Agricultural Science Research Technician

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS); Pullman (WA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Pullman, WA, invites applications for a research support position. You will participate as a team member with scientists in all stages of the research process and take on technical and operational responsibilities for defined research phases.

Qualifications emphasize a combination of specialized experience or education.

Qualifications

• GS-05: one year of specialized experience or education as described in the announcement.
• Specialized experience includes assisting in one or more phases of the research process, plant care, collecting or preparing samples, and operating common lab equipment or in a lab, field or greenhouse.
• Education may include a full 4-year course of study above high school level with at least 24 semester hours in biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, agriculture or related fields; at least 6 hours directly related to the position.

Responsibilities

• Participate as a team member with the scientist in all phases of the research process.
• Assume full technical and operational responsibility for specific phases of the research.

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, agriculture or related field

Job description

Summary

This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service, Pacific West Area, Plant Germplasm Introduction and Testing Unit in Pullman, WA. In this position, you will participate as a team member with the scientist in all phases of the research process and assume full technical and operational responsibility for specific phases of the research.

Duties

This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service, Pacific West Area, Plant Germplasm Introduction and Testing Unit in Pullman, WA. In this position, you will participate as a team member with the scientist in all phases of the research process and assume full technical and operational responsibility for specific phases of the research.

Requirements

Applicants 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 successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience assisting in one or more phases of the research process; plant care, collecting or preparing samples, and operating common equipment in a lab, field or greenhouse. OR Education: Successful completion of 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 being filled. Related degrees may include: Soil Science, Environmental Science, Biology, Agricultural Science, Ecology, Agronomy, Plant Science, Natural Resource Management, or other related fields. OR A combination of specialized experience and education as described above. 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-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, evaluating or preparing samples; keeping detailed records of experimental data; and using automated systems for test and evaluation procedures. 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: Soil Science, Environmental Science, Biology, Agricultural Science, Ecology, Agronomy, Plant Science, Natural Resource Management, or other related fields. OR A combination of specialized experience and education as described above. GS-07

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-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 is experience performing complex technical duties in research or experimental activities; tabulating and summarizing data using various software packages; and operating and maintaining specialized field equipment. 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. Related degrees may include: Soil Science, Environmental Science, Biology, Agricultural Science, Ecology, Agronomy, Plant Science, Natural Resource Management, or other related fields. OR A combination of specialized experience and 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.

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