This position is located within the Cotton Quality and Innovation Research Unit for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in New Orleans, LA. In this position, you will provide support in the collection of machine production and test data for the Fiber Quality Evaluation Laboratory, and set up and run textile machinery.

Duties

Operates processing machinery, including opening, carding, drawing, spinning, winding, knitting and weaving machinery. Observes running machinery and reports to supervisor any abnormalities in performance or function. Sets processing machinery, correctly positioning components to run and entering specifications into machines’ electronic controls. Maintains detailed and accurate records on prepared forms, i.e. the material being processed, machine settings used, weights and measures collected, issues observed, etc. Prepares material for processing, entailing weighing, labeling, and collecting samples. Cleans machinery during and after use and keeps area of operation clean and free from lint and debris. Performs auxiliary duties as required, which may include operation of pallet jacks, lift trucks, and other material handling equipment.

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

In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: 08/15/2024. 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, Textile Equipment Operatorwithout more than normal supervision (Screen Out). Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration. Physical Demands: The demands of this position require an able-bodied person. It is necessary to be walking or standing for more than six hours per day while operating various machines. A significant proportion of the work is done in strenuous positions, such as squatting, bending, reaching or occasionally working in a prone position, and crawling under machines. The demands of this position require the ability to repeatedly lift up to 50 pounds unassisted. The position also requires loading and unloading packages, gears, and components on various machines. The demands include the ability to properly tighten bolts and components and to loosen previously tightened components using only standard hand tools in restricted access spaces. Working Conditions: Most of the work is performed in controlled air-conditioned rooms with adequate lighting and ventilation. However, dust and cotton lint may be in the air, especially when machinery is cleaned. The work is performed around equipment having both reciprocating and rotating parts moving at high speed. The work is performed in areas where personal protective equipment, such as eye protection, hearing protection and safety shoes may be required. Occasional work outside and in unconditioned spaces such as warehouses, industrial plants, and cotton gins may be required.

Education

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 141 Experimental Station Road Stoneville, MS 38776 US
• Name: Robert Green
• Phone: (703) 259-9392
• Email: [email protected]