This position is located with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Pollinating Insect Research Unit in Logan, UT. In this position, you will be responsible for conducting multifaceted research on critical pollination issues, such as sustainable use of non-Apis bees in pollination of alfalfa seed crops, and fruit and nut crops in traditional and controlled environment agriculture.

Duties

Conduct multifaceted research on critical pollination issues, such as sustainable use of non-Apis bees in pollination of alfalfa seed crops, and fruit and nut crops in traditional and controlled environment agriculture. Investigate the biotic and abiotic factors impacting the use of non-Apis bees in commercial pollination and the sustainable production of bees needed to support pollination efforts. Expand a broad area of research in pollination biology and ecology using multiple species of bees. Serve as a team member in bee biodiversity studies and in use of ecological statistical analyses to evaluate changes in bee species and populations in response to factors associated with changing climate, landscapes, and environments. Transfer technology through scholarly publications and presentations to stakeholders, composed of the public, scientific groups and industry. Serve as a consultant to producer groups, non-government groups (NGOs) and industry, as well as scientists, administrators, and field personnel at Universities, State and Federal agencies.

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.
• 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/
• Successful completion of a three year probationary period.

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. Basic Requirements Degree: entomology; or a related discipline of the biological or physical sciences that included at least 16 semester hours in entomology. OR Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major that included course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Additional Requirements In addition to meeting the basic requirements described above, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below. GS-12 Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service or possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or possess an equivalent combination of graduate level education and experience. Graduate education must be directly related to the work of the position and must have equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-12 level of this position are: experience identifying impacts of pesticide exposure and climate change on managed bee health or pollination for non-Apis bees; and preparing reports of research results in the form of manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals and presentations at scientific meetings. GS-13 Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-13 level of this position are: Experience leading team research and producing scientific publications as the primary author; conducting research to maximize pollination of fruit and seed crops using multiple species of bees; communicating research results verbally and in writing to non-specialist and specialist audiences; and measuring behavior, toxicology, parasites, or pesticide efficacy that impact bee health with field and lab based research tests. GS-14 Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-14 level of this position are: Experience conducting independent research on the basic biology, behavior of bees, and pollination; investigating the biotic and abiotic factors impacting the use of non-Apis bees in commercial pollination; evaluating and interpreting research results; and serving as a consultant to producer groups, non-government groups (NGOs) and industry, as well as scientists, administrators, and field personnel at Universities, State and Federal agencies. 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. Applicants must be available to report for duty at the time a selection is made. Selections are typically made within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 800 Buchanan Street Albany, CA 94710 US
• Name: Matthew Knoche
• Phone: (571) 418-0373
• Email: [email protected]