This position is in the Pathology Section within the Diagnostic Bacteriology and Pathology Laboratory, and supervises a group of biological science technicians within the Pathology Section. This position also remotely supports the histology lab at National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) with technical expertise, back up technician support and training. Your work producing accurate test results will help prevent the spread and cause of diseases that would result in great economic losses.

Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to: Supervising subordinates more than 25% of the time including, but not limited to, recruitment, selecting, appraising, rewarding, addressing performance problems, and fostering an inclusive workplace. Providing technical expertise in histology, immunohistochemistry, and other analyses as needed. Coordinating and oversees high quality histology products as needed by the pathologists. Preparing chemical solutions, receiving samples, embed tissues, microtome tissues, stain slides, label slides with antibodies, organize and label slides, and all other tasks potentially required. Maintaining a high level of rapid response as well as competency and knowledge about the methods performed within the unit. Actively identifying and creating plans to address areas within the unit needing method development or workflow improvements. Developing goals for the unit and with unit employees to support the overall goals of NVSL and our customers. Planning and directing the quality assurance activities of the unit in a manner that is consistent with the overall NVSL quality management system?s policies and goals.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Subject to one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Testing Designated Position: Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.
• Work is performed in an office, laboratory, warehouse, or outdoor facilities and involves sitting, walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items and operating computers.
• Requires a high degree of dexterity and manipulations associated with the operation, calibration and repair of laboratory equipment including prolonged periods of continual and precise equipment manipulations and tedious and repetitive motions.
• Exposed to disagreeable odors when working around animals and steam sterilizers. May be exposed to hot and cold conditions, high noise levels, and harmful biological, chemical, and physical agents.
• Immunizations may be required
• Protective devices such as gloves, goggles, face mask, or respirators may be required.
• Required to wear full face respirator when working in biological control areas; facial hair restrictions may be required in order to comply with proper operation of personal protective equipment.
• Criminal Justice Information Services database check required for work involving Biological Select Agents and Toxins.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a Bachelor's degree or higher with a major in a biological science, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: post high school education with courses equivalent to a major, which is defined as 24 semester/36 quarter hours, in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources management, chemistry or related disciplines appropriate to the position, PLUS appropriate experience or additional course work. The quality of the combination must demonstrate that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work of the position and is comparable to that normally acquired through the completion of a full four-year course of study with a major as described above. IN ADDITION, FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Providing supervisory and technical leadership to a histology lab with procedures such as histochemical staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using knowledge of biological sciences. Managing scheduling, training, the ordering of equipment and reagents, and the periodic maintenance of equipment Using laboratory testing to diagnose abnormalities in samples. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service USDA APHIS MRPBS 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401 US
• Name: APHIS Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]