This position is located on USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Pacific West Area (PWA), Commodity Protection & Quality Research Unit (CPQRU) located in Parlier, CA. In this position, you will actively participate in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment. This is a term appointment NTE 13 months and can be extended up to a total of 10 years.

Duties

Rear multiple species of stored product insects and field insects to support the various research projects of Unit scientists. Makes/formulates insect diet to meet research needs of Unit scientists. Maintains essential facility/equipment pertaining to the insectary operations including autoclaves and controlled temperature rooms. Uses a personal computer to enter data on colony characteristics of various insect species and schedule their delivery/shipment. Solves problems, including logistical challenges with supplies, changes in the health of individual colonies, and determines the supplies necessary to meet rearing challenges as they arise.

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

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled and which provided the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Experience:The qualification requirements for this position at the GS-05 grade level includes one-year specialized experience at the GS-04 grade level, or its non-Federal equivalent, participating in a research project related to insects; collecting or analyzing data from an experiment or research project related to insects and/or insect rearing; and operating and maintaining laboratory equipment. OR Education: 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, if required. Qualifying degrees may include Entomology, Agricultural Science, or other related degrees provided that the coursework place an emphasis on insects or agricultural sciences. OR A qualifying combination of education and experience as described above. 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

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 800 Buchanan Street Albany, CA 94710 US
• Name: Melissa Smith
• Phone: 510-559-6312
• Email: [email protected]