PDF versionJob Summary
If selected for this position you will be responsible for performing diagnostic laboratory procedures to detect foreign pathogens in plant introductions maintained in quarantine at the only federal plant quarantine facility in the United States for germplasm importation.
Major Duties
- The 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:
- Assumes technical operational responsibility for planning, performing, optimizing, validating, and recording diagnostic laboratory activities within the quarantine program.
- Conducts tests for many pathogens on many plants which are considered high risk and/or high value.
- Assists other APHIS scientists in developing, adapting, and implementing new laboratory protocols for detecting foreign pathogens.
- Maintains accurate and detailed experimental records and tabulates, statistically analyzes, and summarizes data.
- Produce reports and communicate meaningful information in order to accurately identify healthy and infected plant introductions.
- Maintains and practices good laboratory procedures including maintenance and custody of nucleic acid samples and data.
Qualifications
To qualify, you MUST meet all program and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following requirements; Completed all requirements for an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two (2) years. Individuals who, due to military service obligation, were precluded from applying to the Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period described above shall have a full 2-year period of eligibility upon release or discharge from active duty. This eligibility period cannot extend more than 6 years from the date on which the requirements for the academic course of study were met. BASIC REQUIREMENT : Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE: Applicants must meet the following specialized experience and/or education requirements listed below: EDUCATION GS-9: 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. TRANSCRIPTS are required. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-9 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the next lower level in the Federal Service. This experience may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors. Examples of qualifying experience include, but are not limited to: Experience detecting a wide range of plant pathogens, including fungi, bacteria, phytoplasmas, viruses and viroids. Experience conducting High Throughput Sequencing (HTS) procedures and other molecular tests to detect RNA and DNA pathogens in plants. Experience evaluating and communicating results and procedures for tested samples COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-9 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 an applicant for that grade level. Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed graduate education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant 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.
Pay Range
$57,510.00 - $74,759.00