This position is in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Plains Area, Northern Plains Agricultural Research Lab located in Sidney, MT. In this position, you will assist scientists that develop diversified irrigated and dryland cropping systems that improve the economic viability of agricultural enterprises while enhancing soil and water quality, conserving natural resources, and reducing dependence on agrochemicals.

Duties

Adapts, modifies or develops new techniques and/or procedures to satisfy the needs of the research project. Performs the full range of soil science research techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment including electronic sensors, data loggers, wired and wireless data transfer systems, mechanized sample/data collection equipment, etc. Participates in planning, implementing and/or compiling data from laboratory-, field-, or greenhouse-based soil science research. Searches literature for procedures or techniques to evaluate soil physical properties in laboratory, field, or greenhouse studies. Collects, prepares, evaluates, and verifies soil samples and supporting records as needed to evaluate soil physical properties (e.g., bulk density, soil moisture, water retention, etc.). Maintains inventory of chemicals, prepares solutions, and manages chemical waste as required to accomplish research objectives in laboratory, field, or greenhouse studies on soil physical properties. Uses proper procedures to establish and maintain research plots and assists with necessary operations involved in field experiments, including tillage, planting, fertilization and harvest. Oversees work assignments of part-time or seasonal employees, as assigned, and works collegially with other research team members.

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 performing plant or soil sampling in a field or greenhouse environment; operating field and lab systems for evaluating soil physical properties; assisting with the planning of experiments; and analyzing and summarizing data using personal computers or software packages. OR Education: One full year of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or Agricultural Science. OR A combination of graduate level 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 calibrating or modifying field and lab systems for evaluating soil physical properties; assisting with the planning of experiments involving soil; and analyzing and summarizing data for scientific reports. 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 Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or Agricultural Science. OR A combination of graduate level 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

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 2150 Centre Avenue Building D, Suite 300 Fort Collins, CO 80526 US
• Name: Jared Foret
• Phone: 7032599390
• Email: [email protected]