United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Dairy Program, Federal Milk Market Administrator falls under the Excepted Service. This position will be filled in the 1311 Lab Assistant series.

Duties

As the Lab Assistant in this position, you will: Assist laboratory supervisor with laboratory performance as directed. Assist laboratory staff in laboratory duties. Perform routine laboratory duties for preparation of milk samples and packaged product testing. Analyze data using spreadsheet and graphical analysis to produce test reports. Visit farms, dairy plants, milk hauler facilities and stores to obtain milk samples. Interact with dairy industry representatives to coordinate dairy testing. Participate in the quality management system. Maintain dairy lab equipment and an orderly, safe laboratory environment. Work effectively in a team environment. Professional collaboration with staff and industry. NOTE: This position falls under pay bands MA 08 - 15 . Selectee's pay will be set between the MA 8 -10 pay bands based on years of education and/or experience.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen
• You will be required to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see Legal and regulatory guidance below).
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• There is a required one-year probationary period.
• This is a non-bargaining unit position.
• The selectee's pay will be set between pay bands MA 08 - 10
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record (copy of driving record may be requested)
• Relocation expense is not paid; applicants are responsible for any relocation expenses.
• Must be able to regularly lift 50 pounds.
• Safely work in a laboratory environment and milk house on slippery floors with varying temperatures, noise levels, and smells.
• Occasional overtime required.
• Regular local travel and infrequent overnight travel required. Mileage, lodging and per diem paid as applicable.
• Regular and recurring handling of hazardous chemicals.
• You may be required to pass a physical exam prior to the start of employment at the employer's expense.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience. If qualifying based on education, a copy of your unofficial transcripts must be provided with your application. Professional Experience Qualification Requirements: General Experience (MA 8-9)- Applicants must have 6 months or more of general experience required for the grade level (MA 8 - 6 months; MA 9 - 1 year). This experience may have been obtained in a laboratory or field environment in one of the physical sciences or a closely related discipline which provided some of the basic knowledge or skills involved in one or more of the following: (1) gathering, recording, and assembling scientific data; (2) using scientific instruments to measure degrees, weights, strengths, etc.; (3) setting up and operating test methods; and (4) evaluating quantitative data. The guidelines used to perform the work are specific and detailed and the work is repetitious. OR General and Specialized Experience (MA 10 or higher) - In addition to the 1 year or more of general experience(listed above) , applicants for the MA-10 grade level and above must have 6 months of specialized experience performing technical work in one of the physical sciences, or in a closely related field, such as experience as a laboratory technician when the work was performed in close association with a chemist or other physical scientist and provided the applicant with an intensive knowledge of scientific principles, methods, and techniques. The guidelines used to perform the work may have required some deviation or adaptation to specific circumstances and required to use some judgment in their application. OR Education: Applicants must have successfully completed studies in an accredited college or university above the high school level to substitute for general experience at the rate of 1 year of undergraduate education (i.e., 30 semester or 45 quarter hours) for 1 year of general experience (up to a maximum of 3 years of undergraduate education for 3 years of general experience) Note: 2 years of undergraduate education meets the requirement for MA-10. Part-time or unpaid experience: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. Volunteer or unpaid experience: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Education Requirements: You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

Foreign education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information click here. You must provide translated transcripts.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Marketing Service USDA, AMS, Dairy Program 1400 Independence Ave, SW Washington, DC 20250 US
• Name: Vanessa Perkins-Glover
• Phone: 0000000000
• Email: [email protected]