The selectee serves as Biological Science Laboratory Technician at a laboratory or work unit within Plant Protection and Quarantine, Science and Technology (PPQ S&T) and is responsible for carrying out complex task, analyses, evaluations, studies, and diagnostics using a variety of sophisticated technologies in support of scientific studies.

Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Prepares study plans for scientific experiments, using the scientist's hypothesis; attends to all the technical/administrative concerns. Develops the data required; refines, verifies, justifies, and organizes the data; analyzes and evaluates findings; and writes-up results for review. Conducts tests and analyses of studies and evaluations of data on plant pests detected domestically or intercepted at ports of entry from all parts of the world. Collects and manages data, evaluates and analyzes data pertaining to risk, diagnosis, mitigation, rearing, control, treatment and quarantine status. Manages plant and/or pest samples and resulting data, including receipt, storage, processing, photographing, and archiving while following procedures to ensure sample integrity and custody.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male 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/
• Testing Designated Position: Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• May be required to do field work on a daily bases or for extended periods of time.
• Exposure to harsh field environments may occur, including extended periods of heat, cold, inclement weather, or uneven terrain that must be traversed.
• Work requires periods of repetitive movements and moderate to heavy exertion in terms of moving equipment to conduct research indoors or in the field.
• May travel domestically and potentially internationally, based on project requirements.
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment for specific tasks.
• Some exposure to a variety of moderately hazardous chemicals and waste materials may occur.
• May be required to operate hazardous laboratory and/or field equipment (irradiators, power tools, chain saws, man-lifts) that may require operational and safety training and, in some cases certification, prior to use (USDA will provide training).
• May be required to obtain PPQ Pesticide Applicator Training and/or training to apply fumigants requiring SCBA.
• - May work at times in a Bio-safety Level 3 agriculture facility that will require changing clothes into work-suits.

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. FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 grade level) that demonstrates: Knowledge of basic scientific principles and common field and laboratory techniques to assist with research in any of the following disciplines: plant pathology, microbiology, molecular biology, or other related disciplines. Experience with common laboratory techniques such as nucleic acid extraction, PCR and gel electrophoresis, ELISA, sequencing, or others. Experience in data management to include: collection, electronically storing data, basic summary analysis and reporting. Experience in operating and maintaining specialized laboratory equipment, and maintaining inventories of samples, reagents, and supplies. Ability to work with hazardous materials following established safety procedures and SOPs. OR Successful completion of 18 semester hours of graduate level education or internship in plant pathology, microbiology, biology, molecular biology, agriculture, or in a field directly related to the position, may be substituted for the specialized experience at the GS-7 level. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-07 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service USDA APHIS MRPBS 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401 US
• Name: MRP Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]