This position resides in the Pathology Section within the Diagnostic Bacteriology and Pathology Laboratory and remotely supports the histology lab at National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) with technical expertise, back up technician support and training. The work directly affects the overall operation of the Pathology Section. Accuracy and timeliness of the tasks performed has an impact on proper laboratory analysis to assure that a correct disposition is made.

Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Providing histologic preparations required to discern the nature and extent of disease in submitted specimens and independently performs both routine and complex histological procedures. Preparing chemical solutions, receiving samples, embed tissues, microtome tissues, stain slides, label slides with antibodies, organize and label slides, and other tasks required by the pathologists. Responsible for the operations, and maintenance of numerous forms of automated and specialized equipment used in the pathology laboratories. Maintaining quality control records and is able to perform routine maintenance and interim repairs to avoid delays or loss of valuable tissue specimens resulting from malfunctioning equipment. Evaluating, modifying, or adapting new methods or revises standard techniques to improve or expand accuracy, precision, specificity, or proficiency of analyses. Assisting with the coordination of workloads and schedules, identifying issues that merit supervisor attention, and maintaining production levels in the absence of higher authority. Leading technical training within the section, ensuring that all technicians are signed off and competency testing prior to independently performing procedures.

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.
• 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.
• Criminal Justice Information Services database check required for work involving Biological Select Agents and Toxins.
• Work is performed in an office, laboratory, warehouse, or outdoor facilities involving sitting, walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items and operating computers.
• 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.
• Requires a high degree of dexterity and may involve prolonged periods of continual and precise equipment manipulations, including tedious and repetitive motions.
• 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 to comply with personal protective equipment operation.

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. Successfully completed histotechnician certification (HT) is preferred but not required. FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Assisting and collaborating in the production of quality assurance documents within a diagnostic laboratory. Using histotechnology (tissue fixation and processing), such as using a microtome, staining slides and or immunohistochemistry (IHC). OR 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree with a major in a biological science, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying 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. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-09 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.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]