Agricultural Science Research Technician

US-Agricultural-Research-Servic; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Ames, IA seeks a staff member to support plant science research by conducting laboratory, field, and greenhouse experiments, preparing samples, maintaining equipment, and recording data.

Applicants must meet specialized experience for GS-07 or higher, including experience with plant samples and education toward a graduate degree. The role may involve diverse phases of plant research and data analysis.

Qualifications

• Specialized experience for GS-07 includes plant-science research, collecting/preparing/evaluating plant samples, and operating field/greenhouse equipment.
• For GS-08, experience in multiple phases of plant-science research, statistical data analysis, and operating/maintaining field and greenhouse equipment.
• Education options include one year of graduate study toward a master’s degree or two full years of graduate study for GS-08, related to biology or agriculture.

Responsibilities

• Carry out laboratory, field, and greenhouse experiments to support plant research.
• Collect, prepare, and evaluate plant samples and maintain scientific equipment.
• Record and analyze experimental data to contribute to research findings.

Skills

Plant science experience

Lab field greenhouse work

Sample collection and prep

Equipment operation

Data recording and analysis

Education

Graduate-level coursework toward master's

Related graduate degree in Biology/Plant Science

Tools

Statistical analysis

Research databases

Job description

This position is in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Midwest Area, Plant Introduction Research Unit located in Ames, IA.

In this position, you will support research by carrying out laboratory, field, and greenhouse experiments, collecting and preparing samples, maintaining scientific equipment, and recording and analyzing experimental data.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

Specialized Experience GS-07:

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-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 participating in a plant-science research project; collecting, preparing, or evaluating plant samples; and operating equipment typically used in field or greenhouse environments.

OR

Education:

Successful completion of one full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include: Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Plant Pathology, Plant Science, Agronomy, Soil Science, Crop science, Agriculture, Horticulture, Genetics, Plant Breeding, Plant Physiology, Environmental Science, Entomology, Forestry, and Ecology.

OR

A combination of education and specialized experience as described above.

Specialized Experience GS-08:

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-08 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 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 participating in multiple phases of plant-science research; conducting statistical data analysis using research databases; and operating and maintaining specialized field and greenhouse equipment.

OR

Education:

Successful completion of 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include: Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Plant Pathology, Plant Science, Agronomy, Soil Science, Crop science, Agriculture, Horticulture, Genetics, Plant Breeding, Plant Physiology, Environmental Science, Entomology, Forestry, and Ecology.

OR

A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience 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.