This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research Unit located in Columbia, MO. In this position, you will be responsible for collecting agricultural data and carrying out research in cropping systems research focused on cash crops, perennial crops, and cover crops. You will be responsible for understanding, executing, and working collaborating with the scientist in the overall research workflow.

Duties

Searches for literature pertinent to area of research for new procedures or techniques to use in the field. Adapts, modifies, or develops new techniques and/or procedures to improve the data quality and efficiency of the research program. Prepares pesticides and fertilizers for use in the field. Maintains, calibrates and modifies complex/specialized equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures. Tabulates, statistically analyzes, and summarizes data using personal computers and software packages. Participates in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of complex technical duties in a field environment. Collects crop physiology and production measurements that are non-destructive and destructive in-field. Collects, prepares, evaluates, and verifies samples and supporting records. Keeps detailed records of experimental data.

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-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. 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 one or more phases of the research process; collecting field measurement and data for further process or analysis; assisting with raising crops in a field; and operating basic farm or pesticide equipment. OR Education: One full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Agronomy, Biology, Environmental Science, Plant Science, Crop Science, or Engineering. OR A combination of education and 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 successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience preparing pesticides and fertilizers for use in the laboratory or field; planting, raising, or harvesting crops as they grow in the field; and adapting, modifying, or developing new techniques or procedures to satisfy the needs of the research project. OR Education: Two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Agronomy, Biology, Environmental science, Plant Science, Crop Science, or Engineering. 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

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 5601 Sunnyside Ave Beltsville, MD 20705 US
• Name: Kendra Bledsoe
• Phone: 7032599425
• Email: [email protected]