As a Biological Science Laboratory Technician with Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant and Protection Quarantine (PPQ), Pest Exclusion and Import Program (PEIP), National Identification Services (NIS), you will be responsible for the daily operational activities of the assigned laboratory, facilitating scientific activities required for pest identification. (Of the 3 vacancies announced here, two will focus on Molecular Biology, and one will focus on Mycology)

Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Applying basic principles of a biological science to assess readings and measurements taken, tests executed, observations made, work completed, samples collected, etc. Preparing and submitting comprehensive written reports describing test procedures and results and managing plant and/or pest samples and resulting data. Sorting urgent and routine pest samples from port interceptions nationwide and forwarding to appropriate professional staff for final identification. Conducting tests and analyses of studies and evaluations of data on plant pests / pathogens detected domestically or intercepted at ports of entry from all parts of the world. Performing literature searches, cataloguing information from this literature, and developing new techniques or refining and modifying standard methods of specimen preparation. Operating necessary equipment and associated software such as thermal cyclers, DNA sequencers, and stereoscopic/compound photographic system as occasion warrants. Organizing and executing a range of organism identification activities in support of PPQ entomologists or mycologists. Supporting the daily operational activities of the assigned laboratory, ordering supplies and equipment, managing purchase-related paperwork, helping to plan and organize training sessions, and preparing training materials. Assisting with maintenance and improvement of collections in the selected discipline, maintaining related databases of pest interceptions, collections, and loans and performing general data entry into different databases.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male 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/
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• All USDA employees are required to be enrolled in Continuous Vetting, which authorizes government agencies to receive notifications of criminal activity on individuals who hold low risk, public trust, or national security positions.
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment for specific tasks.
• Some exposure to a variety of moderately hazardous chemicals and waste materials may occur.
• Work requires periods of repetitive movements and moderate to heavy exertion in terms of moving equipment to conduct research indoors.

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. FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience handling, sorting, and inventorying biological specimens collected in field surveys or as part of museum collections using microscopes and other laboratory equipment. Experience recording and maintaining files of molecular and specimen-related data using computer spreadsheets and databases, and ability to summarize findings. Experience preparing biological samples or specimens for molecular or microbial analysis by using sterile technique and DNA isolation methods. Experience in operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment used for scientific investigations of biology such as microscopes, freezers, centrifuges, thermal cyclers, DNA sequencers, fume hoods, and sterilizers. Experience using mathematics to prepare stock solutions, follow recipes for experiments, or convert measurements used for scientific investigation. OR Successful completion of one full year (18 semester hours, 27 quarter hours or equivalent) of graduate level education in biology, plant pathology, entomology, or closely related fields. 18 semester hours should be considered as satisfying the 1 year of full-time study. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-07 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service USDA APHIS MRPBS 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401 US
• Name: MRP Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]