USGS Student Contractor (Fisheries Technician) Oswego, NY

USGS Great Lakes Science Center Oswego Biological Station
Oswego, NY

Closing Date: Oct 16, 2026

Description

The USGS Great Lakes Science Center’s Oswego Biological Station (Oswego, NY) is hiring a full-time (40 hours/week), 12-month Student Contractor position to assist with fisheries research. We are looking for a recently graduated (within the last 12-months) individual who is excited to work collaboratively as part of a team. This is an excellent position for an individual looking to diversify research experience prior to graduate school or beginning a career.

 

The pay rate is $20.81/hour for candidates with a bachelor’s degree. Compensation will not be given for higher degrees.  The preferred start date is December 2026, but other start dates will be considered. This 12-month position could be extended for an additional year depending on funding (2 years maximum).

 

Field Technician, BA/BS (Oswego Biological Station in Oswego, NY):

• This individual will work as part of a team and support research associated with scientific surveys conducted on the R/V Kaho (70’ vessel) and small vessels (<26’) working out of Oswego, NY.
• The position requires living and working aboard a rocking vessel for periods of up to 12 days, lifting 50 pounds, and working in adverse weather conditions during the day and night.
• Laboratory work includes fish age interpretation, data management, video habitat characterization and other sample processing.
• This contractor must pass a no cost pre-employment physical, enroll in a random drug testing program and be able to obtain a personal passport or enhanced driver’s license for work in Canada.
• Field gear is provided, and travel will be paid for.

 

Applicants should have an interest in assisting with field work aboard both small and large vessels and be familiar with core scientific practices, including following protocols, recording data, and analyzing results. Experience operating small vessels and fabricating or repairing laboratory equipment is preferred. Familiarity with data management tools or experience using R is also beneficial.

 

To apply send an email to Scott Stahl (sstahl@usgs.gov) with the subject line “Student Contractor Position” and attach your cover letter, resume/CV, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for 1-2 references. Applications will be accepted until 10/16/26.

 

Student Service Contract Specifics

• Under the Student Services Program, USGS contracts directly with the students and students must be at least 18 years of age.
• Former students who graduated more than 12 months ago or left school without graduating are not eligible for this program.
• Students are not Federal Employees. They are self-employed and therefore required to report and pay their own taxes and social security. They will be issued a 1099 form.
• USGS employees, their spouses and children are not eligible to participate in this program.
• The total duration for the contract shall not exceed two calendar years.
• Student hourly rates are adjusted each calendar year that Federal Employees receive a cost of living adjustment.
• The pay rate is commensurate with the statement of work, not the level of education. Students who have more years of study than required are not necessarily paid at a higher rate than required by the work statement.
• Contractors are paid only for hours worked, with no holiday or annual leave benefits. Contractors can work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours per week, however they get paid the same amount for each hour worked (i.e., no overtime pay rate).
• Contractors are entitled to one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
• Students must obtain a UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) number and register in SAM (System for award management (sam.gov)) before a contract can be issued to them. Be aware this service is free. If you are asked for payment, you are not at the right site. Documentation will be provided to make the SAM process easier.
• Non-US citizens may be eligible to participate, depending on their immigration status and applicable regulations of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (formerly Immigration and Naturalization Service).