Consider Joining the Crew at NPARL!

• Permanent Job Vacancies • Summer & Temporary Vacancies • NEW Internships • Application Info • Federal Employment • Disability Resources • Community Information

The Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory presents a range of noteworthy and fascinating vocations as well as temporary employment for students and post-docs.

NPARL is located in a family-friendly rural area and is approximately 50 miles from two community colleges: Williston State College, Williston, ND and Dawson Community College, Glendive, MT. Sidney is one of the larger towns in eastern Montana, just 11 miles from the North Dakota border and surrounded by several smaller communities.

Eastern Montana offers a pleasant, desirable lifestyle – friendly community, abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, outstanding school systems, and rewarding career possibilities. And the work environment is equally inviting as reflected in our history. Our lab was awarded the Outstanding Regional Laboratory by the Federal Lab Consortium in 2003. You can click here to check out other awards and recognitions. We have regular gatherings that enhance employee morale through holiday celebrations, potluck lunches, and other functions.

To learn more about the surrounding community for our location click here for convenient links to key websites for schools, businesses and more. Information for further job opportunities in the Northern Plains Area can be found at their career page.

Permanent Job Vacancies:

See below for links to websites listing openings at other ARS or federal facilities.

Agricultural Systems Research Unit (ASRU):
no vacancies at this time.

Pest Management Research Unit (PMRU):
Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Microbiology)

Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Microbiology) (Click here for more information)

Vacancy Announcement:

ARS-X13W-0057

Open Period: Friday, May 17, 2013 to Friday, May 24, 2013

Location:

Sidney, MT

Series & Grade:

GS-0404/-07/09

Position Information:

Full Time - Permanent

Salary Range:

$38,790.00 - $61,678.00 / Per Year

Description of Duties:

This position is located in the Pest Management Research Unit in Sidney, Montana. The incumbent provides technical assistance to a research plant pathologist who is examining plant pathogens in the biological control of exotic, highly invasive weeds to better control agricultural environments. Performs technical microbial analyses on plant and fungi samples to develop knowledge essential to enabling the incorporation of plant pathogens into biological, cultural and reduced-chemical control programs. May use a variety of microbial procedures, and molecular biology, biochemical techniques and protocols on various samples. Maintains and calibrates laboratory equipment and instruments. Operates an assortment of laboratory equipment including autoclaves, lyophilizers, centrifuges, homogenizers, and thermal cyclers including a real-time PCR thermal cycler. Propagates plants for use in greenhouse and field experiments. Records results and collects samples from lab, greenhouse and field experiments, performs various measurements and uses computer software for recording and compiling and summarizing data by graphic and other means. Maintains inventory of chemicals, prepares solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, and safely disposes of waste material, both chemical and biological. Prepares routine media and solutions by weighing and measuring constituents according to established laboratory methods. Performs sample sorting or processing for analysis.

Working Conditions and Other Considerations:

Work greenhouse as needed; Occasional work in field; fieldwork may involve adverse weather conditions.

Occasionally may need to lift objects that weigh up to 50 pounds.

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position. Complete job details and application instructions at http://www.ars.usda.gov/npa/nparl, see "Careers" or usa.jobs.gov.

Local Contact: Dr. Anthony Caesar, 406.433.9412, tony.caesar@ars.usda.gov.

How to Apply:

Applications may be submitted online or faxed (please use cover page 'Vacancy ID 891971' and complete the occupational questionnaire) to 1-478-757-3144.

For more information regarding the vacancy or applying:

Department of Agriculture

USDA-REE-ARS-WBSC/ARS-X12W-0102

ATTN: Cindy Prucha

5601 Sunnyside Avenue

Beltsville, MD 20705

E-mail: cindy.prucha(at)ars.usda.gov

If sending your application as an attachment to an email, do not send zipped files. They will be removed in accordance with standard electronic security procedures. If hand delivered, be sure your application is received in the Human Resources Division on or before closing date.

Click here for more information.

