About this role
Job SummaryThis position is located within U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Plant Genetics Resources Unit (PGRU) in Geneva, NY. The incumbent will assist in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties, in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment, common to the assigned area of work.
QualificationsApplicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. GS-05 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-05 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-04 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 collecting samples for a research project; organizing scientific data; and operating standard farm equipment. OR You have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study above the high school level leading to a bachelor's 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 to the position. Related courses may include Crop Science, Horticulture, Environmental Science, Agronomy, Biological Sciences, Plant Pathology, Forestry, Agricultural Science, Ecology, Entomology, or Genetics. OR You possess a combination of specialized experience and post high school education as described above. GS-06: The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-06 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-05 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 collecting samples for a plant research project; compiling scientific data; and operating specialized farm equipment. OR You have successfully completed one full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related courses include Crop Science, Horticulture, Environmental Science, Agronomy, Biological Sciences, Plant Pathology, Forestry, Agricultural Science, Ecology, Entomology, or Genetics. OR You possess a combination of specialized experience and graduate level education as described above. GS-07: The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-07 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-06 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 processing samples for a plant research project; analyzing or summarizing scientific data; and utilizing or maintaining specialized plant-related farming equipment. OR You have successfully completed one full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related courses include Crop Science, Horticulture, Environmental Science, Agronomy, Biological Sciences, Plant Pathology, Forestry, Agricultural Science, Ecology, Entomology, or Genetics. OR You possess a combination of specialized experience and graduate level education 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.
Major DutiesPerforms routine and recurring techniques and studies using a variety of specialized farm equipment.Maintains, calibrates, and modifies equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures.Tabulates, statistically analyzes and summarizes data using personal computers and software packages.Assists in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties, in a field, greenhouse, or laboratory environment, common to the assigned area of work.Maintains inventory of chemicals, prepares solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse, and safely disposes of waste material (both chemical and biological).Collects, prepares, evaluates, and verifies samples and supporting records; maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources.RequirementsYou must be a US Citizen or US National. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. 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. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period unless previous federal service is creditable. During this time your employment will be evaluated, and we may consider: your performance and conduct, the needs and interests of the agency, whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government, and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. The final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official.