This position is located within the Sugarbeet Research Unit for USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Fargo, ND. In this position, you will help scientists that develop diversified remote sensing, imaging and automation systems for sustainable crop and weed management that improve the crop production and protection, while minimizing chemical inputs, conserving natural resources, and improving crop yields.

Duties

Modifies parts, instruments, and equipment. Constructs, installs, and calibrates instruments and devices. Assists the research scientist in making accurate research interpretations on plant sensing and drawing accurate conclusions. Applies initiative and resourcefulness in planning non routine assignments of substantial variety and complexity. Operates and maintains Unmanned aerial systems, Robotic electric vehicle, Microprocessor, Cameras, Image processing, GPS, GIS software.

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/

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-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 assisting with assembling or installing measurement systems; operating laboratory or field equipment to collect data; utilizing software to document or gather data. OR Education: One full year of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position. Related degrees may include Agricultural Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, Agricultural Systems Management, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, Agronomy, Plant Science, Horticulture, Physics, Mathematics, Geology, Biology, or a related field of study. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above. GS-07 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 experience assisting with assembling or installing electronic systems; operating laboratory or field equipment to collect data; utilizing software to document or gather data; and preparing drawings, charts, or reports to summarize data. OR Education: One full year of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position. Related degrees may include Agricultural Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, Agricultural Systems Management, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, Agronomy, Plant Science, Horticulture, Physics, Mathematics, Geology, Biology, or a related field of study. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above. GS-08 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-08 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 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 constructing, assembling, or installing new scientific equipment; evaluating and modifying field equipment such as data loggers, microprocessors, or cameras; participating in a research project related to agriculture; utilizing software programs to document data; and preparing drawings, charts, or reports to summarize data. OR Education: Two full years of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position. Related degrees may include Agricultural Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, Agricultural Systems Management, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, Agronomy, Plant Science, Horticulture, Physics, Mathematics, Geology, Biology, or a related field of study. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above. GS-09 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-09 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-08 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 designing a scientific experiment or research project; constructing, assembling, or installing new equipment; troubleshooting equipment such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, multispectral cameras, GPS, or drones; utilizing software programs to document data; and preparing drawings, charts, or reports to summarize data. OR Education: Two full years of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position. Related degrees may include Agricultural Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, Agricultural Systems Management, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, Agronomy, Plant Science, Horticulture, Physics, Mathematics, Geology, Biology, or a related field of study. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized 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. Physical Demands: The work requires some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring walking or bending. In many situations the duration of the activity (such as most of a work day) contributes to the arduous nature of the job. In other situations, such as in a laboratory, there may be special requirements for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination. Work Environment: The work is performed in a laboratory/shop/field environment or other research setting which involves regular and recurring moderate risks or discomforts requiring special safety precautions, e.g., working with electronic/electrical equipment or working outdoors. The employee is required to use protective clothing such as gowns, coats, boots, goggles, gloves.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 2150 Centre Avenue Building D, Suite 300 Fort Collins, CO 80526 US
• Name: Robert Green
• Phone: (703) 259-9392
• Email: [email protected]