Position: Plant Protection Technician
Number of Positions: One vacancy
Series & Grade: GS-0421-03/04/05
Pay Range: $14.38 - $18.06 per hour
Location: Champaign, IL
Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday
Expected Duration: Limited Appointment (approximately 140 working days from start date or December 31st, whichever is reached first.)
Announcement Closing Date: June 12
Major Duties:
Plant Protection Technicians play an important role in detection and management of invasive species in Illinois. This Technician position will support two APHIS-PPQ programs during the 2023 field season: (1) trapping and visual surveys to detect invasive exotic tree pests and (2) releases of parasitoid wasps for biological control of emerald ash borer. The Technician will install and maintain insect traps, collect and screen samples, evaluate field sites for biological control suitability, release biocontrol agents, and record data in local and national databases. This work will require working in a variety of environments throughout Central and Southern Illinois, including forest preserves, parks, urban and industrial areas, and rail yards. The Technician will also be expected to participate in outreach supporting these programs through daily interactions with the public while working in the field as well as occasional involvement in organized outreach events. The Technician will work both independently and as part of a team.
Basic Requirements:
Employee must have a valid US driver’s license. Employee must have completed college-level coursework in a relevant scientific field(s), such as entomology, botany, ecology, etc. Experience with identification of insects and/or trees is a plus. For more information about qualification standards, please visit the OPM website.
To apply for the position, please submit the following materials via email:
1. A resume (must include start and completion dates and hours/week)
2. College transcripts
3. Declaration for Federal Employment form OF 306
For more information about the position or to apply, please contact:
Laura Ettema Khan
1817 South Neil Street, Suite 105
Champaign, IL 61801
Office: 217-398-1698 or Cell: 217-417-4355
laura.ettema-khan@usda.gov
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates will be considered without discrimination for any non-merit reasons such as race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.
