Biological Control Technician Position with the USDA Emerald Ash Borer Rearing Facility (Brighton, MI)

Start Date:

September 30, 2026

Work Schedule:

Full Time (40 hrs/wk)

Hourly Rate:

$24.00 plus benefits

Position Description:

This position will be located at the

USDA APHIS

Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Biocontrol Rearing Facility in Brighton, MI. The technician will be an employee of Xavier University funded through a one-year cooperative agreement with USDA, with the possibility to extend for additional years. The technician will be supervised by Dr. Chrissy Dodge (USDA APHIS, Buzzards Bay, MA), Dr. Ellie Darling (USDA APHIS, Brighton, MI), and Dr. Annie Ray (Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH). The EAB Biocontrol Rearing Facility mass produces four species of parasitoid wasps for nationwide program releases as biological control agents of EAB. The advertised position will entail laboratory research to optimize methods and support the Rearing Facility. The technician will be primarily responsible for maintaining a research colony of the parasitoid Spathius agrili that was initiated from field populations in Tennessee, which is its only known area of field establishment. Under the instruction of supervisors, the technician will perform experiments comparing the S. agrili Tennessee isoline to the Rearing Facility's standard S. agrili colony to determine if it may be better suited for future field releases. The work will involve continuous rearing of the parasitoid colony on small ash bolts, running laboratory experiments, collecting and summarizing data, reporting results to supervisors, and maintaining a clean and safe working environment. The technician may also be asked to present results in oral or written format for internal reviews or reports. The technician will work primarily on Spathius agrili but will assist with other projects as needed, including but not limited to assisting with production of EAB or other parasitoid colonies and field harvesting of ash wood and leaves for insect rearing. The incumbent should be comfortable lifting and moving weights of approximately 30 pounds; operating workshop machinery such as chop saws, band saws, and power tools; and working in high temperature and high humidity environments for prolonged periods (over 1 hour). The technician will be working as a member of a highly coordinated rearing production group, where each individual component in the workflow affects all other components. Strong teamwork and communication skills are therefore essential. Prior experience with biological research is required. One year of experience caring for or rearing insects or similar animals is required. Prior research experience with entomology, biological control, and/or emerald ash borer is preferred.

Application:

Please send a letter of interest and your resume or CV (including three references) to Chrissy Dodge (Christine.

Dodge@usda.gov). We will accept applications until the position is filled. Use the email subject line "Brighton Biological Control Technician Position."

About Xavier University:

Xavier University is part of the 500-year-old Jesuit Catholic tradition of academic excellence in the liberal arts. Guided by our mission and values, we welcome and support members from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. We unreservedly commit to open and free inquiry, deliberately seek out multiple perspectives, and create a campus where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Our campus is located in the vibrant and thriving city of Cincinnati, which has an array of neighborhoods and activities to suit many interests.

Benefits:

Xavier University offers a wide array of complementary and affordable benefit options to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family. Eligibility varies by position and employment class:

• Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage.
• Tax advantaged accounts including health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, and dependent care account.
• Financial security via life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.
• Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
• Tuition remission for employees and their eligible dependents.

Pay:

$24.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Experience:

Insect/Invertebrate Rearing:

1 year (Required)

Work Location:

In person