MSU Listserv

From: Borchert, Nicholas - MRP-APHIS <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 3:22 PM
To: Schneider, Jim <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: FW: Vacancy announcement for seasonal hazers to protect salmonids on the Snake and Columbia Rivers in Southeast Washington
Jim,

I'm sending the attached vacancy announcement in case you have any students that may be interested in making a trip to Southeast Washington for a summer for experience with a federal entity and in wildlife damage management.

Our seasons generally run April 1 thru June 30 or April 16 thru July 31.  The later season is located downstream on the Columbia River (near rufus, Oregon and The Dalles, Oregon).  We can usually cover the 1st week or so without additional folks for those 2 projects, so students that are just getting out of class can still work a full season.

I realize that the attached announcement closes in 2 days.  This year we have 14 positions that need new hires.  I opened it up the 1st 2 weeks for applicants that we knew would be applying.  I did not send this 1st round through handshake.  I haven't decided if I will send the 2nd round through handshake this year or not.  Last year I received 95 applicants, most of whom had never heard of USDA / Wildlife Services, let alone actually have an interest in working for us.  Instead, it appeared that applicants were just shotgunning their resume all over hoping to get a hit or 2.  I'd prefer to send the announcement to folks that are familiar with our program and can "filter" to those that may have an interest.

One thing we did learn last year after receiving so many applicants through the handshake program is to send a blanket e-mail to each individual applicant. The standard WS vacancy announcement tends to not really get into the nuts and bolts of the actual project, so to help with the job description, and to emphasize certain requirements about pursuing employment with the federal government, we send that e-mail (see below).

I would definitely appreciate you forwarding the attached announcement to any of your students that you feel would be interested.  Thanks up front for your time and effort.

Definitely let me know if there are any questions, comments, concerns, etc.

Thanks,
Nick

Nick Borchert
District Supervisor
Southeast District

Wildlife Services - Washington
1740 E Dock Street
Pasco, WA  99301
509-431-0310 (cell)


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Thank you for your interest in the seasonal Wildlife Specialist (Biological Science Technician) position with USDA Wildlife Services in Washington.

Below is a brief description of Wildlife Services (#1 and 2), the positions (#3)  and a few questions to ask yourself (4 thru 7) before responding back:

1.      Wildlife Services (WS) is a federal program that specializes in wildlife damage management.  We manage damage caused by wildlife to protect property, agriculture, human healthy and safety and other wildlife.

2.      While we are a federal organization, we are not federally funded, and instead enter into agreements (contracts) with government organizations (federal, state, county, or city), businesses, or private folks.  Less than 1% of the budget for Southeast District is from government appropriated funds.

3.      WS in Southeast Washington has various agreements with US Corps of Engineers and the county Public Utilities District to operate on and around various hydroelectric dams to assist them with their need to improve survival rates of out-migrating juvenile and return-migrating adult salmon and steelhead.  Many of the salmonid populations on the Columbia and Snake Rivers are part of the Federal Endangered Species list. While the emphasis is on Threatened and Endangered populations, the work is intended to protect all salmonids from predation during the migration period from April thru July.
a.      We protect those fish by using a variety of hazing and harassment tools, methods, and techniques that comprise an Integrated Wildlife Damage Management approach.  The  main methods we use involve pyrotechnics.
b.      We utilize a variety of launching devices that include a starter pistol-like launcher and break action shotguns for those pyrotechnics.
c.      Some of the work can involve being in a 24' or larger boat.

4.      Do you have firearm experience, or desire to learn how to safely operate firearms?
        * Carrying and operating a firearm is a mandatory part of the position.
        * A background check is required, so if there is anything that prevents you from legally carrying or operating a firearm, you will be disqualified.

5.      Are you able to pass a urinalysis for illegal drugs, including marijuana?  (Marijuana may be legal in Washington state, but is still illegal federally).

6.      If you are a male born after December 31, 1959, and are at least 18 years of age, civil service
employment law (5 U.S.C. 3328) requires that you must be registered with the Selective Service System.

7.      Are you receiving a federal annuity (retirement) from another government entity, including the US Postal Service?  Civil federal annuitants can hire on, but the hourly rate  may be significantly reduced.


If this sounds like something you would like to continue pursuing, please e-mail a resume and we can either discuss on the phone or via e-mail how to take the next step.  Prior experience is not required on the resume.  Please look at the required documents part of the attachment for the details on the resume.

I have attached a PDF of the open vacancy announcement for additional information.

Please also let me know if you have any questions, comments, concerns, etc.  I can be reached via phone, e-mail, or text.

Thank you,
Nick

Nick Borchert
District Supervisor
Southeast District

Wildlife Services - Washington
1740 E Dock Street
Pasco, WA  99301





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