US Geological Survey Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center · South Dakota · posted today
Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center is seeking 6 -12 student contractor technicians for the 2027 summer field season for Piping Plover studies. Technicians will be placed on crews of 2-3 people and will be responsible for monitoring breeding plovers on emergent sandbars within riverine habitats along the Missouri River in the Northern Great Plains. They will contribute to nest searching, nest monitoring, erecting predator exclosures, banding adult and chicks, resighting bands with spotting scopes, binoculars, and digital cameras and data entry in Microsoft Access/Survey123. Students will be trained in data-collection methods at the beginning of the field season. Students will receive motorboat training. Field work is extensive and requires long hours walking on river sandbars and operating motorboats in adverse weather conditions. The incumbent may be required to lift containers weighing up to 40 pounds in the performance of assigned duties. Field work will involve exposure to a wide range of weather conditions including cold, mud, and severe heat. Exposure to biting insects and ticks is possible. At the end of each field day, students are expected to enter data into databases in an office setting. Housing will be provided and may be bunkhouse setting, a field house, camper, and/or apartments. This position is only open to students or recent graduates (graduated less than 1 year from start date) (Ex. If graduated in May 2026, you qualify with our April 19th, 2027, start date) Interested applicants should submit their resume, recent copy of transcript, and copy of diploma if applicable. Selections may be made as resumes come in. Start Date: April 19, 2027 may be flexible Locations: Washburn, ND Bismarck, ND Yankton, SD Salary: $21.01.-$26.03 depending on position hired for (technician vs crew leader) + free housing 40-60hr/week Qualifications: Selectees will be hired as Student Service Contracts. This position is only open to students or recent graduates (graduated less than 1 year ago from start date) this includes graduate degrees. Students must be in good academic standing and enrolled in a degree program at a recognized educational institution or be able to show proof of graduation from a recognized educational institution (diploma). Must be able to follow an established monitoring protocol and accurately record data. Students may be required to take and pass the government boat operators course (MOCC) at the beginning of the field season. Applicants must be in good physical condition and possess good communication and organizational skills. The ability to work both independently and with others is essential. Applicants with a working knowledge of GPS units, nest searching, band resighting, and boat operation experience are especially encouraged to apply. You will be required to operate a government-owned or leased vehicle in the performance of your official duties. Applicants for this position must meet the following requirements: (1) possession of a valid State driver’s license, and (2) possess a safe driving record. If selected, you will be required to provide proof of a valid State license and a copy of your driving record. Students will be working as independent contractors and do not receive a premium rate for work beyond 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. Additionally, students are paid only for hours worked. Students do earn 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Pay Rates for students include cost of self-employment taxes for social security and Medicare. HOW TO APPLY: To the contact person listed below Students should provide a resume including: • Student’s full legal name (including middle name) • Mailing address • Telephone number • E-mail address • Date of birth • Place of birth • Citizenship and, if not a US citizen, immigration/VISA status • Education, including descriptions of relevant classes • Work or volunteer experience related to the scientific field Also include the following attachments: A copy of your most recent transcript, listing courses taken and overall GPA. This does not need to be official transcripts for your application. If selected, you will need to provide an official transcript. A copy of your diploma or letter from registrar or advisor (if applicable) **Please make sure your Last and First name is included in the filename for any documents submitted. ***Please place “Plover 2027 Application” in the subject line **Do NOT include a Social Security Number (SSN) on your resume. *We may be hiring crew leaders depending on returning seasonal staff. If you would like to also be considered for a crew leading position, please indicate this in your application email. Last Date to Apply: Applications will be reviewed as submitted; announcement open until October 18th, 2026. Contact Person: Megan Ring mring@usgs.gov
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