This position is located within a National Forest. The primary purpose of this position is to perform a variety of specialized and difficult laboratory procedures in support to the Wildlife and Terrestrial Ecosystems scientists.

Duties

Performs conventional and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis; invasive environmental (eDNA) and non-invasive DNA extraction. Prepares invasive environmentally (eDNA) and non-invasively collected animal specimens for molecular analysis. Coordinates the analysis of unusual or non-standard specimens. Contributes ideas towards the planning and sequencing of the technical aspects of the research. Performs the full range of common and standard techniques using a variety of specialized equipment (i.e., Li-Cor DNA analyzer, Fluidigm SNP typing platform, qPCR, Thermocyclers, Qubit and Micro-centrifuges). Oversees maintenance and calibration of laboratory’s scientific equipment. Collects, prepares, evaluates, verifies, and documents laboratory samples. Maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources. Keeps detailed records of laboratory experimental data. Tabulates, organizes and summarizes data using personal computers and software packages. Recommends improvements in methods and techniques as necessary to supervisor. Searches for literature pertinent to area of research for new procedures or techniques to use in the laboratory. Maintains inventory of chemicals, stock solutions, etc., prepares solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory and safely disposes of waste material (both chemical and biological).

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Direct Deposit Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choosing.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-Verify.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary. GS-07: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-6); OR one full year (18 semester/27 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level coursework that is directly related to the work of the position (such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics); OR combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. Examples of specialized experience include: Participating in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of routine technical duties in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment; assisting in the collection and analysis of scientific/technical data; servicing, calibrating, repairing, and maintaining tools and equipment; and using automated systems to maintain records and data. 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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Contacts

• Address USDA Forest Service HRM Contact Center DO NOT MAIL IN APPLICATIONS, SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE ANNOUNCEMENT Albuquerque, NM 87109 US
• Name: HRM Contact Center
• Phone: 1-877-372-7248 X2
• Email: [email protected]