This position is in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Southeast Area (SEA), SE Fruit and Tree Nut Research Laboratory located in Byron, Georgia. In this position, you will work with scientists to meet agriculture sector needs (both small and large farms) for management strategies and tools to enable economic production of pecan and stone fruit crops. 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

Performs the full range of techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment related to plant physiology including photosynthesis meter (Li-6800), ceptometer, (LP-80), and SPAD502 chlorophyll meter. Operates farm equipment including regular use of lifts and tractors. Measures and records relevant horticultural traits of trees (for example, tree height, fruit, and nut weights etc). Accurately identifies disease symptoms on foliage, fruit and shoots of plants, and assesses accurately for incidence and severity. Collects, prepares, evaluates, and verifies samples and supporting records; maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources. Isolates microbial pathogens for further laboratory-based studies using standard microbiological procedures.

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 trial 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. 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-05 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-04 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 measuring horticultural traits of trees; maintaining a variety of laboratory and field equipment; and collecting samples for use in a laboratory research project. OR Education: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study above the high school level 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 being filled. Related degrees may include Horticultural Sciences, Biology, Plant Pathology, Plant Physiology, 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

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 141 Experimental Station Road Stoneville, MS 38776 US
• Name: Jared Foret
• Phone: 7032599390
• Email: [email protected]