About this role
Job SummaryIf selected, you will serve as a biological scientist within a unit of National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL), report to the section leader, and have broad responsibilities, including testing, analyzing laboratory data, supporting communications by writing procedural documents, preparing presentations and supporting other units within Veterinary Services with document preparation, such as import/export certificates, or technical procurement statements.
QualificationsApplicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. BASIC REQUIREMENT: A degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: post high school education with courses equivalent to a major, which is defined as 24 semester/36 quarter hours, in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources management, chemistry or related disciplines appropriate to the position, PLUS appropriate experience or additional course work IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE: FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-5 grade level) that demonstrates: Receiving, processing, and evaluating diagnostic specimens and interpreting and responding to submitter requests. Maintaining and accurately processing documents through veterinary services systems such as certificate processing, quality processing and purchasing systems. Reviewing and processing submission paperwork and communicating with submitters for accuracy of submissions. OR 1 year of graduate-level education in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position OR Superior Academic Achievement: To qualify based on superior academic achievement, you must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution AND 1) have a class standing in the upper third of the graduating class, 2) membership in a national scholastic honor society (excluding Freshman honor societies), or 3) must meet certain GPA requirements. GPA requirements: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on official transcripts or as computed based on 4 years of education, or courses completed during the final 2 year of the curriculum; OR 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required course completed in the major field or courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum (GPA will be rounded to one decimal place, e.g., 2.95 rounds to 3.0 and 2.94 rounds to 2.9). Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. You are qualifying for this position based on Superior Academic Achievement. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-7 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. 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.
Major DutiesThe 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:Receives, reviews, and evaluates incoming/outgoing animal, poultry, pet bird, animal germplasm, and animal product import/export certificates.Assists with the design, organization, testing, and documentation of experiments associated with development and validation of new or modified diagnostic assays and/or reagents production methods.Operates sophisticated laboratory equipment including thermocyclers, centrifuges, robotics equipment, spectrophotometers, and histopathology equipment.Maintains a current knowledge of assigned laboratory procedures and diseases of importance to APHIS.Participates in and complies with all Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) requirements, including ISO 17025 standards.In accordance with proper guidelines, maintains a variety of animal import and administrative files and disposes of such records according to current disposition schedules and agency requirements.Processes all user fee billing in the User Fee System per supporting documents, prepares transmit reports and APHIS 81 billing summaries for reconciliation, and files reconciled reports.Facilitates the preparation of a broad range of information resources and documents critical to policy and decision-making process at the Director level and beyond.