Biological Science Technician

U.S. Department of Agriculture; Prosser (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Recruitment incentives

Relocation incentives

Job summary

U.S. Department of Agriculture in Prosser, WA seeks a research team member to work with scientists through all project phases, taking on technical responsibilities and ensuring data integrity. You will assist in planning experiments, collecting samples, maintaining equipment, and documenting results.

The role emphasizes careful data handling, interpretation of findings, and safe laboratory and field practices in a federal research setting.

Qualifications

• Evaluations list core competencies used for selection.
• Applicants should demonstrate integrity, teamwork and attention to detail.
• Strong reading comprehension and learning aptitude are beneficial.
• Good interpersonal skills and self-management are valued for field and lab work.

Responsibilities

• Designs or contributes to research project steps aligned with supervisor objectives.
• Plans experiments, interprets findings, and documents results.
• Operates and maintains specialized equipment requiring calibration.
• Determines tests and data collection needs; compiles data across sources.
• Maintains inventory and safety for chemicals, reagents, and waste disposal.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Integrity/Honesty

Teamwork

Interpersonal Skills

Learning

Reading Comprehension

Self-Management

Flexibility

Job description

Summary

This position is located in the Pacific West Area at the Plant Germplasm Introduction and Testing in Prosser, WA. You will participate 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.

Major Duties

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.Operates and maintains a variety of highly specialized complex equipment which must be calibrated and synchronized to achieve desired results.Determines the kinds and frequency of tests, observations, etc., to be made and the amount of data to be recorded.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 greenhouse, and safely disposes of waste material (both chemical and biological).

Requirements

You must be a US Citizen or US National. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of 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/. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Physical Demands: The work requires some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring walking or bending. In many situations the duration of the activity (such as most of a work day) contributes to the arduous nature of the job. In other situations there may be special requirements for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination. Work Environment: The work involves regular and recurring moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working with contagious diseases or irritant chemicals or working outdoors. The employee is required to use protective clothing such as gowns, coats, boots, goggles, gloves.

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.

Other Information

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed 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 here. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Recruitment or Relocation Incentives may be authorized. The final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official.