Job Listing: Fish Ecology Technician Positions, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, 2021-2022

Fish Ecology Technician Positions, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, 2021-2022

The USGS Great Lakes Science Center’s Lake Ontario Biological Station, Oswego, NY, is hiring three 12-month technician positions for coregonine research. Coregonines, such as Cisco, Lake Whitefish, and Bloater were historically among the Great Lakes most abundant fishes, but populations have declined or been extirpated throughout much of their range. Technicians will support collaborative projects funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and will inform restoration and rehabilitation plans for these native fishes. These positions are with the USGS Student Contractor Services program. To be eligible, candidates must have been enrolled in a degree program or have graduated, within the past 12 months. Student contractors are not federal employees but are self-employed and contracted to provide fisheries technician services. See the below for more information. Application deadline is March 26, 2021.

Coregonine Spawning Ecology Student Contractors (2 positions, 12 months possibly extended, base of work Oswego NY, travel expected, Bachelor of Science minimally required, payrate=$18.19/hour) Contractor will be part of a collaborative project working in Lakes Ontario and Superior to determine how habitat conditions influence coregonine spawning success (Cisco, Lake Whitefish, others). Field sampling on large and small vessels and on ice-bound embayments will quantify spawning habitat, egg deposition, egg survival, and larval emergence. Field work will occur year-round but will be focused from October to May. All safety training and equipment will be provided. Lab work will include data management and egg and larval fish processing. Strong candidates will have a Bachelor of Science degree with an aquatic or ecological focus, prior experience operating vessels, managing data, and using scripted analysis program. Candidates must have a valid drivers license. Start date is flexible late April – June 2021.

Coregonine Life History Student Contractor (1 position 12 months; Bachelor of Science minimally required, payrate=$18.19/hr, 40hrs/week, can work remotely; travel is possible) The contractor will be part of a collaborative project collating and analyzing coregonine life history parameters and surveying coregonine survey data available throughout the Great Lakes. The contractor will work closely with graduate students, data managers, and biologists across the Great Lakes basin to create publicly available databases that support coregonine population viability analyses. Strong candidates will have demonstrated academic proficiency and prior experience using science products search engines (Google Scholar, Web of Science) managing data, and working with scripted analysis programs (ex. R). This position does not have a field component. Start date is flexible late April – June 2021.

How to Apply:
Email the following materials to Dr. Brian Weidel ([email protected]):

  • C.V. or resume
  • transcript (unofficial is ok)
  • cover letter
  • two references with contact information.

We will acknowledge receipt of your application materials. Application deadline is March 26, 2021.

 

Student Service Contracts

  • Under the Student Services Program, USGS contracts directly with the student
  • All students must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Student contractors are not Federal Employees. They are considered self-employed and therefore, required to report and pay their own taxes and social security. They will be issued a 1099 form.
  • USGS employees, their spouses and children are not eligible to participate in this program.
  • Students must obtain a DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System (https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform)) number and register in SAM (System for award management (sam.gov)) before a contract can be issued to them. Both are free services so if you are asked for payment you are not at the correct website.
  • The total duration for the contract shall not exceed two calendar years
  • Student hourly rates can be adjusted each calendar year.
  • The rate of pay is determined by the level of education described in the statement of work. Students who have more years of study than required are not necessarily paid at a higher rate than required by the work statement.
  • Students are paid only for hours worked (with no holiday or leave benefits).
  • Students are paid for each hour worked, but do not receive a premium pay rate for work beyond 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. They can work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours per week, however they get paid the same amount for each hour worked.
  • Former students who graduated more than 12 months prior to the hiring date, or left school without graduating are not eligible for this program.
  • Non-US citizens may be eligible to participate, depending on their immigration status and applicable regulations of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (formerly Immigration and Naturalization Service).

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