This position is located with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Pacific West Area (PWA), San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Science Center (SJVASC), Water Management Research Unit (WMRU) in Parlier, CA. Incumbent will provide technical research support to the research scientist and their research project(s).

Duties

Assists in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of specialized technical support duties, in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment, related to soil science and/or microbial ecology of grapevines and almond trees. Maintains, calibrates and modifies standard and specialized equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures. Collects, prepares, evaluates, and verifies samples and supporting records. Maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources related soil science and/or microbial ecology related to grapevines and almond trees. Keeps detailed records of experimental data. Tabulates, statistically analyzes and summarizes data using personal computers and software packages.

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 needed to perform the duties of the position. GS-06: Experience: The qualification requirements for this position at the GS-06 grade level includes one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level; or its non-Federal equivalent that included experience assisting in a research experiment related to soil science or microbial ecology; collecting and analyzing DNA or PLFAs from soil samples of grapes and/or almond fields; and operating specialized scientific equipment. 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]