Job Summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is hiring Summer Aides to survey for the European Cherry Fruit Fly. Full-time Positions are available.

Job Description

DUTIES MAY INCLUDE:

1. Contacting landowners, tenants, farmers, nurserymen, orchardists, commercial facilities, municipal authorities and others to secure permission to conduct survey and inspection responsibilities;
   
   
   
   1. Inspecting trees for exotic plant pests;
   
   
   2. Trapping insects on private properties, nurseries and other situations;
   
   
   3. Identifying and marking trees for treatment or removal;
   
   
   4. Assisting with treatment procedures and conducting follow-up inspections;
   
   
   5. Collecting survey and inspection data using a provided government-owned electronic device;
   
   
   6. Maintaining daily records of work completed.
   
   
   
   


2. The incumbent must be willing to commute to and from the vehicle parking station, operate a government owned/leased vehicle while conducting duties, and use GPS or other approved tools to navigate.


3. Must be willing to work independently or as part of a team in a field environment and in collaboration with cooperating agencies.


4. The incumbent will be exposed to a variety of environmental conditions typical of Northwestern New York, with expectations to work outdoors throughout the year.


5. Typical environmental conditions may include: cold, heat, sun, rain, snow, wind, biting/stinging insects, poison ivy, etc.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

1. Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with the selective service.


2. Must have a valid driver’s license.


3. Must be able to work alone and/or in teams in remote locations.


4. Must possess or be able to learn basic insect pest and tree identification skills.


5. Must be able to travel overnight occasionally.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

GS-3: Six months general experience OR Successful completion of 1 year of study that included at least 4 semester hours in courses listed below.

Courses: Biology, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Zoology, Botany, Forestry, Chemistry, Agriculture, or Physics.

General Experience: (l) Any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position, or (2) experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation.

How to Apply

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