Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Recent Graduate)

U.S. Department of Agriculture; Marshfield (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Research Service, Midwest Area, Dairy Forge Research Center in Marshfield, WI, invites applications for a Biological Science Laboratory Technician.

The role involves supporting dairy and agronomy research across multiple phases, applying standard lab practices and documentation. You will work with scientists, operate specialized equipment, prepare samples, and maintain meticulous records.

Qualifications

• Attention to detail required for data recording and analysis.
• Strong teamwork and communication with research staff.
• Reading comprehension and analytical thinking are essential.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with scientists across research phases and maintain project records.
• Operate and calibrate specialized equipment and document procedures.
• Prepare samples and analyze data, supporting manuscript preparation.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Teamwork

Integrity/Honesty

Reading Comprehension

Job description

Summary

This position is located at the United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Midwest Area (MWA), US Dairy Forge Research Center, Environmentally Integrated Dairy Management Research Unit in Marshfield, Wisconsin. As a Biological Science Laboratory Technicians, you will apply conventional and administrative solutions and practices to a variety of problems and be involved in almost all phases of science studies involving dairy and agronomy sciences.

Major Duties

Participates as a team member with the scientist in all phases of the research process and assumes full technical and operational responsibility for specific phases of the research.Independently develops or designs various aspects of research projects on the basis of overall objectives outlined by the supervisor.Contributes to the planning of various steps in experiment or project and to interpretation and documentation of findings.Selects appropriate methods and procedures for carrying the project plan to completion.Operates and maintains a variety of highly specialized complex equipment which must be calibrated and synchronized to achieve desired results.Develops various procedures, devises new or improved methods or designs specialized equipment.Performs highly complex techniques with unusual skill.Determines the kinds and frequency of tests, observations, etc., to be made and the amount of data to be recorded.Interprets and documents findings by preparing information to be included in manuscripts or preparing reports.Keeps exact, detailed records of experimental data. Tabulates, statistically analyzes and summarizes data using personal computers and software packages.Searches for literature pertinent to area of research for new procedures or techniques to use in the laboratory, field, or dairy barn.Collects, prepares, evaluates and verifies samples and supporting records. Maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources.Maintains inventory of chemicals, prepares solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, field, or dairy barn, and safely disposes of waste material (both chemical and biological).

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Requirements

You must be a US Citizen or US National. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt. Satisfactory Background investigation and/or fingerprint check. Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/ Successful completion of one-year trial period.

Evaluations

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Attention to Detail Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reading Comprehension Self-Management Teamwork Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. To view the application form, visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13066828

Other Information

Recent Graduate appointments are intended to last for 1 year. Recent Graduates who satisfactorily complete all the USDA Recent Graduates Program requirements may be non-competitively converted to a Term or Permanent appointment in the competitive service. Conversion is not guaranteed. Recent Graduates converted to Term appointments may later be non-competitively converted to a Permanent competitive service position. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer. This position is covered by a Bargaining Unit Agreement. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport-usastaffing.opm.gov/hc/en-us/sections/45063131363475-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information)