Plant Protection Technician, GS-0421-04 ($17.45 per hour).

Work Schedule:               This position is seasonal and temporary – limited to 180 days annually, up to 40 hours per week, June through October. Full-time status (40 hours per week) expected from June through September.

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

Starting Date:                    Tentatively June 2026 (negotiable with some flexibility).

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, U.S. Forest Service and Wisconsin Dept of Natural Resources (DNR) staff to survey new emerald ash borer (EAB) biocontrol sites, establish parasitoids, and assess and maintain new and existing field locations. The technician will implement all aspects of the EAB field biocontrol program.  This includes release site scouting, coordinating biocontrol agent delivery/shipments, conducting field releases and recovery survey activities, and providing outreach to cooperators and the general public.  Area of coverage may be the entire state; current release sites include about a dozen in the northern half of the state.  This position may also help staff outreach booths at several public and industry trade shows each year.

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:                  At least two years of college-level field work and/or experience in forestry, entomology, biology, horticulture (or other natural resource related fields) is preferred.

Knowledge & Skills:        The successful candidate will have:

• Strong knowledge of the principles of biological science, especially field ecology, forest pests, invasive species, and biocontrol practices
• Working knowledge of native and invasive plants and insect field identification
• Working knowledge of standard Microsoft Office Suite applications (e.g. Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.)

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent record keeping skills (both paper and digital)
• Ability to work 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.                              

Please submit your 2-page resume, unofficial transcripts (if applicable), and Active-Duty Form DD214 (if applicable) to the following email address with the location you wish to apply for: 

PPQ.Outreach.Recruitment@usda.gov

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 Act of 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.