Description

Description
Job Description: Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center is seeking 2 student contractor technicians for the 2026 summer field season for research on the Dakota skipper, a Federally listed butterfly. Research will focus on questions concerning site occupancy and skipper detectability. Technicians will be responsible for surveying for Dakota skippers and performing vegetation surveys in grassland sites in North and/or South Dakota, exact location(s) TBD. Technicians will be trained in data-collection methods at the beginning of the field season. Skipper surveys will mostly occur in June and July while vegetation surveys at the same sites will occur in August. Start date is somewhat flexible centered around mid-May, while the end date is also likely flexible (~ end of August).
 
Field work is extensive and requires long hours walking in prairie sites, in uneven terrain and off trail, sometimes in challenging weather conditions. Field work will involve exposure to a wide variety of weather conditions including cold, mud, intense heat, and humidity. Exposure to biting insects and ticks is possible. At the end of each field day, when out of the field, technicians will likely be expected to do data entry/management tasks. Housing will be provided and is likely to be in campers, and it is possible that technicians will be asked to move housing (camper) locations during the field season. For this reason, trailering experience or experience living in and maintaining campers would be considered a bonus, but is not required for the position.
 
This position is only open to students or recent graduates (graduated less than 1 year from start date) (Ex. If graduated in June 2025, you qualify for our start date in mid-May 2026). Interested applicants should submit an updated resume, a recent copy of their academic transcripts, and a copy of diploma if applicable. Selections may be made as resumes come in.

Start Date: mid-May 2026 but somewhat flexible

Locations: Grasslands in North and/or South Dakota, with exact locations TBD. If North Dakota, likely western or central ND. If South Dakota, likely north-central or northeast.

Salary: $19.11-$20.81 depending on experience and education + housing. Generally working 40-50hr/week

Requirements

Qualifications: Selectees will be hired as Student Service Contractors. This position is only open to current students or recent graduates (graduated less than 1 year ago from start date), including graduate degrees. Current students (not yet graduated) must be in good academic standing and enrolled in a degree program at a recognized educational institution.
 
Applicants should have a B.S. or B.A. degree in wildlife, natural resources, or in a related field or will have a B.S. or B.A. by the time of their start date for the position. Applicants with 2+ years of college experience are also encouraged to apply.
 
Must be able to follow an established survey protocol and accurately record data. Applicants must be in good physical condition and be able to work long hours in variable weather conditions with little supervision. Technicians may be required to lift objects weighing up to 40 pounds in the performance of assigned duties. Attention to detail and the ability to focus on minute differences in butterfly appearance/identification and behavior is required. Experience using DSLR cameras is a bonus. Applicants with a working knowledge of pollinators (especially butterflies) and butterfly identification are especially encouraged to apply, but previous pollinator experience is not required. Birding experience is not required, but birding skillsets often translate well to work with pollinators/butterflies.
 
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) documentation of a safe driving record. If selected, you will be required to provide proof of a valid State driver's license and a copy of your driving record.
 
HOW TO APPLY:
 
To the contact person listed below, please provide a 1-2 page resume including:
 
Student’s full legal name (including middle name)
 
Mailing address
 
Telephone number

Email 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
 
Include the following attachments:
 
A copy of your most recent academic 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.
**Do NOT include a Social Security Number (SSN) on your resume.
 
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.

Last Date to Apply: Applications will be reviewed as submitted; announcement open until January 23rd, 2026.
 
Contact Person: Garrett MacDonald; gmacdonald@usgs.gov