The position is in the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center located in Orono, Maine. The physical duty location is Franklin, Maine. In this position, you will be responsible for supervising and managing the technical work in support of the care and maintenance, and health and behavior of animals (including birds and fish) involved in the scientific research projects located in ARS animal research facilities.

Duties

Participates in the development of any SOPs which may require searching scientific literature concerning animal care for pertinent information concerning current or new procedures or techniques that may be of value in improving SOPs. Ensures animals are routinely observed for appearance and activity and signs of illness, disease, discontent behavior, and/or refusal of feed. Participates in the several stages with the supervisor and scientific staff in support of scientific objectives, including animal needs and experimental design to ensure successful completion of the research studies. Establishes deadlines and priorities and determines staffing levels and materials required for daily operations, taking into consideration animal populations, agents under study, and special animal project needs. Assigns daily work based on priorities, project schedules, resources, customary work cycles and sequences, and specific work plans set by the supervisor. Ensures and monitors the collecting, preparation, and verification of samples from animals such as blood and other body fluids, tissues or secretions, and culture samples using techniques as prescribed by animal care.

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.
• Subject to one year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period.
• 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 https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Motor Vehicle or Commercial Driver’s License Required.
• Supervisory Responsibilities (EEO Statement).

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. 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 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 training to staff members in a veterinary setting; coordinating staff or hospital schedules; and ensuring activities are in compliance with policies, laws, or regulations. OR Education: Two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Agricultural Science, Veterinary Science, Animal Science, or Biology. 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.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 10300 Baltimore Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 US
• Name: MICHAEL ONTIVEROS
• Phone: 202-205-1180
• Email: michael.ontiveros@usda.gov