About this role
Job SummaryThis position is located within the Office of Research and Development at the Buffalo VA Medical Center.
QualificationsSpecialized Experience: One (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-6) in the Federal Service that has given the particular knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of a Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal), and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Experience must have been related to the work of the position for which application is made. The specialized experience required for some positions in this series is normally work performed in a controlled environment. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: Research activity or control program work. Nursery work that required the growing and maintenance of plants in a controlled environment. Work comparable to that with a large dairy farm where production records, animal environment, and sanitary conditions were kept in accordance with modern dairy practice. Farming experience that was not performed in a controlled environment, or experience as a laborer who was not responsible for planning and scheduling his/her own work, but only performed assigned tasks, would not qualify as specialized experience. Specialized experience also includes providing routine animal care, using research techniques and analysis to compare animal specimen readings, measurements, tests, observations, and collected samples; maintaining laboratory records; maintaining cleanliness of a research facility, equipment, and supplies. Preferred experience includes being New York State Veterinary Technician Licensed. ~OR~ Education: Successfully completed one (1) full year of graduate education (or 18 semester hours) that must include courses directly related to the work of the Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal) position. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. ~OR~ Combination: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience, as described above, which meet the total experience requirements for this grade level. The education portion must include graduate courses directly related to the work of the Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal) position. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
Major Duties***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** Duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Prepares research samples, slides, smears, and diagnostic reagents; Uses operative, autopsy, gross pathology, and special breeding or feeding methods to collect and examine animal cells, fluids, and tissue; Observes physiological and behavioral effects of drugs and other chemical agents, conditions, and stimuli on laboratory animals; Maintains complete and accurate records of procedures and test results in laboratory databases; Maintains laboratory facilities, equipment, and supplies; Maintains laboratory cleanness and safety conditions; Maintains animal safety/care; Performs other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Part-time; 20 hours per week Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved NOTE: This is a part-time position (20 hours/week). The salary listed represents full-time employment and will be pro-rated based on the actual number of hours worked each pay-period. Likewise, benefits and time-off accrual will also be prorated and based on your part-time work schedule.RequirementsYou must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Required Documents" below for details. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, 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, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.