Biological Science Technician (Plants)
Company Name:
Department Of Agriculture
United States Citizens Permanent Full Time _Find Solutions to Agricultural Problems that Affect Americans Every Day, From Field to Table_
The incumbent will serve as a Biological Science Technician at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Red River Agricultural Research Center in Fargo, ND, in the Sunflower and Plant Biology Research Unit. The incumbent will participate in field, laboratory, and greenhouse experiments in a sunflower quantitative genetics and breeding laboratory and will contribute ideas towards the planning and sequencing of the technical aspects of the research.
You must be a US Citizen to apply Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Svc., or exempt Subject to favorable adjudication of a background investigation Successful completion of a one-year probationary or trial period Must be able to obtain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License Must be able to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Must be able to lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs. Typical, but not all-inclusive, duties are illustrated by performance of any combination of the following:
Actively participates in a multi-phase research process by performing a variety of
field, laboratory, and greenhouse experiments in a sunflower quantitative genetics and breeding laboratory and will contribute ideas towards the planning and sequencing of the technical aspects of the reseach.
Adapts, modifies or develops new techniques and/or procedures to satisfy the needs of the research project.
Performs a range of biological techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment including GPS/GIS, heavy equipment, computers, and specialized software.
Maintains, calibrates and modifies complex/specialized equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures.
Independently initiates action to resolve or correct technical difficulties and results, or recommends resolution to supervisor.
Searches for literature pertinent to area of research for new procedures or techniques to use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse.
Collects, prepares, evaluates and verifies samples and supporting records.
Locates and compiles data and other information from various sources and maintains records in a database. Keeps detailed records of experimental data. Tabulates, statistically analyzes and summarizes data using personal computers and software packages.
Maintains inventory of chemicals, stock solutions, etc., prepares solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse, and safely disposes of waste material (both chemical and biological).
Keeps work-site in a neat and orderly manner.
Works outdoors and can tolerate hot, cold, or wet conditions, and presence of pollen and insects, for most of the work day.
Applicants will be required to obtain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License upon entry on duty.
The selected applicant will also be required to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) upon entry on duty.
_MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS_
_GS-07:_
Specialized
Experience: One full-time year (12-months) of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service performing the following duties:
utilizingpractical knowledge of the basic theories and practices of plant breeding and germplasm enhancement while performing a variety of complex technical duties in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment;
using heavy field equipment for small-plot field evaluations;
contributing to the planning and sequencing of technical aspects of research activities;
modifying or developing techniques and procedures to satisfy the needs of research projects;
maintaining, calibrating, and modifying equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures;
preparing solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse; and
safely disposing of biological and chemical waste materials.
-OR-
Education: One full year (18 semester hours) of graduate education leading to a Master's or higher degree in biology, plant pathology, plant physiology, entomology, genetics, botany, agriculture, or a field directly related to the duties of this position.
-OR-
Combination: A combination of the specialized experience and education as described above, such that the percentage of required experience plus the percentage of education equals 100%.
_GS-09:_
Specialized
Experience: One full-time year (12-months) of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-08 grade level in the Federal service performing the following duties:
utilizing practical knowledge of the basic theories and practices of plant breeding and germplasm enhancement while performing a variety of complex technical duties in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment;
using heavy field equipment for small-plot field evaluations;
independently planning and sequencing technical aspects of research activities on the basis of overall objectives;
searching for literature pertinent to areas of agriculture and genetics research for new procedures or techniques;
developing new techniques and procedures to satisfy the needs of research projects;
maintaining, calibrating, and modifying equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures;
preparing solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse; and
safely disposing of biological and chemical waste materials.
-OR-
Education: Two full years (36 semester hours) of graduate education or a Master's or higher degree in biology, plant pathology, plant physiology, entomology, genetics, botany, agriculture, or a field directly related to the duties of this position.
-OR-
Combination: A combination of the specialized experience and education as described above, such that the percentage of required experience plus the percentage of education equals 100%.
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).
NOTE: Applicants claiming education to qualify MUST submit supporting transcripts. Failure to do so will result in a rating of ineligible.
For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here:
Applicants will be required to obtain a Commerical Pesticide Applicator's License and a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shortly after entry of duty.
Applications will be evaluated in accordance with Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Delegated Examining Procedures using category rating. Applicants who meet basic minimum qualifications will be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. Category placement will be determined based on applicants' quality of experience and the extent they possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (or competencies):
Technical Research Support
Biological Research Techniques and Procedures
Research Activities and Equipment Use
Chemical Use
The questionnaire will assess your qualifications for the job, and will be used to identify the best qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. Your ratings in this Assessment Questionnaire are subject to evaluation and verification based on the documents and references you submit. Later steps in the selection process are specifically designed to verify your ratings. Attempts to falsify information; inflate your qualifications or providing inaccurate information on federal documents may be grounds to adjust your rating or to not select you. Errors, omissions or providing inaccurate information on federal documents may affect your eligibility. If selected providing inaccurate information on federal documents could also be grounds for dismissing you from the position/agency. Please follow all instructions carefully.
