Introduction.

The research focuses on issues related to conservation and management of amphibians, turtles and other aquatic and semi-aquatic species.

Description of Student Services

The contractor will work as a member of the Michael J Adams Herpetological Research Team in the field following strict research study protocols collecting information about population biology and ecology of amphibians and turtles, mainly the Oregon Spotted frog, in Oregon’s Deschutes and Klamath watersheds. The contractor will learn and practice many skills including capture, mark, recapture techniques, visual encounter surveys, and vegetation/habitat classification. They will perform accurate data collection, entry and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols, as well as field equipment maintenance.

WORK REQUIREMENTS

• Technical Requirements.
• Describe specific work requirements and/or work products:

The contractor will identify Pacific Northwest amphibians and turtles of various developmental stages to species, collect morphometric data on captures, collect basic aquatic habitat data, collect GPS location and photo points, drive on unmaintained roads,  work and camp in a variety of weather conditions, and enter data into a handheld digital device (tablet).   

Required expertise/skills:

Must have at least 2 years of college with courses related to the work of the position (equivalent to 60 semester/90 quarter hours/), plus at least 2 months of field experience.  Candidate must be a US citizen

Candidate must possess a valid driver’s license and the ability to competently drive a government vehicle in urban, interstate, and off-road (4x4) environments.  Should be able to work in a small group or with one other individual for several days at a time.  Candidate should be able to demonstrate good organizational skills and proficiency with technical equipment (including but not limited to GPS units, data forms on handheld tablets) and map reading/navigation.  Candidate must be willing to learn and perform marking techniques (including toe-clipping, PIT tagging, radio transmittering, and carapace notching).

Desired expertise/skills:

Candidate should have amphibian or turtle field survey experience (including identification to species of all life stages), within Pacific Northwest ecosystems (including strong background in wetland ecology and biota), and experience identifying fish, aquatic/terrestrial plants, and invertebrates, as well as an understanding of field safety, especially for high grade position.

PRIMITIVE CAMPING AND BACKCOUNTRY BACKPACKING EXPERIENCE IS HIGHLY DESIRED.  Interest in the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on field skills and behind-the-data perspectives in ecology and conservation research.

Deliverables.

Characteristics for work product described in paragraph I. B and II.A.1. Specific deliverables include:

        *  Collection of high quality accurate data (including completion of QA/QC protocols)

        *  Safe field operations

        *  Weekly oral reporting at briefing and debriefings to the Field Manager/Supervisor (Brome McCreary), describing progress of work, safety concerns and any problems that have come up.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

Principal Duty Station:

USGS, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Corvallis Research Group, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR  97331

Period of Performance: 3/22/2026 to 9/19/2026

The 2026 field season will start roughly March 22 and continue through mid-September (exact duration of student contract depends on student experience, project needs, and funding availability); fulltime, with possible periods of part time or intermittent work.

Description of Working Conditions:

Under the oversight of a Field Manager, contractor will conduct field data collection at pre-designed field research studies dealing with the population biology & survival of amphibians & turtles. Methods include visual encounter, mark/recapture, habitat quantification, trapping, fungal screening, and canoe surveys. Contractor is responsible for data entry & error-checking as well as any required gear and equipment maintenance. Contractor may often be required to work in excess of ten hours a day, occasionally and/or on weekends, and must have the flexibility to accommodate an unconventional schedule on short notice.

Contractor must be aware of and follow personal safety precautions. 

The work requires significant physical exertion on a daily basis & a high degree of safety awareness at field sites. Physical exertion in the form of heavy lifting/bending, wading through streams & ponds of widely varying size & complexity, & potentially working in a variety of weather conditions. Contractor must be able to hike over rough terrain carrying personal gear & field equipment, and should be able to safely, accurately, and effectively navigate to & around study sites using compass, topographic maps, and GPS units.

Most duties will be performed in the field environment, in or near wetlands, ponds, lakes & streams of widely varying size and complexity. Weather is highly variable. Exposure to stinging and biting invertebrates is common and should be expected. Field work consists of overnight trips away from the duty station, 4-25 days in duration, & will primarily include primitive camping conditions (tent and camp stoves can be provided). Survey sites may be in remote areas, and candidate may be required to go on multi-day backcountry backpacking trips. Special safety precautions are required in many cases, & the employee may typically wear life jackets, waders, and special handling gear.

Housing will not be provided.   All work will include field trips often requiring extensive driving.           

Compensation:

Compensation is $18.78 per hour.  The contractor is responsible for all transportation costs to and from the principal duty station.  USGS will provide transportation from the duty station to any field study sites and return.  USGS will provide any required field sampling and safety gear (including waders/boots, PFD, etc.). 

SPECIAL TERMS:

For all legal purposes, student is regarded as an independent contractor.  Payments for services are reportable and taxable as earned income.  No Federal, State, or Local income taxes will be deducted.  No Social Security or Medicare taxes will be deducted.  Student is responsible for payment of all taxes as a result of income received under this order.  The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will report the total amount paid under this order to the Internal Revenue Service on a Standard Form 1099.  The student is not considered an employee and will not receive a W-2 form.

For payment, student must have a checking or savings account at a financial institution that will accept direct deposits of Federal funds.

Student will be required to complete computer security awareness training and comply with the USGS Computer and Network Security Handbook.  First Aid/CPR is required and training will be provided by the USGS.

The USGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, fitness, and qualifications without regard to race, sex, color, religion, age, marital status, national origin, non-disqualifying handicap conditions, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factors.  This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities.

Contact Information:

The work will be overseen by Dr. Michael J. Adams, Supervisory Research Ecologist. 

For questions related directly to the job, contact Brome McCreary at 541-905-4280, or brome_mccreary@usgs.gov.