This position is located within the Research Animal Services Dairy Unit of USDA's Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Beltsville, MD. In this position, you will be responsible for the care and feeding of growing and lactating dairy animals, including transgenically modified animals, assigned to research projects. 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

Possesses knowledge and understanding of the basic breeding, feeding, and management needs and requirements of both growing and lactating dairy animals. Feeds designated diets to specific animals in the amounts and procedure specified by the experimental protocols. Cleans barns, pens, and stalls specific to assigned area of duty. Observes and reports all animals showing signs of digestive disturbances (off feed, scours, foundering, etc.) to appropriate personnel. Milks dairy cows following milking procedures that ensure maximum milk production per cow and ensures that appropriate milk production is recorded. Directs the movement of lactating cows from six locations to and from the milking parlor complex. Removes refused feed on a component basis, accurately weighing and recording the amount on each individual animal record form in the appropriate column on a daily basis. Operates 1/2 to 1 ton trucks, tractors, and other mechanical equipment in close quarters.

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/
• Must possess a valid, State issued, motor vehicle operator’s permit.
• Exigency employee must report to or remain on work site regardless of extreme weather, other emergency conditions, and for budget shutdowns.
• AALAS training is required.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: 01/24/2024. Qualifications will be determined under the Job Element Rating System X-118C, Qualifications Standard Handbook. While a specific length of time and experience is not required for most Wage Grade positions, you must show through experience and training that you possess the best qualified level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of this position. Qualification requirements emphasize the quality of experience, not necessarily the length. The responses to the questionnaire and your resume should be in significant detail to provide the person rating your application with a good understanding of your ability to do the job, technical knowledge, work, and training experience, etc. (For example You must have the ability to perform the duties of a, Animal Caretaker without more than normal supervision (Screen Out)). Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration. Physical Efforts The incumbent is often required to lift and carry feed and other materials weighing 50 to 100 pounds. Frequently light to heavy physical effort is required in the handling and restraint of animals. Working Conditions Incumbent works in dairy barns designed to house both growing and lactating cows in groups and individual tie and box stalls. Is required to work under all weather conditions or in situations where temperature variance is extreme as in passing from heated barns to outside areas. Subject to manure, urine, dust odors, chemicals, etc. There is exposures to personal injury resulting from kicks, butts, trampling, etc., from spirited or unruly animals, and from the operation of machinery.

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]