The work in this position directly supports Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant and Protection Quarantine (PPQ), Pest Exclusion and Import Program, National Identification Services' (NIS) ability to detect, delimit, and eradicate or control introduced exotic, quarantine significant organisms.

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: Applies basic principles of a biological science to assess readings and measurements taken, tests executed, observations made, work completed, samples collected, etc. Is responsible for the daily operational activities of the assigned laboratory. Sorts urgent and routine pest samples from port interceptions nationwide, and forwards to appropriate professional staff for final identification. Tests and analyzes studies, and evaluates data on plant pests identified domestically or intercepted at ports of entry. Performs literature searches and catalogues information from this literature, and develops new techniques or refines and modifies standard methods of specimen preparation. Operates necessary equipment and associated software such as critical point dryer, scanning electron microscope, word processor, and stereoscopic/compound photographic system as occasion warrants. Assists with maintenance and improvement of national collections in the selected discipline.

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/

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 grade level) that demonstrates: Knowledge of pest identification procedures and facility requirements, along with associated permitting and record-keeping aspects. Experience in general biological science, particularly mycology, entomology, malacology, and botany, for recognition of orders, families and genera within these disciplines, and familiarity with the basic terminology of each discipline. Experience in operational activities of a laboratory (where studies on plant pests are conducted) including safety protocols, use of equipment, preparation of solutions, instrument maintenance and calibration, techniques for preparation and handling of specimens for biological collections, and/or the preparation of microscope slides. Recording and maintaining files of specimen-related data using computer spreadsheets and databases, and ability to summarize findings. OR Successful completion of one full year (18 semester hours, 27 quarter hours or equivalent) of graduate level education in biology, plant pathology, entomology, or closely related fields. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. 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

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

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]