Plant Protection and Quarantine Technician- EAB Biocontrol and EWBB Survey

Vacancy Announcement

United States Department of Agriculture

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Plant Protection and Quarantine

817 S Neil St Suite 105
Champaign, IL 61801

Announcement Closing Date:  March 11, 2024

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.)

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.