This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Subtropical Insects and Horticulture Research in Fort Pierce, FL. In this position, you will be responsible for serving as part of a research team conducting research on citrus breeding. 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 10 years.

Duties

Participate in one or more phases of the plant breeding research process by performing a variety of complex technical duties, in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment. Propagate, plant, transplant, trim, and care for greenhouse and field trees. Perform the full range of techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment. Tabulate, statistically analyze, and summarize data using personal computers and software packages. Perform tree and plot care such as irrigation maintenance, weed control, disease control, and chemical application.

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/
• Pesticide Applicator License (PAL) requirement within six months of hire date.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement. GS-04 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-04 includes 6 months of general experience and 6 months of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-03 level, which is directly related to the work of this position and has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is performing standard tests in a laboratory or field setting. OR Education: Successful completion of 2 years of study above high school that included at least 12 semester hours or the equivalent in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must be directly related to the position to be filled. Related courses may include molecular biology, botany, plant biology, plant pathology, biochemistry, agricultural science, genetics, agronomy, or horticulture. OR A combination of experience and education as described above. 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 assisting higher level technicians in one or more phases of the research process in a laboratory or field setting; and operating common 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. Related courses may include molecular biology, botany, plant biology, plant pathology, biochemistry, agricultural science, genetics, agronomy, or horticulture. OR A combination of specialized experience and education 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 collecting plant samples; keeping detailed records of experimental data; and performing routine and recurring techniques using a variety of specialized equipment. 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 molecular biology, botany, plant biology, plant pathology, biochemistry, agricultural science, genetics, agronomy, or horticulture. OR A combination of specialized experience and education as described above. Physical Demands The work requires some physical exertions, such as regular and recurring walking or bending. In many situations the duration of the activity (e.g., continuous testing of samples) 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 requires moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working around moving parts, machines, with irritant chemicals, bacteria, outdoors or inside greenhouse in high temperature and humid conditions. The incumbent is required to use protective clothing or gear such as masks, gowns, 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 141 Experimental Station Road Stoneville, MS 38776 US
• Name: Chirag Patel
• Phone: 5716693542
• Email: [email protected]