Job Opening for a Field Technician

May 10, 2023 News

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is looking to fill a single position for contracted work for a total of 640 hours of work to be completed between June and October 2023. During the majority of the season, 40-hour work weeks will be the typical schedule, however, the position allows for some flexibility and would be an excellent opportunity for a student looking for full-time summer employment with some part-time flexible work into the fall. The technician will be working on two classical biological control projects. The first project focuses on controlling the invasive black swallowwort plant by introducing a caterpillar species (Hypena opulenta), continuing from previous work in 2022. The second project will be a collaboration with the laboratories of Dr. Phil Fanning and Dr. David Handley at the University of Maine to expand releases of a parasitoid wasp (Ganapsis brasiliensis) for the control of the invasive spotted winged drosophila. Both projects offer field and laboratory experiences with both entomology and horticulture. The successful candidate will assist in selecting sites and servicing sites weekly, aiding in the rearing and releasing of organisms, keeping records and manage data. Work will be based in Augusta, Maine, with some opportunities for telework. Some statewide travel is expected.
Contract position at $15/hr.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

    • Education and Experience:
      • Biology, horticulture, entomology, botany or related field.
    • Computer Skills:
      • Ability to use Microsoft Office applications including, Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint.
      • Priority given to candidates that can conduct simple data analyses within spreadsheets (simple formulas, creating graphs, copying graphs and tables from Excel to Word) and
        comfort writing technical reports.
      • Experience designing displays, posters, and other outreach materials.
    • Communication Skills:
      • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
      • Experience presenting information one on one and to small or large groups.
      • Experience creating written content for use in printed outreach materials and for
        newsletters and websites.
      • Ability to communicate with supervisors and collaborating laboratories about routine
        sample drop off dates and times.
    • Organizational Skills:
      • Must be able to manage multiple priorities and switch back and forth between projects easily and work independently.
      • Good time management and record keeping abilities including while in the field.
      • Ability to stay organized between different work locations (field, lab, office, remote worksite).
      • Field and Lab Skills:
      • Comfort in field and laboratory conditions.
      • Comfortable handling live insects (specifically mosquitos) and plants.
      • Ability to traverse uneven ground while carrying approximately 15-20lb of equipment
        (field sites are within the woods).
      • Ability to drive to coordinate locations and follow instructions to find remote field sites.
      • Experience with use of a dissection microscope.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and be at least 18 years of age.

TO APPLY:
Please email a cover letter and resume or C.V. to Hillary Peterson (hillary.peterson@maine.gov). For questions, please email or call Hillary at (207) 215-4793.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Monday May 22, 2023