The selectee is responsible for carrying out complex tasks, analyses, evaluations, studies, and diagnostics using a variety of sophisticated technologies in support of scientific studies for the detection, identification, treatment, and rearing (or other techniques) of regulatory plant pests/arthropods/pathogens/organisms that threaten U.S. agriculture and national resources.

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: Preparing study plans for scientific experiments, using the scientist's hypothesis. Developing data; refines, verifies, justifies, and organizes the data; analyzes and evaluates findings; and writes-up results for review. Collecting and managing data, evaluating, and analyzing data pertaining to risk, diagnosis, mitigation, rearing, control, treatment, and quarantine status. Managing plant and/or pest samples and resulting data, including receipt, storage, processing, photoimaging, and archiving while following procedures to ensure sample integrity and custody. Maintaining the inventory and arranging for the procurement of the necessary equipment, supplies, and chemicals to support lab functions. Performing or arranging for repairs or calibration of equipment as needed and appropriate. Maintaining equipment and may fabricate specialty tools and equipment when needed. Responsible for cleaning laboratories, equipment, vehicles, and facilities associated with studies, as assigned

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/
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• Locality pay will vary based upon the selectee's duty location. A final salary determination will be made upon selection.

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. FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates experience in: Performing a wide variety of laboratory tests and procedures Conducting tests and analyses of studies and evaluations of scientific data Assisting in preparation and submission of comprehensive written reports describing test procedures and results within specified timeframe Recognizing problems in assignments and procedures, or nonconforming results, makes pertinent observations, draws conclusions, and makes suggestions for improvement of procedures Supporting higher level staff in modification and adaption, or validation of scientific methods and techniques OR Successful completion of one full year (18 semester hours) of graduate education in biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, mathematics, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: 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-07 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: MRP Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]