This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Northeast Area (NEA), at the Adaptive Cropping Systems Laboratory, in Beltsville, MD. In this position, you will apply systems theory as well as basic and applied research to the complex problem of managing and adapting agricultural systems within a background of changing climate.

Duties

Adjusts equipment to ensure optimum operation. Uses appropriate computer software in assembling and tabulating data. Records instrumental readings, and evaluates test data. Sets up, adjusts, and operates laboratory equipment and systems common to growth chamber, field and greenhouse facilities.

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-05: 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 assisting higher level technicians in troubleshooting equipment deficiencies; maintaining indoor or outdoor plant growth facilities; and operating common laboratory equipment. OR Education: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (a) with major study in an appropriate field of engineering, construction, or industrial technology; or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as engineering, engineering or industrial technology, construction, physics, drafting, surveying, physical science, or mathematics. At least 6 of the 24 semester hours must have been in drafting if the position has been designated by a drafting area of specialization. OR A combination of education and specialized experience as described above. GS-06: 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-06 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-05 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 examining test equipment for deficiencies; calibrating equipment to meet the needs of an assignment; maintaining or improving indoor or outdoor plant growth facilities; operating common laboratory equipment; and summarizing research results. OR Education: One full year of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position. Related degrees may include General Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Agronomy, or Plant Science. OR A combination of education and specialized experience as described above. 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 constructing, modifying, or repairing engineering equipment used in research assignments associated with growth chamber, greenhouse, or field facilities; assembling and analyzing collected experimental data; and preparing charts, graphs, or figures to summarize equipment test and evaluation data. OR Education: One full year of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position. Related degrees may include General Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Agronomy, or Plant Science. OR A combination of education and specialized 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]