These positions are located within the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Northeast Area (NEA), at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), in Beltsville, MD. In these positions, you will provide the daily care of agricultural and small laboratory animals to ensure their well-being and safety. 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

Assists in preparing carcasses for experimental work and in collecting animal samples such as blood, urine, feces, and tissues as required. Operates tractors ranging from 28 hp to 85 hp. Unloads feed and other materials from trucks and other conveyances. Observes animals for signs of abnormal conditions and reports same to supervisor or research scientists involved.

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/
• Must possess a valid, State issued, motor vehicle operator’s permit.
• Exigency employee must to report to or remain on work-site regardless of extreme weather, emergency conditions, and/or for budget shutdowns.
• AALAS training is required.
• May be required to obtain Incinerator Operator Certification from the State of Maryland.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: 05/07/2024 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 Effort: The incumbent's work requires being able to lift and carry feed, animals and materials weighing up to 80 lbs. Great physical effort and ability are required in the handling and restraint of animals. The incumbent makes frequent movements of arms and legs to manipulate tractor and equipment controls. Working Conditions: Works in closely confined rooms and areas or in outside areas. May be required to work in all kinds of weather or in situations where temperature variance is considerable. Incumbent is subject to manure, dust, odors, corrosive chemicals, high noise levels, pesticides, etc. Incumbent works with zoonotic and infectious agents used in animal research. There is also a greater degree of exposure to injury from animal bites and kicks since incumbent handles sick or ill-tempered animals. Incumbent is subject to danger of falls on damp, wet, and slippery barn floors. Subject to injury from equipment and vehicle operation. 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: Juliana Hensley
• Phone: (571) 669-3483
• Email: [email protected]