This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Plant Introduction Research Unit in Ames, IA. In this position, you will actively participate in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties in a laboratory, field or greenhouse environment.

Duties

Maintains, calibrates, and modifies equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures. Uses software packages especially MS Excel and PowerPoint. Assists in initiating action to resolve or correct technical difficulties and results or assists in developing recommendations to resolve issues. Operates basic field machinery such as tractors, planters, cultivators, sprayers and erects and dissembles controlled pollination structures in the field and greenhouse. Keeps detailed records of experimental data. Maintains supply records and arranges timely ordering of necessary supplies.

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 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/
• Motor Vehicle or Commercial Driver's License Required.
• Pesticide Applicators License Required (within six months of start date).
• Special Physical Requirements/Demands

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. GS-6 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 participating in a research project; collecting or preparing samples and maintaining or operating common equipment in a field or greenhouse environment. OR Education: Successful completion of one full year of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include: Biology, Plant Pathology, Plant physiology, Genetics, Horticulture, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Agronomy, Soil Science, Crop Science or Agricultural Science. OR A combination of graduate level education and experience as described above. GS-7 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-07 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-06 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 participating in one or more phases of a plant breeding research project; planting or harvesting samples; operating or maintaining specialized equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures. OR Education: Successful completion of one full year of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include: Biology, Plant Pathology, Plant physiology, Genetics, Horticulture, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Agronomy, Soil Science, Crop Science or Agricultural Science. OR A combination of graduate level education and experience as described above. Physical Demands The work requires extended periods of physical exertion, such as regular and recurring running, walking, or bending in field or greenhouse conditions, and ability to lift and carry 50 pounds. In many situations the duration of the activity (such as most of a workday) contributes to the arduous nature of the job. In other situations, there may be special requirements for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination. Use of a tall ladder is required to pollinate tall plants in the field and/or greenhouse. Work Environment The work involves regular and recurring moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working with irritant chemicals and working outdoors for extended periods of time. The work involves physical exertion and seasonal daily exposure to extremes in temperature and humidity, sometimes in muddy conditions, and extensive exposure to pollen (especially sunflower and other Asteraceae species) and pollinator insects (bees). The employee is required to use protective clothing such as gowns, coats, boots, goggles, gloves, and/or hard hats as appropriate. Travel to off-site locations periodically can be required. 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: Frances Ozyurt
• Phone: 703-259-9383
• Email: [email protected]