This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Southeast Area (SEA), Crop Science Research Laboratory, Corn Host Plant Resistance Research Unit in Mississippi State, MS. In this position, you will assist in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties, in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment.

Duties

Perform routine and recurring techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment. Maintain, calibrate, and modify equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures. Maintain inventory of chemicals, prepare solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse, and safely dispose of waste material (both chemical and biological). Collect, prepare, evaluate, and verify samples and supporting records; maintain records and locate and compile data and other information from various sources. Keep detailed records of experimental data. Tabulate, statistically analyze, and summarize data using personal computers and software packages.

Requirements

• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Must be in good academic standing and hold a GPA of at least 2.0.
• Complete at least 640 hrs of work experience prior to completion of degree.
• Enrolled at least half-time at a qualifying educational institution.
• If selected, you will be required to sign a Pathways Student Internship Participant Agreement prior to entrance-on-duty date.
• Satisfactory Background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of two-year trial period.
• 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/
• Must be a U.S. citizen prior to non-competitive conversion to a term or permanent position.
• U.S. citizens and nationals and permanent residents and foreign nationals must meet immigration law and appropriations law requirements concerning employment.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. Program Eligibility Requirements Applicants must be currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment from a qualifying educational institution on a full or half-time basis. Applicants must be seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) and be in good academic standing (GPA of 2.0 or equivalent) throughout the duration of their program. Please see "Required Documents". The duties of the position must be related to either the student's academic or career goals. PATHWAYS ELIGIBILITY All applicants must be currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a student on at least a half-time schedule at a qualifying educational institution in a certificate, degree, or diploma program. All applicants must have academic or career goals that are related to the duties and responsibilities of the position, which may be related to biology. GS-05 Education: Completion of 4 academic years of post-high school leading to a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree. Physical Demands The work requires some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring walking or bending. In many situations, the duration of the activity (such as most of a workday) 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 contagious diseases or irritant chemicals or working outdoors. The employee is required to use protective clothing such as gowns, coats, boots, goggles, gloves. Applicants will be assessed/evaluated through application of the agency developed qualification standard for internship positions, which is based solely on level of education.

Education

You must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application if it includes your name and the necessary course information; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education visit NACES website. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 141 Experimental Station Road Stoneville, MS 38776 US
• Name: Sydney Teague
• Phone: 703-259-9455
• Email: [email protected]