This position is assigned to the Eastern Laboratory, which is in a multidisciplinary laboratory under the Office of Public Health Science (OPHS), Laboratory Regulatory Operations (LRO). OPHS develops (collects, analyzes, and reports) scientific information related to meat, poultry, and egg products, from their production to consumption and uses that information to assess potential human health risks throughout the farm-to-table continuum.

Duties

Responsible for the receipt, identification, preparation, distribution, and storage of all types of monitoring, surveillance, special agent and compliance investigative samples. Ensures the proper handling and storage of incoming/reserve samples and assures that the legal integrity of those samples. Assures the correct target tissues are distributed to the appropriate laboratory sections, and maintains control of samples designated for multiple disciplines. Maintains sufficient inventory and distributes all shipping supplies, sampling kits for FSIS sampling programs and special programs, upon request. Ensures all work adheres and meets the requirements under International Organization for Standardization 17025 (ISO 17025). Prepares sample boxes for return to inspectors. Cleans or recovers overwraps, restocks appropriate supplies, and affixes project-specific labels to boxes. Receives/delivers all laboratory supplies, equipment, furniture and chemicals purchased by the laboratory. Processes related documentation, inputs items in laboratory inventory database, and obtains certificates of analysis. Maintains contract carrier’s (e.g., Federal Express, UPS) shipping database. Provides input to the Supply and Sample Handling Specialist before the start of new projects to ensure timely and proper shipment of sampling supplies. Enters information relative to the receipt and shipment of supplies and reagents, into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Forklift certification, knowledge of warehouse safety rules, Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, and regulations governing hazardous waste. Determines which samples involve chain of custody requirements for legal samples to be used as evidence and maintains required documentation. Knowledge of directives, memos, work instructions, rules, and regulations to monitor safety, health, and the environment of surrounding areas.

Requirements

• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• May be subject to satisfactory completion of one year probationary or trial period.
• If you are selected, you may need to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) prior to being appointed to determine suitability for federal employment and to authorize a background investigation.
• False statements or responses on a resume or application can jeopardize employment and may be grounds for disciplinary action, including removal from federal service.
• Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by direct deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.
• If you are newly hired, the documentation you present for purposes of completing the Department Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 on your entry-on-duty date will be verified through the DHS "E-VERIFY" system.
• Must pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Failure to successfully meet these requirements could lead to adverse action proceedings including possible termination.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Work requires recurring walking, bending, standing, and lifting. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to become forklift certified.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements (including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education) by the closing date of the announcement, as defined below: Time in grade: Applicants must have completed one year at the next lower grade to be considered for the next higher grade (e.g. one year at the GS-04 grade level for consideration at the GS-05 grade level.) For the GS-05: Specialized experience: Your resume must show one year of experience equivalent to the GS-04 grade in the federal service obtained in either the federal, private or public sectors performing the following type of work and/or tasks. Your experience must be described in as much detail as possible to show that you meet all the elements. Experience receiving, logging in, delivering, and/or storing supplies, equipment or chemicals used in a laboratory or similar environment. Experience maintaining stock inventories in a distribution center or similar environment. For the GS-06: Specialized experience: Your resume must show one year of experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade in the federal service obtained in federal, private or public sectors performing the following type of work and/or tasks. Your experience must be described in as much detail as possible to show that you meet all the elements. Experience receiving, logging in, delivering, and/or storing supplies, equipment or chemicals used in a laboratory or similar environment. Experience maintaining stock inventories in a laboratory, distribution center, or similar environment. Experience maintaining records by entering documentation into a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or similar database. For the GS-07: Specialized experience: Your resume must show one year of experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade in the federal service obtained in federal, private or public sectors performing the following type of work and/or tasks. Your experience must be described in as much detail as possible to show that you meet all the elements. Experience independently receiving, logging in, delivering, and/or storing supplies, equipment or chemicals used in a laboratory or similar environment. Experience independently maintaining stock inventories in a laboratory, distribution center, or similar environment. Experience independently maintaining records by entering documentation into a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or similar database. 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. Follow this link for more information on the Supply Clerical and Technician Series 2005: Supply Clerical and Technician Series 2005

Education

You can qualify based on education alone for the GS-5 grade with four years of education above high school.

Transcripts are required and must be submitted with your application. An unofficial copy is sufficient; however, it must include the student's name, school name, and enough information to validate qualifications such as course names, prefixes, grades, semester or quarter credit hours, date degree was awarded, etc.

When combining education and experience, only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours (i.e., beyond the second year) is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement. One full academic year of study (30 semester hours) beyond the second year is equivalent to 6 months of specialized experience. Additional information regarding this requirements can be found here.

Official transcripts must be submitted prior to entering on duty. Education must have been obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. Follow this link to verify your institution's credentialing: Dept. of Education Accredited Schools

If any education was completed at a foreign institution, you must submit evidence that the institution is accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. Follow these links to those credentialing organizations:

• National Association of Credential Evaluation Services
• Association of International Credential Evaluators

Contacts

• Address Food Safety and Inspection Service 1400 Independence Ave SW Washington, DC 20250 US
• Name: Gary McCann
• Phone: (612) 852-7706
• Email: [email protected]