This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Plant Genetic Resources Research in Geneva, NY. In this position you will be participating in one or more phases of an experiment or research project related to vegetables or seeds; analyzing scientific data; maintaining or updating an inventory in a laboratory setting; and performing a range of techniques and studies using a variety of specialized lab and field equipment.

Duties

Collects, prepares, evaluates, and verifies seed samples, seed bank characterization and supporting records. Maintains inventory of chemicals, stock solutions, etc., prepares solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse, and safely disposes of waste material (both chemical and biological). Utilizes inventory management techniques in a laboratory setting. Actively participates in one or more phases of the research related to vegetables or hemp seeds by performing a variety of complex technical duties, in a laboratory or field environment. Contributes ideas towards the planning and sequencing of the technical aspects of the research. Adapts, modifies, or develops new techniques and/or procedures to satisfy the needs of the research project. Searches for literature pertinent to research related to vegetables, hemp seed for new procedures or techniques to use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse. Maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources. Performs the full range of techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment. 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.

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
• Pre-employment and periodic random testing of substances of abuse.
• Ability to obtain and maintain A Public Trust (Tier 2) security clearance as part of the hiring process and as a continued employment condition.
• FBI Criminal History check.

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-05 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 collecting, preparing, and using an inventory of biological samples in a laboratory or field environment; maintaining records of experimental data; and operating and maintaining common laboratory or field equipment. OR Education: Successful completion of 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 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 degrees or courses may include Biology, Plant science, Horticulture, Agronomy and Computer Science. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above. GS-06 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 participating in one or more phases of an experiment or research project related to vegetables or seeds; analyzing scientific data; maintaining or updating an inventory in a laboratory setting; and performing a range of techniques and studies using a variety of specialized lab and field equipment. OR Education: One full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Biology, Plant science, Horticulture, Agronomy and Computer Science. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above. 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 successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience conducting an experiment or research related to vegetables, seeds, or hemp; collecting and evaluating seed samples; managing inventory in a laboratory setting; maintaining specialized laboratory or field equipment used for test and evaluation procedures; and preparing data or reports that summarize results of research data. OR Education: One full year of graduate level education or a Master's degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Biology, Plant science, Horticulture, Agronomy and Computer Science. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requires some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring walking or bending. In many situations the duration of the activity (such as most of a work day) contributes to the arduous nature of the job. In other situations, there may be special requirements for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work involves regular and recurring moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working with contagious diseases or irritant chemicals or working outdoors. The employee is required to use protective clothing such as gowns, coats, boots, goggles, gloves. 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 10300 Baltimore Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 US
• Name: Kendra Bledsoe
• Phone: 7032599425
• Email: [email protected]