This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense, 5 U.S.C, Section 9905 to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. About the Position: This position is located with Public Health - West, Environmental Health Engineering, Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Duties

Responsible for overall operations and direction of entomological testing under the umbrella of the Food Analysis and Diagnostic Laboratory (FADL), arthropod surveillance and identification, and entomological field studies. Provides specialized laboratory support to assist in the accomplishment of large-scale projects involving risk assessments and epidemiology of vector-borne and rodent-borne diseases. Plans and executes projects, the compilation and interpretation of data, and writing of technical reports. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: performance of laboratory assays, training civilian and military technicians on assays and good laboratory practices; and identification of arthropod pests of medical importance. Responsible for entry of collected data into a computerized database to support customer requests, and for maintenance and upgrade of laboratory equipment and consumable supplies. Performs technical work in an analytical laboratory requiring practical knowledge of the methods and techniques of one or more biological sciences.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Position requires a Secret security clearance.
• This position requires the selectee to pass a pre-employment physical.
• Incumbent is required to lift up to 25 pounds and be able to climb and work in a field environment where arthropods and/or rodents reside.
• Required to work long hours in uncomfortable climates, such as very hot and humid, or cold, wet weather, and wear uncomfortable protective and safety clothing and equipment when conducting arthropod and/or rodent-borne disease surveys.
• Incumbent may be exposed to infectious and communicable diseases requiring the ability to work in a level 3 suit and requires appropriate immunizations as recommended by the medical authority.
• This position is subject to annual seasonal influenza vaccinations.
• This position requires Immunization screening.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities. In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Basic Requirements: Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in entomology; or a related discipline of the biological or physical sciences that included at least 16 semester hours in entomology. This degree must be from an educational program accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.) OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes experience conducting a variety of automated and manual analytical test procedures in the area of entomology and related fields; performing surveys, consultations, and field studies; and providing recommendations to alleviate health, economic and environmental problems. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11) You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas:

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address M1-W08GAA REGIONAL HEALTH COMMAND-CENTRAL DO NOT MAIL Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234 US
• Name: Army Applicant Help Desk