Biological Science Lab Technician

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Edinburg (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA APHIS seeks a Biological Science Laboratory Technician at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, TX to support New World Screwworm response activities. This federal position is part of the Health and Safety Occupations at MAB and will involve lab work, data collection, and reporting.

The position starts 11/10/2026 with a salary range of $50,460 to $65,599 per year. APHIS notes this role may require in-person interviews in the McAllen, TX area; apply through the APHIS careers site.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience (GS-6) in biology, entomology, agriculture, or related fields, or 18 semester hours of graduate education in biology or related disciplines.
• Experience with plant protection principles and laboratory techniques; data collection, quality control, and reporting.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and work effectively with team members.

Responsibilities

• Prepares study plans for scientific experiments and attends to technical/administrative concerns.
• Acts independently within established parameters and performs the full range of tests and procedures in the lab.
• Conducts tests and analyses of studies and evaluations of data on plant pests detected domestically or at ports of entry.
• Collects and manages data, evaluates and analyzes data related to risk, diagnosis, mitigation, and quarantine status.
• Prepares and submits comprehensive written reports describing test procedures and results within specified timeframes.

Job description

Find Your Future With Us at USDA – Animal Plant Health Inspection Service

Job Summary

As a Biological Science Laboratory Technician at Moore Air Base (MAB) in Edinburg, TX you would be filling a critical role in support of the nation's New World Screwworm response activities. This position is part of the Health and Safety Occupations at MAB. APHIS will also be accepting applications and conducting interviews in-person Nov 17-19 in McAllen, TX.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. FOR THE GS-7 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-6 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience with Plant Protection principles and laboratory techniques. Ability to follow written and oral instructions and execute laboratory, field, or computer-based research. Experience in data collection, data quality control, electronically storing data, basic summary analysis and reporting. Ability to communicate effectively and successfully work with team members to achieve a common goal OR Successful completion of 18 semester hours of graduate level education or internship in biology, entomology, botany, or agriculture, or in a field directly related to the position Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-7 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 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.

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:Prepares study plans for scientific experiments, using the scientist's hypothesis; attends to all the technical/ administrative concerns; develops the data required.Acts independently within established parameters, frequently resolves difficult problems, and performs the full range of tests and procedures carried out in the assigned lab.Conducts tests and analyses of studies and evaluations of data on plant pests detected domestically or intercepted at ports of entry from all parts of the world.Collects and manages data, evaluates, and analyzes data pertaining to risk, diagnosis, mitigation, rearing, control, treatment, and quarantine status.Prepares and submits comprehensive written reports describing test procedures and results within specified timeframe.

Position Start Date:

11/10/2026

Position Close Date:

11/24/2026

Salary Offered:

50460 - 65599 USD Per Year

You can make a difference! The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) needs bright, energetic and committed professionals to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. We operate in domestic and global markets. Be part of an organization that protects the health and agriculture of the American people. Join our team! To learn more about what it's like to work at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, what the agency does, and the types of careers, please visit the APHIS careers site. APHIS is an emergency response agency. This means that all Agency employees may be asked or assigned to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments to support emergency programs at some time during their careers with APHIS.