You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this job announcement. We are available to assist you during normal business hours. Applying online is highly encouraged. If applying online poses a hardship, please contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hard copy application packages must be submitted no later than noon on the closing date of the announcement in order to be entered into the system prior to its closing. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on an as-needed basis. Please contact us if you require this for any part of the application and hiring process.
To begin, click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register, answer the required questions, create a resume, and submit all necessary documents. To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at / and click on Application Status. Click on the position title, and then select Apply Online. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
Resume clearly describing your experience related to this position as described in the Major Duties, Qualifications, and How you will be evaluated sections of this announcement.
Responses to the on-line Occupational Questionnaire
If you are a veteran and you are claiming veteran's preference, you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. For competitive service positions, active duty service members expecting to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days: you may be granted tentative preference by submitting a certification document in lieu of a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214. This certification is any written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date of the submission of the certification. Veteran's preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
If you are claiming 10-point veteran's preference based on service-connected disability, in addition to the DD214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), you must also submit an SF-15, Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference, plus the proof of entitlement of this preference which is normally an official statement, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs certifying to the present existence of the service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of your disability. For more information on veterans' preference see /.
If you are using education to qualify (or if there is an education requirement) you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. You must submit with your application evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. For additional information, refer to the U.S. Department of Education web site at . You may submit an unofficial copy of the transcripts; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty.
Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application.
You may track progress of your application package via your USAJOBS account. The questionnaire will assess your qualifications for the job, and will be used to identify the best qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration for possible interview and selection. We will notify you, via your USAJOBS account, of the outcome after each of these steps has been completed. Log in to your USAJOBS account at to check your application status. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. We expect to make a final job offer approximately 40 days after the deadline for applications.
The Federal service offers a comprehensive benefits package. Explore the benefits offered to most Federal employees at .
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible see . To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, surplus or displaced Federal employee must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors, and be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choosing.
E-Verify: Federal law requires agencies to use the E-Verify system to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. If you are selected as a newly hired employee, the documentation you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form 1-9 on your entry-on-duty date will be verified through the DHS 'E-VERIFY' system. Under the system, the new hire is required to resolve any identified discrepancies as a condition of continued employment.
This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Department Of Agriculture
United States Citizens Permanent Full Time _Find Solutions to Agricultural Problems that Affect Americans Every Day, From Field to Table_
The incumbent will serve as a Biological Science Technician at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Red River Agricultural Research Center in Fargo, ND, in the Sunflower and Plant Biology Research Unit. The incumbent will participate in field, laboratory, and greenhouse experiments in a sunflower quantitative genetics and breeding laboratory and will contribute ideas towards the planning and sequencing of the technical aspects of the research.
You must be a US Citizen to apply Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Svc., or exempt Subject to favorable adjudication of a background investigation Successful completion of a one-year probationary or trial period Must be able to obtain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License Must be able to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Must be able to lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs. Typical, but not all-inclusive, duties are illustrated by performance of any combination of the following:
Actively participates in a multi-phase research process by performing a variety of
field, laboratory, and greenhouse experiments in a sunflower quantitative genetics and breeding laboratory and will contribute ideas towards the planning and sequencing of the technical aspects of the reseach.
Adapts, modifies or develops new techniques and/or procedures to satisfy the needs of the research project.
Performs a range of biological techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment including GPS/GIS, heavy equipment, computers, and specialized software.
Maintains, calibrates and modifies complex/specialized equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures.
Independently initiates action to resolve or correct technical difficulties and results, or recommends resolution to supervisor.
Searches for literature pertinent to area of research for new procedures or techniques to use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse.
Collects, prepares, evaluates and verifies samples and supporting records.
Locates and compiles data and other information from various sources and maintains records in a database. Keeps detailed records of experimental data. Tabulates, statistically analyzes and summarizes data using personal computers and software packages.
Maintains inventory of chemicals, stock solutions, etc., prepares solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse, and safely disposes of waste material (both chemical and biological).
Keeps work-site in a neat and orderly manner.
Works outdoors and can tolerate hot, cold, or wet conditions, and presence of pollen and insects, for most of the work day.
Applicants will be required to obtain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License upon entry on duty.
The selected applicant will also be required to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) upon entry on duty.
_MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS_
_GS-07:_
Specialized
Experience: One full-time year (12-months) of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service performing the following duties:
utilizingpractical knowledge of the basic theories and practices of plant breeding and germplasm enhancement while performing a variety of complex technical duties in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment;
using heavy field equipment for small-plot field evaluations;
contributing to the planning and sequencing of technical aspects of research activities;
modifying or developing techniques and procedures to satisfy the needs of research projects;
maintaining, calibrating, and modifying equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures;
preparing solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse; and
safely disposing of biological and chemical waste materials.
