This position is located in the Plant Genetic Resources Unit (PGRU) [Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Northeast Area (NEA)] in Geneva, NY. In this position, you will assist in the conservation of apple, grape, and tart cherry genetic resources. You will participate in all aspects of the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) mission, including maintenance, acquisition, distribution, documentation, and characterization of clonal crops and their wild relatives.

Duties

Collects, prepares, evaluates, and verifies biological samples and supporting records, including sampling for experiments and collection and identification of new germplasm. Performs routine and recurring techniques using a variety of specialized field and laboratory equipment for research and characterization including but not limited to plant pathology, genetics, phenology, and fruit quality. Searches for literature pertinent to plant research for new procedures or techniques to use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse. Handles the research project objectives sufficiently to plan the technical aspects of experimental design and execute the experiment.

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. GS-5 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-05 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-04 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 assisting in one or more phases of a research project by collecting or evaluating biological samples in a field or laboratory setting; and operating laboratory or field equipment. OR Education: A full 4-year course of study above the high school level leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must have been directly related to the position being filled. Related courses may include plant biology, plant pathology, plant genetics, plant breeding, botany, agriculture, statistics, natural resources, soil sciences, environmental sciences, environmental studies, or biochemistry. OR A combination of education and experience as described above. GS-6 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-06 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-05 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 assisting in one or more phases of a research project by collecting and evaluating biological samples in a field or laboratory setting; keeping detailed records of experimental data; and operating and maintaining field or laboratory equipment. OR Education: Successful completion of one full year of study leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree. Related degrees may include biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources, environmental sciences, statistics, mathematics, or chemistry. OR A combination of education and experience as described above. GS-7 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 plants; using laboratory, greenhouse, or field equipment to study biological samples; and analyzing and summarizing data using computers and software packages. OR Education: Successful completion of one full year of study leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree. Related degrees may include biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources, environmental sciences, statistics, mathematics, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR A combination of education and 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

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 10300 Baltimore Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 US
• Name: Jamar Victor
• Phone: (703) 665-3563
• Email: [email protected]