Biological Science Technician

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS); Houma (LA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sugarcane Research Unit of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Houma, Louisiana leads sustainable research and variety development for sugarcane using breeding, genomics, precision agriculture, IPM, soil science, and plant physiology.

You will work with a multidisciplinary team to advance crop improvement, manage field trials, analyze data, and translate findings into practical solutions for growers in Louisiana and beyond.

Qualifications

• GS-07: one year of specialized experience related to entomology, biology or plant science.
• GS-08: one year of experience in crop research, field work or using farm equipment.
• GS-09: experience with experiments in entomology and plant science; lab reagents and PCR basics.

Responsibilities

• Lead research and variety development for sugarcane using breeding and genomics.
• Apply IPM, soil science and plant physiology in field and lab settings.
• Maintain detailed records of experimental data and results.

Education

Entomology

Biology

Pathology

Genetics

Agriculture

Plant Science

Tools

Microscope

PCR equipment

Lab equipment

Job description

Summary

This position is located in the Agricultural Research Service, Plant Science Research Office, Sugarcane Research Unit in Houma, Louisiana. In this position, you will lead sustainable research and variety development using breeding, genomics, precision agriculture, integrated pest management, soil science, and plant physiology.

Duties

Summary This position is located in the Agricultural Research Service, Plant Science Research Office, Sugarcane Research Unit in Houma, Louisiana. In this position, you will lead sustainable research and variety development using breeding, genomics, precision agriculture, integrated pest management, soil science, and plant physiology.

Requirements

Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement 11/03/2026 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 preparing or analyzing biological samples related to entomology; operating common laboratory or greenhouse equipment used for test or evaluation procedures; and keeping detailed records of experimental data. OR Education: One full year of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related courses include Entomology, Biology, Pathology, Genetics, Agriculture, Plant Science. OR A combination of graduate level education and experience as described above. GS-08

GS-08

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-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 participating in one or more phases of the research process relating to crops; assisting with collecting crop samples; assisting with raising crops in a field; and operating basic farm or pesticide equipment. OR Education: Two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related courses include Entomology, Biology, Pathology, Genetics, Agriculture, Plant Science. OR A combination of graduate level education and experience as described above. GS-09

GS-09

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-09 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-08 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 conducting an experiment involving entomology and plant science; maintaining specialized scientific equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures; using a microscope for organism identification and quantification and preparing reagents or solutions for use in a laboratory setting for PCR analysis. OR Education: Two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related courses include Entomology, Biology, Pathology, Genetics, Agriculture, Plant Science. OR A combination of graduate level education and experience 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.

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