USDA Announces Seasonal Spongy Moth Trapping Positions in Illinois
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking seasonal technicians to assist with its Spongy Moth Detection Program in central Illinois. These positions, starting in early May and lasting approximately 13 weeks, offer an opportunity to contribute to the health and preservation of U.S. Agriculture and natural resources.
Position Details
The USDA is hiring for three Plant Protection and Quarantine Technician/Aid positions, categorized as limited appointments not exceeding 180 working days in the first year. The positions are located within three Bid Units covering multiple counties in central Illinois:
- Bid Unit 80: Sangamon, Menard, Mason, Logan, Peoria, Fulton, Tazewell, Woodford, and McDonough counties (or portions thereof).
- Bid Unit 81: Douglas, Edgar, Champaign, Vermilion, Ford, Iroquois, McLean, and Piatt counties (or portions thereof).
- Bid Unit 82: Woodford, McLean, Livingston, Piatt, Macon, DeWitt, Logan, Sangamon, Christian, and Moultrie counties (or portions thereof).
Compensation and Work Schedule
These positions offer a pay rate based on the General Schedule (GS) grade, ranging from GS-3 ($15.54/hour) to GS-5 ($19.52/hour), depending on qualifications. A work vehicle will be provided, and employees can expect an average daily driving requirement of 100-250 miles. The work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Job Responsibilities
Seasonal Spongy Moth Trappers will be responsible for setting, servicing, and removing traps throughout a multi-county area. Key duties include:
- Planning routes and following trap assignment maps.
- Assembling and deploying gypsy moth traps.
- Contacting property owners.
- Preparing weekly reports.
- Collecting and recording accurate data using ESRI Field Maps Data Collection application and GPS units.
- Uploading trapping data to a database and correcting errors.
- Assisting with mitigation treatments.
- Communicating regularly with supervisors.
- Providing assistance with additional survey programs as needed.
Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, communicate effectively, interact with the public, learn basic insect identification, practice safe driving habits, and commit to working through the duration of the season.
Qualifications
Educational requirements vary based on the GS grade:
- GS-3: Completion of one year of study beyond high school with at least 4 semester hours in biology, plant pathology, entomology, zoology, botany, forestry, chemistry, agriculture, or physics.
- GS-4: Completion of two years of study beyond high school with at least 8 semester hours in the aforementioned coursework.
- GS-5: Completion of four years of study with at least 16 semester hours in the specified courses.
Alternatively, applicants may qualify with a combination of education and experience, including 6 months of general experience demonstrating the ability to perform the work or familiarity with the subject matter, and 6 months of specialized experience in a related occupation.
Other Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
- A valid state driver’s license and a great driving record are mandatory.
- Applicants must be able to communicate effectively and tactfully with the public.
- Applicants must reside within the assigned trapping area.
Application Information
The application period is open from February 26, 2026, to March 23, 2026. Interested individuals should refer to the official USDA APHIS website for detailed application instructions and requirements. USDA APHIS
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