USDA Biological Science Technician | Maricopa, AZ

USDA (Agricultural Research Service) Biological Science Technician

OPENING DATE: 11/14/2016

CLOSING DATE: 11/21/2016

DEPARTMENT: Agricultural Research Service, Plant Physiology & Genetics Research Unit

JOB TYPE: Full-time

SALARY: $33,100 – $47,965 / Per Year

POSITION OVERVIEW:

This position is located in the Agricultural Research Service, Plant Physiology & Genetics Research Unit, Maricopa, AZ.
The mission of the Plant Physiology and Genetic Research Unit is to increase the productivity, profitability and sustainability of agriculture in arid environments by developing new germplasm for both traditional and alternative crops and by improving plant responses to abiotic stresses and to changes in the global environment. Emphasis is placed on wheat, cotton, and oilseed crops used for food, fiber, and biofuels, respectively, and new crops such as guayule for production of natural rubber.
This position will support a Research Geneticist conducting research on the effects of heat and drought stress on cotton.
This is a term, time-limited appointment with an initial duration no less than 13 months and can be extended up to a total of 4 years.

Major Duties may include, but are not limited to:

Collects, prepares, evaluates, and verifies samples and supporting records; maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources.
Assists in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties, in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse facility environment, common to the assigned area of work.
Performs routine and recurring techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment.
Maintains inventory of chemicals, supplies, and equipment for use in the laboratory, field or greenhouse facility, and safely disposes of waste material (both chemical and biological).

QUALIFICATIONS:

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:

At the GS-05:
Qualifying experience for GS-5 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-4 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 in an agricultural field research project; evaluating field design plans; and developing field notes.

Education: A full 4-year course of study above the high school level leading to a bachelors degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must have been directly related. Related courses may include plant biology, agronomy, plant pathology, crop genetics, botany, agricultural engineering, and plant breeding.

A combination of education and experience as described above.

At the GS-06:

Qualifying experience for GS-6 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-5 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 performing agricultural field research; evaluating field design plans; developing and analyzing field notes; and taking field measurements.

Education: One full year of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a masters or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include agronomy, agricultural engineering, plant pathology, and crop genetics.

A combination of education and experience as described above.
For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/group-stds/gs-admin.asp
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 credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Subject to satisfactory completion of a one year trial period.

To apply visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/456277100/