-OR-
Education: One full year (18 semester hours) of graduate education leading to a Master's or higher degree in biology, plant pathology, plant physiology, entomology, genetics, botany, agriculture, or a field directly related to the duties of this position.
-OR-
Combination: A combination of the specialized experience and education as described above, such that the percentage of required experience plus the percentage of education equals 100%.
_GS-09:_
Specialized
Experience: One full-time year (12-months) of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-08 grade level in the Federal service performing the following duties:
utilizing practical knowledge of the basic theories and practices of plant breeding and germplasm enhancement while performing a variety of complex technical duties in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment;
using heavy field equipment for small-plot field evaluations;
independently planning and sequencing technical aspects of research activities on the basis of overall objectives;
searching for literature pertinent to areas of agriculture and genetics research for new procedures or techniques;
developing new techniques and procedures to satisfy the needs of research projects;
maintaining, calibrating, and modifying equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures;
preparing solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse; and
safely disposing of biological and chemical waste materials.
-OR-
Education: Two full years (36 semester hours) of graduate education or a Master's or higher degree in biology, plant pathology, plant physiology, entomology, genetics, botany, agriculture, or a field directly related to the duties of this position.
-OR-
Combination: A combination of the specialized experience and education as described above, such that the percentage of required experience plus the percentage of education equals 100%.
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).
NOTE: Applicants claiming education to qualify MUST submit supporting transcripts. Failure to do so will result in a rating of ineligible.
For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here:
Applicants will be required to obtain a Commerical Pesticide Applicator's License and a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shortly after entry of duty.
Applications will be evaluated in accordance with Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Delegated Examining Procedures using category rating. Applicants who meet basic minimum qualifications will be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. Category placement will be determined based on applicants' quality of experience and the extent they possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (or competencies):
Technical Research Support
Biological Research Techniques and Procedures
Research Activities and Equipment Use
Chemical Use
The questionnaire will assess your qualifications for the job, and will be used to identify the best qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. Your ratings in this Assessment Questionnaire are subject to evaluation and verification based on the documents and references you submit. Later steps in the selection process are specifically designed to verify your ratings. Attempts to falsify information; inflate your qualifications or providing inaccurate information on federal documents may be grounds to adjust your rating or to not select you. Errors, omissions or providing inaccurate information on federal documents may affect your eligibility. If selected providing inaccurate information on federal documents could also be grounds for dismissing you from the position/agency. Please follow all instructions carefully.
You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this job announcement. We are available to assist you during normal business hours. Applying online is highly encouraged. If applying online poses a hardship, please contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hard copy application packages must be submitted no later than noon on the closing date of the announcement in order to be entered into the system prior to its closing. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on an as-needed basis. Please contact us if you require this for any part of the application and hiring process.
To begin, click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register, answer the required questions, create a resume, and submit all necessary documents. To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at / and click on Application Status. Click on the position title, and then select Apply Online. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
Resume clearly describing your experience related to this position as described in the Major Duties, Qualifications, and How you will be evaluated sections of this announcement.
Responses to the on-line Occupational Questionnaire
If you are a veteran and you are claiming veteran's preference, you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. For competitive service positions, active duty service members expecting to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days: you may be granted tentative preference by submitting a certification document in lieu of a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214. This certification is any written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date of the submission of the certification. Veteran's preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
If you are claiming 10-point veteran's preference based on service-connected disability, in addition to the DD214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), you must also submit an SF-15, Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference, plus the proof of entitlement of this preference which is normally an official statement, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs certifying to the present existence of the service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of your disability. For more information on veterans' preference see /.
If you are using education to qualify (or if there is an education requirement) you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. You must submit with your application evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. For additional information, refer to the U.S. Department of Education web site at . You may submit an unofficial copy of the transcripts; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty.
Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application.
You may track progress of your application package via your USAJOBS account. The questionnaire will assess your qualifications for the job, and will be used to identify the best qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration for possible interview and selection. We will notify you, via your USAJOBS account, of the outcome after each of these steps has been completed. Log in to your USAJOBS account at to check your application status. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. We expect to make a final job offer approximately 40 days after the deadline for applications.
The Federal service offers a comprehensive benefits package. Explore the benefits offered to most Federal employees at .
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible see . To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, surplus or displaced Federal employee must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors, and be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choosing.
E-Verify: Federal law requires agencies to use the E-Verify system to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. If you are selected as a newly hired employee, the documentation you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form 1-9 on your entry-on-duty date will be verified through the DHS 'E-VERIFY' system. Under the system, the new hire is required to resolve any identified discrepancies as a condition of continued employment.
This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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