This position is located in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Midwest Area, Application Technology Research Unit in Wooster, Ohio. In this position, you will provide support for research projects by performing a variety of duties in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment. This is a term, time-limited appointment with an initial duration no less than 13 months and can be extended up to a total of 4 years.

Duties

Assist in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties, in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment, common to the assigned area of work. Collect, prepare, evaluate, and verify samples and supporting records. Maintain records and locate and compile data and other information from various sources. Tabulate, statistically analyze and summarize data using personal computers and software packages. Maintain inventory of chemicals, prepare solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse, and safely dispose of waste material (both chemical and biological). Perform routine and recurring techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment.

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/
• Valid motor vehicle driver's license is required to travel to field sites.
• Pesticide Applicator license is a plus but not required.

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. The minimum qualification requirements are found in the OPM Qualification Standards Operating Manual for General Schedule Positions. Biological Science Technician Series 0404 (opm.gov) GS-05: Specialized Experience: Qualifying experience for GS-05 includes one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-04 which is directly related to the work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. For this position, specialized experience is experience collecting, preparing, and evaluating plant data; recording and processing plant data; using statistical software (JMP, SAS, SPSS or similar); and maintaining and calibrating laboratory equipment. OR Education: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must have been directly related to the position to be filled. OR A combination of education and experience as described above. GS-06: Specialized Experience: Qualifying experience for GS-06 includes one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-05 which is directly related to the work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. For this position, specialized experience is experience collecting, preparing, and evaluating plant data; recording and processing plant data; using statistical software (JMP, SAS, SPSS or similar); maintaining and calibrating laboratory equipment; and following established research procedures. OR Education: One full year of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position. Related degrees include Agronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Plant Science, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Systems Management or Agricultural Science. OR A combination of education and experience as described above. GS-07: Specialized Experience: Qualifying experience for GS-07 includes one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-06 which is directly related to the work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. For this position, specialized experience is experience collecting, preparing, and evaluating plant data; recording and processing plant data; growing, pruning and caring ornamental/fruit trees; using statistical software (JMP, SAS, SPSS or similar); tractor operation; maintaining and calibrating laboratory equipment; and following established research procedures. OR Education: One full year of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position. Related degrees include Agronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Plant Science, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Systems Management or Agricultural Science. OR A combination of education and experience as described above. 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 Agricultural Research Service 5601 Sunnyside Ave Beltsville, MD 20705 US
• Name: Lakeisha Raybon
• Phone: (334) 344-0228
• Email: [email protected]