Tree Breeding Specialist Resource Assistant

Job Announcement

United States Forest Service – Dorena Genetic Resource Center

Tree Breeding Specialist Resource Assistant

1 Position – Cottage Grove, OR

Please respond by AUGUST 23, 2024

Delivering Benefits to a Multicultural Public – Resource Assistant Program

The Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) in partnership with the United States Forest Service (USFS) Dorena Genetic Resource Center (DGRC) is advertising for a Tree Breeding Specialist Resource Assistant (RA). The position will be located at Dorena Genetic Resource Center, a tree improvement and nursery facility on the Umpqua National Forest. This is an 8-month full-time work experience from approximately October 2024 – May 2025.

Created in 1984 and modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s, NYC is a non-profit job training and experiential education program for youth and young adults to learn and work in the field of natural resource management. NYC will recruit and hire the selected RA candidates providing personnel and Human Resources HR needs during the placement.

The Position

The Resource Assistant Program is a rigorous and immersive paid internship for individuals interested in Forest Service careers. Resource Assistants (RAs) work with Forest Service staff to complete mission-critical work that demonstrates leadership, critical thinking, and strategic communication. Through direct training, experience, and exposure, RAs gain the tools to launch their natural and cultural resource careers.

Through a partnership with Northwest Youth Corps, the selected Resource Assistant will support the Port-Orford-cedar disease resistance program at Dorena Genetic Resource Center. The selectee will assist with daily operations of a high throughput containerized tree improvement program focused on developing resistance to the non-native pathogen Phytophthora lateralis. This is an immersive professional internship that requires a skillful and confident applicant who can manage a busy workload and learning opportunities with the support of the program coordinator and nursery staff. This position will perform work at the equivalent of a GS-6/7 position in the federal service. Visit https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-systems/general-schedule/ for more information.

 

Position Requirements:

• Successful completion of a full 2 or 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree that included a major field of study in biology, horticulture, or forestry. However, any degree will still be considered.
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and over 19 years old.
• Valid state driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle by the time of employment. Government vehicles are available for work-related travel. RAs are responsible for travel to and from duty station.
• Successful completion of a background check.

Program Benefits

• $20,400 living stipend, prorated monthly throughout 8-month internship
• $1,200 monthly housing allowance
• $2,750 reimbursable funds for work-related training and professional development opportunities
• $50 monthly commuter allowance (on-site and hybrid positions only)
• 64 hours of available PTO
• Workers compensation, FICA/Medicare, and optional health care coverage (monthly premiums covered)
• RA will have special United States Forest Service Direct Hire Authority upon completion of a minimum of 960 hours of service, but placement is not guaranteed.

Position Responsibilities will include:

• Maintains orchard by monitoring tree health, pruning, repotting, and fertilizing trees.
• Conducts propagation of large numbers of trees through cross­pollination, seeding, rooting, and grafting techniques.
• Assists with seed extraction efforts using mechanical and hand-processing techniques.
• Participates in tree breeding process by surveying for cone and seed crops, collecting cones or seeds, isolating female flowers to control pollination, and collecting pollen.
• Monitors for insect and disease infestations and coordinates appropriate response.
• Inputs, validates, and organizes detailed plant inventory and accession records.
• Uses personal computers, software packages, and techniques for data collection, data storage, and researching information to support work.
• Independently organizes work efforts with other technicians and managers who are involved with relevant projects. Communicates work plans and outcomes effectively with program coordinator.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Practical knowledge of principles, methodology, and practices of horticulture, forestry, and biology.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and accomplish repetitive and recurring tasks.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and cooperative manner and handle multiple tasks/projects at a given time.
• Strong attention to detail; skilled in record keeping and organization.
• Ability to work in inclement conditions, including cold weather, rain, and in the presence of allergens (pollen).