USDA/ARS is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

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Summer & Temporary Vacancies:

USDA, Agriculture Research Service, The Northern Plains Agricultural Laboratory located in Sidney, MT, is currently accepting applications for summer employment. Summer employment generally runs from mid-May through mid-August. Duties may include farming activities, data collection, sampling, and lab work. Some positions may include overnight travel and have the option of lasting past August. Pay is based on qualifications, the minimum starting wage is $9.74 per hour.

Information on the Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory (NPARL) can be found at www.ars.usda.gov/npa/nparl.

You can submit a generic application and additional work experience (if applicable) by mail, or drop off at the address below. Please call (406)433-2020 if you have any questions. Applications will be accepted until all summer positions are filled.

USDA-ARS-NPARL

Attn: Human Resources

1500 North Central Ave.

Sidney, MT 59270


Please Note: Once a summer job offer has been made, all selected applicants must complete a Declaration for Federal Employment form (OF306) (PDF; 92KB) which is linked here for their convenience.



Additional information on our summer positions!!

The Northern Plains Agriculture Research Lab hires a varying number of students each year for summer positions. Those interested must be 18 years of age by the time work begins. Summer employment generally runs from mid-May through mid-August. Flexible schedules are available; wages are based on qualifications with a minimum of $9.74 per hour. Successful applicants will assist with various research projects including plot preparation and maintenance, plant harvesting and sample preparation and maintenance, sample and seed sorting, processing for analysis and storage, cleaning field instruments and equipment, keeping simple records of work accomplished, collecting grasshoppers and rangeland plants, working on Mormon cricket research and assisting with lab experiments.



Student Internships:
Student Internship positions are open at NPARL periodically as funding becomes available. See below for information on how to apply. Additionally, other Pathways Internships may be available at any of the NPA locations, and all NPA Pathways Internships are posted to the www.usajobs.gov website.
Student Internship announcements for all labs in Northern Plains Area (NPA) are available beginning in mid-January at the NPA website.
For more information you may contact NPARL's Administrative Officer, Kelly Roberts, by phone, 406.433.9480, or e-mail, kelly.roberts@ars.usda.gov.

What are the key requirements to participate?

U.S. Citizen

Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation

Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered with Selective Service

Enrolled at least half-time at a qualifying educational institution

At least 16 years of age

Who is eligible to particpate?

Must be a U.S. citizen or a citizen of certain countries in alliance with the United States (must have permanent residency)
and

Must be a current student in an accredited high school, college (including 4-year colleges/universities, community colleges and junior colleges); professional, technical, vocational, and trade school; advanced degree program
Who is qualified to participate?

Must be a High School graduate (or equivalent)
or

Must have 3 months of general experience performing clerical/office work
How do I apply for an internship?
If accepted for an internship, students will then need to provide the following:
1. Proof of enrollment in the college
2. Certified transcript
3. Verification for US citizen or permanent residency
For more information on either summer employment or student internships, please contact Kelly Roberts at 406.433.9480.

USDA/ARS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider.

ARS Vacancy Web Site: Look here for employment opportunities within ARS.

ARS Careers Web Site: Information regarding career opportunities for permanent and temporary employees.

ARS Careers Information Web Site: Information presented here was designed to help those not currently in the Federal service better understand the Federal hiring process.

USA Jobs Web Site: The official job site of the United States Government.

USDA/ARS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider.

Useful tools for preparing your application:

USDA ARS Applicant Guide (PDF; 220 KB: Please note application form OF-612 is obsolete)

Biggest Mistakes By First-Time Federal Job Seekers (PDF; 23 KB)

ARS in a Flash (PDF; 1.64 MB)

You must include a statement in your application that you are a U.S. citizen and return your application to the office listed in the job description. Note: Applications for permanent positions cannot be accepted at the Sidney office. If you have questions you may contact NPARL Location Administrative Officer Barbara Flammond at 406-433-9485.

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Permanent Job Vacancies:

Summer & Temporary Vacancies:

Additional information on our summer positions!!

Student Internships:

Career Opportunities