Plant Protection Technician

Position: Plant Protection Technician, GS-0421-04 ($17.51 per hour) or GS-0421-05 ($19.60 per hour)

Location: Bloomington, MN

Frequent in-state travel will be required.

Work Schedule: This position is seasonal and temporary – limited to 180 days maximum, est. 20-30 hours per week, maximum of 1088 hours, March through September. Full-time (40 hrs/wk) may be required mid-season.

Benefits: Annual leave and sick leave accrual during full-time employment only. This position is seasonal and temporary.

Starting Date: Tentatively May 2023.

Agency Background: This is a federal civilian position. USDA-APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) safeguards agriculture and natural resources from the entry, establishment, or spread of plant pests and noxious weeds. Fulfillment of this safeguarding role ensures an abundant, high-quality, and varied food supply, strengthens the marketability of U.S. agriculture in domestic and international commerce, and contributes to the preservation of the global environment. For more information visit: www.aphis.usda.gov.

Job Description: The temporary, seasonal technician will work with PPQ and state counterparts to perform exotic pest monitoring throughout the Twin Cities metro area and the State of Minnesota. Selectee will utilize technology to capture detailed information about trap activities. The technician will assist with screening and identification of trap catch and prepare screened samples for shipment. This position will also help to staff outreach booths at public events and industry trade shows as needed.

Applicant Applicants must be U.S. citizens at least 18 years of age (documentation required).

Requirements: Applicants must have a valid state driver’s license.

Educational High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.

Requirements: Successful completion of at least 2 years of college-level study that includes a minimum of 8 semester hours of field work in forestry, entomology, biology, horticulture or other natural resource-related field; or at least 2 years of equivalent work experience.

Knowledge & Skills: The successful candidate will have:

· Strong knowledge of the principles of biological science, especially field ecology, forest pests, and biocontrol practices

· Working knowledge of native and invasive plants and insect field identification

· Working knowledge of standard Microsoft Office Suite applications

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills

(Knowledge & Skills continued)

· Excellent record keeping skills (both paper and digital)

· Ability to work independently outdoors in rough terrain, in a variety of inclement climate conditions

· Ability to follow detailed written or verbal instructions

Other: All necessary equipment and training will be provided. Some training may be required before operating a government vehicle.

Application To apply for this position, please submit all of the following:

Instructions: 1. Resume showing applicable experience

2. Three professional references

3. Brief narrative (2 pages max) describing interest and detailing skills and abilities

4. Academic transcript

Email all documents to: nick.l.zebro@usda.gov

Contact Person: Nicholas Zebro, State Plant Health Director

USDA-APHIS-PPQ Minnesota

Email: nick.l.zebro@usda.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Reasonable Accommodation Policy

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.

Under the Rehabilitation Actof 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:

· An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.

· An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.

· An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training and office-sponsored events.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $17.51 - $19.60 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Work Location: In person