Student Contractor

We are looking to recruit one or more student contractors to support ongoing research projects at the USGS New York Water Science Center in Cortland, NY, with a start date of late spring/early summer 2027. This message is not a formal job announcement or offer. While a federal hiring freeze remains in effect, the temporary contracting of students for services is currently permitted. Paid student contractors may contribute to a variety of research efforts involving laboratory and field work that support natural resource management in New York State and nationwide. Current project areas include native fish conservation, fish habitat, water quality monitoring, workshop planning, groundwater surface water interaction, and decision support tool creation. Proficient skills creating informational handouts or graphics using platforms including R Shiney Apps or Arc GIS Story Map would be preferred. 

Details

• To be eligible, applicants must: Be at least 18 years old; be eligible to work in the United States; and be currently enrolled in a degree program at a recognized educational institution, or a recent graduate (within one year since graduation). 
• Candidates should have an academic background in science generally, with preference for a strong background in biology, fisheries and fish restoration, freshwater or aquatic ecosystems, earth science, hydrology, and/or geosciences. Previous experience working outdoors and/or in a scientific setting is desired. Candidates should have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and be comfortable with both self-guided work and teamwork.
• Tasks may include 1) Workshop planning/organization, 2) Creation of infographics or visual aids (such as R shiny app or ArcGIS story maps), 3) field tasks for the identification of groundwater-surface water interaction, aid in drone data collection, collection of water and or biological samples, and maintenance of environmental sensors, and 4) data management for quality control and interpretation. Training will be provided for all tasks, but candidates with a background using platforms including R shiny apps or ArcGIS story maps will be preferred. Contractors will have opportunities to learn and practice additional field and analytical techniques routinely performed by USGS scientists.
• Work may require physical exertion in outdoor settings involving considerable walking over rough terrain and exposure to a wide range of weather conditions. Exposure to poisonous plants and/or venomous animals could occur. Field work may require long periods of driving. 
• In general, student contractors work part-time during school semesters (8 hours to 3 days per week) and full-time during the summer (35-40 hours per week). Compensation is commensurate with the level of education/experience and starting hourly rates typically range from $17 to $25 per hour for candidates with a completed or partially completed undergraduate degree. Recent graduates within 1 year of graduation and graduate students are also eligible. Contract periods are typically set for one or two years with the possibility of extension. 
• The work is in-person. There is no remote or virtual option. Student contractors are responsible for all costs of transportation to and from the New York Water Science Center located at 3075 Gracie Rd near Cortland, NY 13045. Attendance to at least one in-person workshop will be required, located at the Powell Center in CO in the spring/summer of 2027. Travel costs associated with the in-person workshop will be covered. 
• Since the arrangement is through a federal services contract, the selected student must register in the federal System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) to receive payments. This arrangement does not include federal employee benefits (e.g., health insurance, paid leave, retirement), and the student contractor is responsible for handling their own tax reporting requirements. Those interested must be comfortable navigating these requirements and understand that this arrangement differs from other traditional student employment or internship roles. It can take several weeks or months to complete the contracting process depending both on the USGS administrative steps and on how quickly the selected student completes required tasks. Please note that final contracting decisions are contingent upon administrative approval and are not guaranteed, even if an applicant is initially selected.
• Additional benefits to the student include: Gain hands-on experience in real-world science projects; Build technical and professional skills; Explore potential science careers and pathways; Receive mentorship from experienced scientists; Obtain experience to compete for entry level positions.
• Interested students may post a resume or CV, unofficial transcripts, and a cover letter detailing any previous experience on Handshake or send to Pamela Reilly (jankowsk@usgs.gov) with the email subject line: “USGS Student Contractor 2027” by September 30th for full consideration. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, but final decisions are not expected to be made until after that date. The selection process is time-limited and must be completed by November 1st. The contact information on the received materials will be used for follow up communication, typically by email or phone. Interested students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for full consideration.