This position is located within the National Germplasm Research Laboratory of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) for USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Beltsville, MD. In this position, you will assist by performing a variety of technical duties in one or more phases of a plant research project.

Duties

Participates in one or more phases of a plant research process by performing a variety of complex technical duties, in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment. Collects, prepares, evaluates and verifies samples and supporting records. Adapts, modifies or develops new techniques and/or procedures to satisfy the needs of the research project. 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. Keeps detailed records of experimental data.

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/

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-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 perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience participating in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties; operating and maintaining common laboratory equipment; and keeping detailed records of experimental data. OR Education: One full year of graduate education leading to a master's degree with courses related to the occupation, if related. Related degrees may include Biology, Microbiology, Plant Science, Plant Pathology and Agricultural Science. OR A combination of education and experience as described above. GS-08 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-08 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 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 a plant related research project including collecting or analyzing plant samples; analyzing and summarizing data using personal computer and software packages; and maintaining equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures. OR Education: Two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Biology, Microbiology, Plant Science, Plant Pathology and Agricultural Science. OR A combination of education and 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: Robert Green
• Phone: (703) 259-9392
• Email: [email protected]