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Biological Science Laboratory Technician (DC, MD and Philly)
The work in this position directly supports Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant and Protection Quarantine (PPQ), Pest Exclusion and Import Program, National Identification Services' (NIS) ability to detect, delimit, and eradicate or control introduced exotic, quarantine significant organisms.
Duties
- The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to:
- Applies basic principles of a biological science to assess readings and measurements taken, tests executed, observations made, work completed, samples collected, etc.
- Is responsible for the daily operational activities of the assigned laboratory.
- Sorts urgent and routine pest samples from port interceptions nationwide, and forwards to appropriate professional staff for final identification.
- Tests and analyzes studies, and evaluates data on plant pests identified domestically or intercepted at ports of entry.
- Performs literature searches and catalogues information from this literature, and develops new techniques or refines and modifies standard methods of specimen preparation.
- Operates necessary equipment and associated software such as critical point dryer, scanning electron microscope, word processor, and stereoscopic/compound photographic system as occasion warrants.
- Assists with maintenance and improvement of national collections in the selected discipline.
Requirements Conditions of Employment
- You must be a US Citizen or US National.
- Individuals who were born male 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.
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.
FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 grade level) that demonstrates:
- Knowledge of pest identification procedures and facility requirements, along with associated permitting and record-keeping aspects.
- Experience in general biological science, particularly mycology, entomology, malacology, and botany, for recognition of orders, families and genera within these disciplines, and familiarity with the basic terminology of each discipline.
- Experience in operational activities of a laboratory (where studies on plant pests are conducted) including safety protocols, use of equipment, preparation of solutions, instrument maintenance and calibration, techniques for preparation and handling of specimens for biological collections, and/or the preparation of microscope slides.
- Recording and maintaining files of specimen-related data using computer spreadsheets and databases, and ability to summarize findings.
OR Successful completion of one full year (18 semester hours, 27 quarter hours or equivalent) of graduate level education in biology, plant pathology, entomology, or closely related fields.
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-07 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.
Education
This position does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
- Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible.
- Locations and Disciplines: Washington, D.C. (Entomology), Beltsville, Maryland (Botany), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Malacology).
- First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected.
- Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee.
- Locality pay will vary based upon the selectee's duty location. A final salary determination will be made upon selection.
- This position is represented by a collective bargaining unit (union), specifically the National Association of Agricultural Employees.
- Promotion Potential: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management.
- Worksite Information: This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Applications will be evaluated in accordance with Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Delegated Examining Procedures and USDA policy using category rating. Applicants who meet basic minimum qualifications will be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified.
Required Documents
The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete:
- Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) other qualifications; and 5) supervisors name and phone number for each work period listed.
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