This position is located in the Cropping Systems Research Laboratory for the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), in Big Spring, TX. In this position, you will participate as a team member with the scientist in all phases of the research process and assume full technical and operational responsibility for specific phases of the research.

Duties

Develops or designs various aspects of research projects on the basis of overall objectives outlined by the supervisor. Contributes to the planning of various steps in experiment or project and to interpretation and documentation of findings. Operates and maintains a variety of highly specialized complex equipment which must be calibrated and synchronized to achieve desired results. Determines the kinds and frequency of tests, observations, etc., to be made and the amount of data to be recorded. Maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources. Maintains inventory of chemicals, prepares solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, and safely disposes of waste material.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born 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.
• 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

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. Time in grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. GS-07 Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-07 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-06 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience participating in a research project related to soil; statistically analyzing or summarizing data, and operating or maintaining scientific equipment. OR Education: Successful completion of one full year of study leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree. Related degrees may include Engineering, Geology, Soil sciences, Agricultural science, Agronomy, and Physical science. OR A combination of education and specialized experience as described above. GS-08 Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-08 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience conducting an experiment related to soil research; collecting and analyzing soil samples; and maintaining, calibrating, or modifying scientific equipment. OR Education: Successful completion of two full years of graduate level education or a Master's degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Engineering, Geology, Soil sciences, Agricultural science, Agronomy, and Physical science. OR A combination of education and specialized experience as described above. GS-09 Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-09 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-08 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience conducting an experiment related soil science research; tabulating or statistically analyzing data; and recording and analyzing scientific data for inclusion in scientific manuscripts or technical reports. OR Education: Successful completion of two full years of graduate-level education or a Master's degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Engineering, Geology, Soil sciences, Agricultural science, Agronomy, and Physical science. OR A combination of education and specialized experience as described above 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

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 2150 Centre Avenue Building D, Suite 300 Fort Collins, CO 80526 US
• Name: Nelly Wilson
• Phone: (703) 259-9360
• Email: [email protected]