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Seasonal Student Positions with Endangered Pallid sturgeon with USGS

The US Geological Survey (USGS), Columbia Environmental Research is seeking students to provide technical biological support for studies working with the endangered pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus).  Project Scientist and other team members in study migrations, reproduction, early life history, and habitats used by federally endangered pallid sturgeon in the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers of Montana and North Dakota. The students shall work with project scientists and other team members in the Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project (CSRP).  The CSRP is a collaborative, multidisciplinary research project developed to examine the behavior and ecology of the pallid sturgeon in the Missouri River and Yellowstone Rivers.  Multiple positions are available in Columbia, Missouri and Fort Peck, Montana.  Applicants should indicate which location they are applying for.

Duties:

The Student Contractor shall assist with both field and laboratory studies. 

Positions at Both Fort Peck, Montana and Columbia, Missouri will assist with:

  • Capturing and tagging adult fish, including sturgeon.
  • Tracking movements of fish using acoustic and radio telemetry.
  • Maintaining autonomous radio and acoustic telemetry networks
  • Documenting habitat use, including spawning locations.
  • Collecting sturgeon eggs and larva at spawning locations and at predetermined transacts.
  • Deploying and operating various instruments to assess water quality parameters
  • Identifying larval fishes
  • Operating watercraft and field trucks towing trailers.

In addition to activities listed above, positions located in Columbia, Missouri will assist project scientists with: 

  • Laboratory propagation, care and feeding of sturgeon.
  • Laboratory studies of development and behavior.
  • Operation of hydrographic survey equipment to characterize fish habitat
  • Use of advanced single beam, multibeam, and side scan sonars
  • Post-processing of hydrographic survey data.

Office and Laboratory work shall be conducted from duty stations at the Fork Peck Project Office in Fort Peck, Montana or the Columbia Environmental Research Center in Columbia, Missouri.  Field studies with pallid sturgeon will be conducted from watercraft operating along the length of the Missouri and Lower Yellowstone River, from Montana to Missouri. 

 

Requirements:

Completion of at least two years towards a bachelor’s degree program in a biology, ecology, hydrology,  ecohydrology or environmental management discipline, including study of agriculture, biology, ecology, or fisheries and wildlife biology.  Individuals who earned undergraduate or graduate degrees in these disciplines within the last year are also considered students eligible for the position. Knowledge is in principles of fisheries ecology and aquatic ecology is desirable. Experience working from watercraft or using radio telemetry and fish sampling gears in rivers is also desirable. Ability to follow instructions closely and apply standard scientific techniques in the completion of assignments involving investigations and studies.  Ability to record data legibly.  Knowledge of scientific disciplines related to the collection of biological data is desirable.  Knowledge of basic computer operations in a Microsoft Windows environment.  Must be at least 18 years old, and be a licensed driver, as operation of government vehicles is required.  Must be comfortable working in, on, or near the water, and from watercraft.  CPR and/or first aid skills are desirable.   Training and experience in use of boats and trailers, or experience working in a laboratory setting are desirable but not required.

Hours and Duration of employment:

This is a full-time summer position, with the potential for some part time work during the school year.    We are seeking applicants able to work full time beginning about May 4, 2026 with some flexibility depending on university class schedules. The end date will be September 25, 2026, but the end date can be adjusted for students returning to college for fall semester. The position may be extended for one additional year.  Hours of work, both in the laboratory and the field, are dependent on the requirements of the research and study objectives and may sometimes require work at night, or for extended and unusual duty periods.  Field work may require substantial travel within the states of Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Montana.  Compensation for lodging and per diem are provided for any required travel from the duty station. Extended travel during the month of May, June, and July may be required.

Description of working conditions:

Some types of laboratory work are performed standing and requires standing on hard surfaces for long periods.  Field work is performed outdoors, often in boats, and in remote locations involving exposure to a range of weather and temperature conditions.  Exposure to nuisance insects is expected.  Work may extend beyond the typical 8-hour day, with weekend and holiday work required.  Students may be required to carry field samples and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.  Personal floatation devices must be worn at all times when working in boats or around water, regardless of outdoor temperatures. 

Compensation: 

Compensation is commensurate with the level of education and experience, as follows: 

•             GS-04-01 ($19.11 per hour having at least two years of college education)

•             GS-05-01 ($20.81 per hour having BS degree).

The position is a contract position, and not a federal government position.  After selection for a position, applicants will be required to provide an official transcript and to register as a contractor, including acquiring and providing a UEI number to USGS.  A UEI number is required for all federal contracts. There is no charge for a UEI number. No work can be performed, and no payment can be provided prior to USGS receipt of the applicant’s UEI number. Successful candidates are contractors and will be responsible for withholding state and federal taxes. There is no salary withholding from contractor compensation.  Students must arrange to pay their own social security and any applicable taxes.

Student shall be responsible for all costs of transportation to and from the principal duty station location. The Government does not provide housing, meals or other living expenses while working at the principal duty station. Transportation shall be provided to and from field investigation site(s). Meals/cost of food while on travel away from the principal duty station at field investigation sites will be provided by the USGS in the same manner as for federal employees, in accordance with the Government Travel Regulations.

Application Process:

Applicants shall submit a cover letter and resume that includes full legal name of the student, mailing address, telephone number, email address, citizenship (if not a US citizen, provide immigration/VISA status), education, work or volunteer experience related to the scientific field, and contact information for references. Copies of the most recent college transcripts shall be submitted. Application materials shall be emailed by close of day January 2, 2026 to Dr. Patrick J. Braaten, pbraaten@usgs.gov (Fort Peck, Montana) or Aaron DeLonay, adelonay@usgs.gov (Columbia, MO).  Please indicate the location of available positions you are interested in

Applicant selected for the Student Contract positions shall be subject to a background investigation in accordance with U. S. Government Regulations.

Additional information about the duties of positions can be obtained by calling 573 876-1878.