Consider Joining the Crew at NPARL!
• Permanent Job Vacancies NEW POSTING BELOW! • Temporary Job Vacancies • Summer/Seasonal Job Vacancies NOW HIRING FOR 2024! • 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.
Permanent Job Vacancies at NPARL
Pending final approval, these permanent job vacancies will be advertised on www.usajobs.gov. Interested parties can sign up on www.usajobs.gov to receive notices regarding these and other non-seasonal job openings at NPARL. Also please see the NPARL Diversity webpage which outlines NPARL's commitment to hiring a diverse workforce. See below for links to websites listing openings at other ARS or federal facilities.
Agricultural Systems Research Unit (ASRU): NEW OPENING!
Agricultural Science Research Technician (Soils): This is a permanent, full time position located in the Agricultural Systems Research Unit, at the USDA-ARS Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory in Sidney, MT. The incumbent works for a Research Soil Scientist involved in soil physics and water management and quality research programs.
- Closing Date: 02/08/2024
- Duties:
- Adapts, modifies or develops new techniques and/or procedures to satisfy the needs of the research project
- Performs the full range of soil science research techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment including electronic sensors, data loggers, wired and wireless data transfer systems, mechanized sample/data collection equipment, etc.
- Participates in planning, implementing and/or compiling data from laboratory-, field-, or greenhouse-based soil science research
- Searches literature for procedures or techniques to evaluate soil physical properties in laboratory, field, or greenhouse studies
- Collects, prepares, evaluates, and verifies soil samples and supporting records as needed to evaluate soil physical properties (e.g., bulk density, soil moisture, water retention, etc.)
- Maintains inventory of chemicals, prepares solutions, and manages chemical waste as required to accomplish research objectives in laboratory, field, or greenhouse studies on soil physical properties
- Uses proper procedures to establish and maintain research plots and assists with necessary operations involved in field experiments, including tillage, planting, fertilization and harvest
- Oversees work assignments of part-time or seasonal employees, as assigned, and works collegially with other research team members.
- For more information and to apply:
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To Apply: Visit the following link: ARS-S24Y-12270803-JF.
- This position is advertised at the GS-7 and GS-8 levels. Includes full benefits, has promotion potential to GS-9, and is open to all U.S. Citizens.
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Pest Management Research Unit (PMRU):
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No current positions being advertise
ARS is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
Temporary Job Vacancies at NPARL (Term positions)
USDA, Agricultural Research Service, the Northern Plains Agricultural Laboratory located in Sidney, MT, currently has no temporary positions open. Please see seasonal employment.
Summer/Seasonal & Temporary Vacancies at NPARL:
Summer Employment: The Northern Plains Agriculture Research Lab hires a varying number of students each year for summer positions. Those interested must be 17 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 $16.35 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.
Ag Systems Research Unit Now Hiring for Summer 2024!
Biological Aids and Technicians: ASRU is looking for responsible and hard-working individuals to help with plant and soil sample collection and processing. Farming experience and skill in operating machinery are desired but not required. The season is April-September, with variable starting / ending dates, with 30-40 hour weeks Monday through Friday. Must be 17 or older and have a valid driver's license. Hourly wage: $16.35 to $17 depending on experience. To apply, send resume and reference contacts to Bart Stevens, Bart.Stevens@USDA.gov. Apply ASAP, hiring process can take 6-8 weeks.
Other Seasonal Employment: In addition to summer jobs, NPARL also hires other seasonal help throughout the year as needed. To apply for either summer or other seasonal positions:
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 are accepted all year round or until all available positions are filled.
USDA-ARS-NPARL
Attn: Nikki Mullin, Administrative Officer
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 your convenience.
Student Internship positions under the Pathways Program are open at NPARL periodically as funding becomes available. Click here to see a listing of Pathways Program Student Internships in the Plains Area (PA) and read below for information on how to apply. Additionally, all Pathways Internships are posted to the www.usajobs.gov website (filter results by using Pathways in keyword search or using the left-hand links).
For more information you may contact NPARL's Administrative Officer.
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 participate?
- 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 college2. Certified transcript3. Verification for US citizen or permanent residency For more information on either summer employment or student internships, please contact NPARL Administration Office at 406.433.2020.
Other ARS and Federal Employment:
USDA/ARS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider. If you are seeking seasonal employment you may submit a general application at our laboratory.
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:
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USDA ARS Applicant Guide (PDF; 220 KB: Please note application form OF-612 is obsolete)
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Biggest Mistakes By First-Time Federal Job Seekers (PDF; 23 KB)
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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 Administration Office at 406-433-2020.
Career Opportunities
The links below are to current ARS job openings listed at the official job site of the US Federal Government, USAJOBS.
ARS openings in Sidney, MT
ARS openings in Montana
ARS openings nationwide
