This position is in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Midwest Area (MWA), Soil, Water and Air Resources Research located in Ames, IA. In this position, you will study the effects of climate change and weather variability on mitigation and resilience of various agricultural systems/practices in the Midwest. This is a term, time-limited appointment with an initial duration no less than 13 months and can be extended up to a total of 4 years.

Duties

Evaluates current and potential Midwestern agricultural systems/practice standards for climate mitigation and climate resilience potential. Works with hub staff and other hub/partner staff regionally and nationally to quantify information about climate mitigation/resilience capabilities for current and possible additional agricultural practice standards. Supports development of peer-reviewed publications and outreach materials about the climate mitigation/resilience of agricultural practices/systems in the Midwest. Initiates efforts to develop original research, syntheses, methodology, or outreach programs to address critical knowledge gaps in climate mitigation/resilience within Midwestern agro-ecosystems. Supports the functions and activities of the Midwest Climate Hub, including but not limited to, participating in the determination of priority goals, deliverables, and/or outcomes.

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 trial 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. Basic Requirements for Ecology Series, 0408 Degree: biology, or a related field of science underlying ecological research that included at least 30 semester hours in basic and applied biological sciences. These hours must have included at least 9 semester hours in ecology and 12 semester hours in physical and mathematical sciences. Basic Requirements for Agronomy Series, 0471 Degree: agronomy; or related discipline of science that included at least 30 semester hours of course work in the basic plant sciences, including at least 15 semester hours in agronomic subjects, such as those dealing with plant breeding, crop production, and soil and crop management. OR A combination of education and experience: at least 30 semester hours in the basic plant sciences, including a minimum of 15 semester hours in agronomic subjects, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Basic Requirements for Physical Science Series, 1301 Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics. OR A combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. AND In addition to the basic requirements above, all applicants must also meet the following minimum qualification requirements: Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-11 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-09 which is directly related to the work of this position, and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience developing research programs to study agricultural systems or practices; summarizing research data; and evaluating the effects of climate and weather on agricultural production crops. OR Education: 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR A combination of Ph.D. education and experience as described above. Physical Demands Work is sedentary. Some work requires periods of walking, standing, bending, climbing, or driving a motor vehicle. Employees occasionally carry light items, such as books, small instruments or samples, and other similar materials. The work does not require any special physical effort. Work Environment Work performed in the office involves common risks and discomforts requiring normal safety precautions. Occasional outdoor field activities related to assessment of agricultural and forestry systems and gathering of appropriate weather, soil, and vegetation data may be required. Work involves exposure to moderate risks and discomforts, such as those due to adverse weather conditions, such as high winds and low or high temperatures. The incumbent will receive guidance on any safety concerns at each potential field site. 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

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 5601 Sunnyside Ave Beltsville, MD 20705 US
• Name: Jared Foret
• Phone: 7032599390
• Email: [email protected]