In this position you will assist higher graded employees in day-to-day operations and will perform a variety of technical duties in support of the Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) Eradication program objectives in cooperation with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. The PCN program is tasked with developing effective strategies to minimize the spread of PCN and eradicate the pest in Idaho and the rest of the U.S.

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: Conducts routine surveillance and inspections for nematodes and other pests of concern. Extracts soil samples and microscopically examines sample extracts to detect nematodes. Summarizes data and submits written reports on significant findings and important problems to immediate supervisor upon discovery. Compiles and maintains information on field surveys, soil samples, and regulatory data such as equipment movement, sanitation, and eradication progress. Assists in placing infected and associated fields under quarantine to restrict the movement of regulated articles and require sanitation procedures for equipment used in fields. Assists with educational outreach on Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) best management practices, and chemical and non-chemical eradication methods. Assembles all necessary equipment to perform field duties and sanitizes, maintains, and keeps laboratory and field equipment, laboratory work areas, and vehicles in good operating order.

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.
• 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/
• Successful completion of one-year trial period.
• 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.
• Requires physical efforts such as reaching, lifting, bending, scrubbing, and constant standing, sitting at a microscope for extended periods, and walking in agricultural fields.
• Must have the ability to do occasional lifting up to 50 pounds while bending, standing, and walking, and must be able to use personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must be able to work for extended periods outdoors under hot and dry conditions and under cold fall and winter conditions.
• Wearing of protective clothing and equipment such as rubber boots, gloves, safety goggles, and hearing protection, may be mandatory where required by State and Federal laws.

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-04 LEVEL: Applicants must have six months general work experience and six months specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-03 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Analyzes soil samples for the presence of nematodes. Performs inspections and sanitation of farm equipment, vehicles, and other regulated articles. Assists in performing routine surveillance, inspections, and surveys for nematodes and other pests of concern in agricultural areas. OR Successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 8 semester hours in courses such as biology, plant pathology, entomology, zoology, botany, forestry, chemistry, agriculture, or physics. 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-04 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

Please see above for education requirement information.

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]