Agricultural Science Research Technician (Plants)

US-Agricultural-Research-Servic; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA Agricultural Research Service, Plant Introduction Research Unit in Ames, IA, seeks a researcher to participate in plant science projects, performing advanced technical duties in lab, field, or greenhouse settings.

GS-07/GS-08 includes specialized experience requirements and education; experience collecting plant samples, operating equipment; graduate study toward a master's. Applicants must meet qualifications by the closing date, including education and experience as defined.

Qualifications

• Specialized experience directly related to GS-07 (plant science research, sample collection/preparation, field/greenhouse equipment operation).
• Must have completed one full year of progressively higher-level graduate education toward a master's or equivalent graduate degree in related fields.
• Combination of specialized experience and graduate education is acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Participate in one or more phases of plant science research projects.
• Perform complex technical duties in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment.
• Operate and maintain equipment commonly used in plant research.

Skills

Specialized experience

Field/greenhouse experience

Data analysis

Education

Graduate-level education

Tools

Planting and field equipment

Greenhouse equipment

Job description

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. 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-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 experience is experience participating in research projects related to plant science; collecting or preparing samples of plants; and operating equipment commonly used in a field or greenhouse environment.
• You must have successfully completed one full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees includes biology, plant pathology, plant science, agronomy, soil science, crop science, agriculture, horticulture, genetics, plant breeding, plant physiology and environmental science.
• You must have a combination of specialized experience and graduate level education as described above.

GS-08

• 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 one or more phases of a plant science research process; statistically analyzing or summarizing data using research databases; and operating and maintaining specialized field and greenhouse equipment.
• You must have at least two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to this position. Related degrees includes biology, plant pathology, plant science, agronomy, soil science, crop science, agriculture, horticulture, genetics, plant breeding, plant physiology and environmental science.
• You must have a combination of specialized experience and graduate level 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.