This position is located in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Southeast Area (SEA), Sugarcane Research Unit in Houma, Louisiana. In this position, you will work with scientists to develop improved varieties and environmentally friendly production strategies that will expand the cropping range, and combat a constantly evolving pest complex that includes diseases, insects, and weeds. This position is restricted to those within the local commuting area.

Duties

Operates and maintains a variety of highly specialized complex equipment which must be calibrated and synchronized to achieve desired results. Develops various procedures, devises new or improved methods or designs specialized equipment. Maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources. Maintains inventory of chemicals, prepares solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse, and safely disposes of waste material (both chemical and biological). Selects appropriate PCR methods and procedures for carrying the project plan to completion. Interprets and documents findings by preparing information to be included in manuscripts

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 https://www.e-verify.gov/.
• Motor Vehicle or Commercial Driver's License Required.
• Safety/Radiological Safety Collateral Duties.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. 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 preparing or analyzing biological samples related to plant pathology; operating common laboratory or greenhouse equipment used for test or evaluation procedures; and keeping detailed records of experimental data. OR Successful completion of 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 Pathology, Genetics, Agriculture, Plant Science. OR A combination of graduate education and specialized experience as described above. GS-08: 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-08 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 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 participating in a plant pathology research project; analyzing samples using PCR, and summarizing data using software packages; maintaining inventory of laboratory equipment or supplies. OR Successful completion of two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Pathology, Genetics, Agriculture, Plant Science. OR A combination of graduate education and specialized experience as described above. GS-09: 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-09 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-08 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 conducting an experiment involving plant pathology; maintaining specialized scientific equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures; and preparing reagents or solutions for use in a laboratory setting for PCR analysis. OR Successful completion of two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Pathology, Genetics, Agriculture, Plant Science. OR A combination of graduate education and specialized experience as described above. Physical Demands: The work requires some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring walking or bending, and lifting plant samples up to 50 lbs. 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 plant diseases, laboratory reagents and chemicals, and working outdoors in hot, humid conditions of south Louisiana. 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

Please see above for education qualification information.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 141 Experimental Station Road Stoneville, MS 38776 US
• Name: Jared Foret
• Phone: 7032599390
• Email: [email protected]