (USA Jobs) 

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The purpose of this early alert is to maximize diversity of the pool of candidates. The U.S.D.A. prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

The USDA Forest Service provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources office for assistance. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. U.S.D.A. is an equal employment opportunity employer.