Internship Grassland Ecology Internship
Job Description
Summer research internship: Fire and grazing ecology in grassland and sagebrush (eastern MT)
Dates: early June – late August 2022 (8-week appointment).
Job Description/Duties: We seek an enthusiastic and hard-working individual to assist with research on the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s Livestock and Range Research Laboratory in Miles City, MT. In collaboration with the USDA ARS Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory in Sidney, MT, we are conducting experiments designed to assess drivers of grass productivity following prescribed burning and grazing, and sagebrush responses to fire. Broadly, our research focuses on management of native rangelands with an emphasis on ecological disturbances by grazing and fire. Fire is a natural process in rangeland ecosystems, which provide important grazing resources for livestock that support rural livelihoods worldwide. Knowledge generated from this project will increase the ability of people who depend on rangelands to produce livestock profitably and sustainably. Training will include techniques for measuring plant and soil responses to treatments in the field and lab. The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience with diverse field sampling and experimental methods, plant identification techniques, and experience with electronics while working in a team-oriented research environment. The intern will be expected to present research findings to the labs upon completion.
Salary: Full time $15.61 (GS-3) per hour. Housing is not covered, but assistance in finding affordable housing, including potentially an on-site bunkhouse, will be available.
Qualifications: The candidate must be a US citizen, with a valid driver’s license. Additionally, the candidate should be physically fit, and comfortable spending time outside in uncomfortable field conditions (hot, biting insects etc.). Willingness to work long days and weekends when necessary is a must. Introductory coursework in either biology or ecology is required. Coursework in field ecology or plant biology is preferred. Field experience related to plant and soil sampling is preferred.
How to Apply
Application process: Please send cover letter outlining relevant experience/skills, resume (including relevant coursework and prior employment), and names and contact information of two references (electronically) in a single file to Devan McGranahan (Devan.McGranahan@usda.gov). Be sure to include available start and end dates. Open Period: Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For more information on our research programs visit our websites at https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/miles-city-mt/larrl/ and https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/sidney-mt/northern-plains-agricultural-research-laboratory/ or contact Carissa Wonkka (Carissa.Wonkka@usda.gov) or Devan McGranahan (Devan.McGranahan@usda.gov) directly. Title: Biological Science Intern Series: 0404 Grade: GS3 Vacancy Announcement Number: Seasonal L/A Location: USDA-ARS Livestock & Range Research Laboratory (primary field location) and Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory USDA is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable Accommodation: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, or have questions regarding reasonable accommodation and/or accessibility for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Disability Program Manager on 202-720-6161 or through the DC Relay Service on 202-855-1234 (TDD).162 total views, 0 today