Agricultural Science Research Technician (Plants)

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS); Ames (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA's Agricultural Research Service, Plant Introduction Research unit in Ames, IA, seeks a researcher to participate in multiple phases of plant science projects, performing complex technical duties in lab, field, or greenhouse environments.

The incumbent will assist in collecting and preparing plant samples, operate standard equipment, and work under guidance to support ongoing research efforts aimed at advancing agricultural knowledge.

Qualifications

• Specialized experience in plant science and conducting research related to plant projects.
• Experience collecting or preparing plant samples.
• Ability to operate equipment commonly used in field or greenhouse environments.

Responsibilities

• Participate in one or more phases of plant science research projects in lab, field, or greenhouse.
• Assist in collecting and preparing plant samples and data.
• Support ongoing research activities under supervision.

Skills

Plant science

Sample collection

Laboratory techniques

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Tools

Statistical software

Field equipment

Job description

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.

Duties

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.

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-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. OR 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. OR 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. OR 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. OR 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.

The Agricultural Research Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency. Our job is finding solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. What we do matters in science and the world. For more information about Agricultural Research Service, go to https://www.ars.usda.gov/.