Plant Protection and Quarantine Technician

Vacancy Announcement

United States Department of Agriculture

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Plant Protection and Quarantine

1817 S Neil St Suite 105
Champaign, IL 61801

Position:
Number of Positions: Series & Grade:
Pay Range: Location: Schedule:
Expected Duration:

Plant Protection Technician 1 vacancy
GS-0421-03/04/05
$15.10 -$18.96 per hour Champaign, IL
40 hours per week, Monday through Friday
Limited Appointment (approximately 140 working days from start date or December 31ˢᵗ, whichever is 
reached first.)

Announcement Closing Date:  March 11, 2024
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 2024 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:
Applicant must be a US Citizen. Applicant must have a valid drivers license. Applicant 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.
Selected applicant must complete the Declaration of Federal Employment OF Form 306, background 
check and provide official fingerprints. Selected applicant must pass USDA Security Awareness 
Training and Defensive Driver Training prior to employment.

To apply for the position, please submit the following materials via email:
1. A resume or OF612 form (must include start and completion dates and hours/ week
2. College transcripts
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.