The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's East Lansing Field Office will be hiring one GS-05 ($15.00/hour) and up to four GS-04 ($13.41/hour) biological science technicians to assist in the brown-headed cowbird control project. This project is essential in the recovery of the federally endangered Kirtland's warbler. General duties include the operation and maintenance of several cowbird traps throughout the jack pine forests of the northern lower peninsula of Michigan. The technicians will also be leading guided public tours to select Kirtland's warbler nesting areas. Opportunities also exist to participate in the annual Kirtland's warbler census. In addition, the GS-05 candidate will provide training and supervision of lower grade employees and volunteers. Work conditions can vary from freezing temperatures and snow in early April to hot and humid weather with biting insects in June. The positions are temporary appointments and may include weekends, holidays, and overtime. Employment dates are March 21, 2011 (GS-05) or April 4, 2011 (GS-04) to July 4, 2011. Duty location will be in the Grayling, MI area. Applicants must be self-motivated, possess a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a government-owned vehicle. Qualified applicants must also be able to euthanize brown-headed cowbirds and identify breeding and migratory birds of the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan.

The vacancy announcement and full application instructions for these positions will be posted at Jobsearch link. Look under announcement numbers "405519" and "DS405508-MB" until January 24, 2011. Applications must be submitted on-line following the instructions on USAJOBS and must be received before midnight EST, January 24. Applications will not be accepted by email. For more information, contact Dan Elbert , at 517-351-7261.