This position is located with USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Pacific West Area (PWA), San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center (SJVASC), Crop Diseases, Pests, & Genetics Research Unit (CDPGRU) in Parlier, CA. In this position, you will be participating as team member, providing technical support in almost all phases of the scientist's research project related to grape and citrus crop research.

Duties

Duties listed represent the full performance level of the position Participates as a team member with the scientist in all phases of the research process related to grapevine and citrus research Assumes full technical and operational responsibility for specific phases of the research. Independently develops or designs various aspects of research projects on the basis of overall objectives outlined by the supervisor. Selects appropriate methods and procedures for carrying the project plan to completion 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.

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. GS-05 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, assisting in plant research in a field, laboratory, or a greenhouse environment with 6 months of experience related to grapevine and/or citrus research; recording or analyzing scientific data with 6 months of experience related to grapevine and/or citrus crops; and maintaining and modifying laboratory equipment. OR Education: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as Botany, Plant Science, Horticulture, Forestry, or Plant Pathology. OR A qualifying combination of graduate education and experience as described above. GS-06 Experience: The qualification requirements for this position at the GS-06 grade level includes one-year specialized experience at the GS-05 grade level, or its non-Federal equivalent, providing technical support in a grapevine and/or citrus crop research in a field, laboratory, or a greenhouse environment; collecting, maintaining, and measuring crop samples related to grapevine and/or citrus crops; recording and compiling research results and data; and maintaining and modifying laboratory equipment. OR Education: Successful completion of one full year of study leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Botany, Plant Science, Horticulture, Forestry, or Plant Pathology. OR A qualifying combination of graduate education and experience as described above. GS-07 Experience: The qualification requirements for this position at the GS-07 grade level includes one-year specialized experience at the GS-06 grade level, or its non-Federal equivalent, assisting in grapevine and/or citrus research in a field, laboratory, or a greenhouse environment; collecting, maintaining, and measuring grapevine and/or citrus crop samples; compiling, preparing and verifying research data and supporting records related to grapevine and/or citrus crops; maintaining and modifying laboratory equipment; and maintaining an inventory of chemicals, fungi, and plant materials. OR Education: 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 Botany, Plant Science, Horticulture, Forestry, or Plant Pathology. OR A qualifying combination of graduate education and experience as described above. GS-08 Experience:The qualification requirements for this position at the GS-08 grade level includes one-year specialized experience at the GS-07 grade level, or its non-Federal equivalent, participating in the development of grapevine and/or citrus research in a field, laboratory, or a greenhouse environment; collecting, maintaining, and measuring grapevine and/or citrus crop samples; compiling, preparing and verifying research data and supporting records related to grapevine and/or citrus crop research; maintaining and modifying laboratory equipment; and maintaining an inventory of chemicals, fungi, and plant materials. OR Education: Two full years of graduate-level education or a Master's degree, if directly relate to the position.Related Degrees may include: Botany, Plant Science, Horticulture, Forestry, or Plant Pathology. OR A qualifying combination of graduate education and experience as described above. GS-09 Experience:The qualification requirements for this position at the GS-09 grade level includes one-year specialized experience at the GS-08 grade level, or its non-Federal equivalent, independently conducted a portion of a grapevine and/or citrus crop research project in a field, laboratory, or a greenhouse environment; collecting, maintaining, and measuring grapevine and/or citrus crop samples; compiling, preparing and verifying research data and supporting records related to grapevine and/or citrus crops; maintaining and modifying laboratory equipment; and maintaining an inventory of chemicals, fungi, and plant materials. OR Education:Two full years of graduate-level education or a master's degree, if directly relate to the position. Related degree's may include Botany, Plant Science, Horticulture, Forestry, or Plant Pathology. OR A qualifying combination of graduate education and experience as described above. Working 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. 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]