Agricultural Science Research Technician; Plants

Summary

This position is located within the U.S, Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Plant Introduction Research unit, in Ames, IA. The incumbent will actively participate in one or more phases of research projects, performing complex technical duties in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment.

• Adapts, modifies, or develops new techniques and/or procedures to satisfy the needs of the research project.
• Collects, prepares, evaluates and prepares biological samples and supporting records.
• Prepares solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse, and safely dispose of waste materials (both chemical and biological).
• Participates, actively, in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of complex technical duties, in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment.
• Performs the full range of techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment including tractors, cultivators, sprayers, and controlled pollination structures.
• Maintains, calibrates and modifies complex technical equipment and automated systems used for tests and evaluation procedures.
• Maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources using databases such as MS Access or other SQL databases.
• Tabulates statistically analyzes and summarizes data using personal computers, tablets, and software packages.
• Initiates action, independently, to resolve or correct technical difficulties and results, or recommends solution(s) to supervisor.

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

You 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, https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Motor Vehicle or Commercial Driver's License required. Pesticide Applicators License required; may be obtained after start date (within 6 months). 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.

Applications will be evaluated in accordance with Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Delegated Examining Procedures and USDA policy. This means you will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses to the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

• Attention to Detail
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Reading Comprehension
• Self-Management
• Teamwork

The USA Hire Assessments includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.

Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. To preview the application questionnaire,  Questionnaire/ When we complete our selections, the remaining list of qualified candidates may be shared with additional Federal agencies. You will have an…