Description
Summer 2026 Student Contract Positions – BBS Biological Technicians
Summary:
The USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center in Laurel, Maryland is seeking to hire two full-time temporary student contractors to assist with the North American Breeding Bird Survey program (www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBS), a long-term, continental avian monitoring program. Tasks will include working with wildlife survey data, processing incoming data forms, performance of quality assurance and quality control procedures on biological data, data entry, assisting with database management, photocopying and filing, preparation of maps and assisting in preparation of administrative correspondence.
Application deadline:
Interested applicants should submit their resume and cover letter by February 20, 2026.
Requirements
Statement of Work
1. Types of services required: During the summer field season, approximately 3100 BBS routes are sampled by participants skilled in avian identification. These data are then processed and analyzed by USGS to inform avian conservation efforts in the U.S. and Canada. Tasks will include processing incoming data and materials, performing data entry and quality control procedures using web-based technologies, tracking progress, assisting with database management, photocopying, scanning and filing materials, map preparation, and corresponding with participants.
2. Required expertise/skills:
a. Applicants are required to have completed two years of undergraduate course work (student must be at least a second semester sophomore).
b. Applicants must be majors in a biology, ecology, environmental science or related discipline.
c. Applicants must be able to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing.
d. Applicants must have knowledge of computer software used to summarize and organize data (i.e. Excel and Access).
3. Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for a student contract position, applicants must be either a currently enrolled student or a recent graduate. To qualify as a student, the applicant must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program at an accredited college or university. Former students who graduated more than 10 months ago or who left school without graduating are not eligible to work under these contracts. Applicants will be required to show proof of their student status (or recent graduation). USGS employees, their spouses, and children are not eligible to participate in this program. U.S. citizens are eligible. Non-U.S. citizens may be eligible to participate, depending on their immigration status and the applicable regulations of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (formerly Immigration and Naturalization Service). Foreign students in the U.S. under F-1 visas are usually not able to participate in this program, due to USCIS restrictions against off-campus work. employees, their spouses, and children are not eligible to participate in this program. U.S. citizens are eligible. Non-U.S. citizens may be eligible to participate, depending on their immigration status and the applicable regulations of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (formerly Immigration and Naturalization Service). Foreign students in the U.S. under F-1 visas are usually not able to participate in this program, due to USCIS restrictions against off-campus work.
4. Description of working conditions: Work will be performed in an office environment located on the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center campus in Laurel, Maryland. Extended periods of computer use will be required. This is not a field or laboratory position.
5. Compensation: The student contractor will be paid $21.27 per hour. Student contractors are paid only for hours worked (no holiday or leave benefits). Student is responsible for all costs of transportation to and from the principal duty station location. The Government does not provide housing, meals or other living expenses while working at the principal duty station. Official travel away from the duty station is not expected.
6. Location: USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, Maryland 20708-4038 is the principal duty station. Student contractors may enter the building only during business hours or when project manager is present.
7. Additional information: Number of students required is two. Estimated number of hours for the position is 496 (full-time for summer). There is a possibility of additional part-time hours continuing into the fall semester. The approximate start date is June 2, 2026. The approximate end date is August 28, 2026. There is flexibility in start and end dates to accommodate variations in academic calendars.
8. How to apply: Send resume and cover letter to James Poindexter II via email (jpoindexter@usgs.gov). Applications must be received on or before February 20, 2026. In your cover letter include an explanation of how you meet the eligibility requirements, your expected graduation date, and discuss your experience as related to sections 1 and 2 above.
