This position is in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Pacific West Area (PWA), Crop Diseases, Pests and Genetics located in Parlier, CA. In this position, you will assist scientists in conducting research on grapevine, almonds, stone fruit, and citrus to reduce losses caused by pathogens and pests and improve fruit quality. 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

Performs routine and recurring techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment. Maintains, calibrates and modifies equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures. Maintains inventory of chemicals, prepares solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse, and safely disposes of waste material (both chemical and biological). Collects, prepares, evaluates, and verifies samples and supporting records; maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources. Assists in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties, in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment, common to the assigned area of work.

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 ncluding specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. GS-05: 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-05 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-04 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 assisting in plant research in a field, laboratory, or a greenhouse environment related to grapevine or citrus research; recording or analyzing scientific data related to grapevine crops; and maintaining and modifying laboratory equipment. OR Education: Successful completion of a four-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major or at least 24 semester hours or the equivalent in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must have been directly related to the position to be filled. OR A qualifying combination of education and experience as described above. GS-06: 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-06 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-05 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 providing technical support in grapevine crop research in a field, laboratory, or a greenhouse environment; collecting, maintaining, and measuring crop samples related to grapevine crops; recording and compiling research results and data; and maintaining and modifying specialized laboratory equipment. OR Education: Successful completion of one full year of study leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Biological Sciences, Botany, Plant Science, Horticulture, Forestry, or Plant Pathology. OR A qualifying combination of graduate education and experience as described above. 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 information.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 800 Buchanan Street Albany, CA 94710 US
• Name: Jared Foret
• Phone: 7032599390
• Email: [email protected]