Amphibian Field Assistants - Sierra Nevada Mountains

Location: Field work is throughout the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range of California.

Job location is Sonora, California.

Employment Duration: Most are approximately 3 months (June-August)
Several positions may be of longer duration.

Titles: Biological Technician (Fisheries, Wildlife)

Grade Levels: GS-05 (Temporary 1039)

Closing Date: 02/8/2010

Eligibility: US citizens at least 18 years of age.

Background and Job Description:

The U.S. Forest Service is hiring seasonal biological technicians for a long-term amphibian monitoring program focusing on the mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana muscosa) and the Yosemite toad (Bufo canorus).

These jobs will predominantly consist of field work in the Sierra Nevada at elevations of 5,000-12,000 feet. Primary duties include locating and traveling to selected sample sites; surveying lakes, ponds, meadows, and streams for amphibians; and collecting habitat data. Many of the sites will be remote, requiring backpacking trips of up to 8-days duration. Some office work including data entry and checking is required during the season. Some preparatory office work may be available in early season and data entry or cleanup at the end of the season. We are looking for applicants with a background and/or high level of interest in herpetology and/or aquatic biology who are in good physical condition and willing to endure high altitude, temperature extremes, rough terrain, and the occasional mosquito
(ok, maybe thousands). Backpacking and backcountry experience, and experience in amphibian surveys and identification are desired. Ability to get along with crew members for prolonged periods in the backcountry is a must.

The application is an on-line process for ALL applicants.

To apply go to: http://www.avuedigitalservices.com/usfs/applicant.html

You may also view these announcements in USAJOBS under: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ (From this website you can type in the job announcement numbers (i.e.: TEMP-OCR-404-5-WLDLF) under “SEARCH JOBS” and be able to view them).

**Mandatory** In addition to completing the online application, please send, *ASAP*, your resume, transcripts, and contact information for three references to kkiehl@fs.fed.us: Scanned, unofficial transcripts are fine. If you are unable to send these documents electronically you may send them to me at:

Kathryn (Katie) Kiehl

Amphibian Monitoring Crew Supervisor

NOTE: It is absolutely necessary to complete the online application AND send me your resume, transcripts and references directly in order to be fully considered for employment.

These jobs are competitive. Because amphibian expertise comes from multiple disciplines, two separate jobs are posted for this grade (FISHERIES and WILDLIFE). Apply to the one you think you qualify for based on your background. You are welcome to apply to both.

*** We are also advertising jobs for “Crew Leaders” (GS-06). There is a separate outreach for these positions and they have different job announcement numbers. SEE OTHER ANNOUNCEMENT ***

*NOTE: Be sure you get a confirmation that your application was received. If you do not receive confirmation by email shortly after you apply, try again.

*IMPORTANT (within AVUE): For these jobs, select "Sonora, California" as a location. You must do this to show up on my list. *By applying here, you also will be eligible for many Biological Technician jobs nationwide.

The Job announcements numbers are:

TEMP-OCR-404-5-WLDLF Biological Science Technician (Wildlife), GS-0404-05

Nationwide: Multiple Locations

TEMP-OCR-404-5-FISH Biological Science Technician (Fisheries) GS-0404-05

Nationwide: Multiple Locations**

If you have questions, please email me. Please, no phone calls.

This is a great employment opportunity in an incredibly beautiful location. We are looking forward to a very busy and exceptionally fun field season. Join us!