Agricultural Science Research Technician (Plants)

at Agricultural Research Service in Urbana, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Summary This position is located within the Soybean/Maize Germplasm, Pathology, and Genetics Research Unit for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Urbana, Illinois. In this position, you will support the operational and day-to-day needs of the USDA National Collection of Soybean Germplasm including planting, managing, and harvesting field grown soybean plants, and processing associated data and seed inventories. Responsibilities Collects, prepares, evaluates, and verifies samples and supporting records. Participates in one or more phases of the Soybean Germplasm Collection by performing a variety of complex and routine technical duties primarily in the field or in a seed dry-laboratory environment. Maintains, calibrates and modifies complex/specialized equipment and automated systems used for seed cleaning, testing and evaluation procedures. Maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources. Searches for literature pertinent to area of research for new procedures or techniques to use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse. Independently initiates action to resolve or correct technical difficulties and results or recommends resolution to supervisor. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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. GS-08 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: Qualifying experience for GS-08 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 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 participating in one or more phases of a research project related to plants; collecting and analyzing row crop or plant samples; and operating, maintaining, calibrating, or modifying specialized equipment. 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, Biological Science, Genetics, Horticulture, Ecology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Physiology or general Biology. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above. GS-09 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: 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 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 setting up and conducting an experiment or research project related to plants; collecting, preparing, or evaluating seed or plant samples and supporting records; operating or maintaining complex laboratory equipment; recording and analyzing experimental data; and preparing reports to summarize the research progress and results. 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, Biological Science, Genetics, Horticulture, Ecology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Physiology or general 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. Physical Demands The work requires some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring walking or bending. In many situations the duration of the activity (such as most of a work day) contributes to the arduous nature of the job. In other situations, there may be special requirements for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination. Working Conditions The work involves regular and recurring moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working with contagious diseases or irritant chemicals or working outdoors. The employee is required to use protective clothing such as gowns, coats, boots, goggles, gloves 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. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must 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, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. The final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at the time of job offer. 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. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.