Research Technician (Onsite)

National-Experienced-Workforce-Solutions; Houma (LA); On-site; USD 49,594,000 - 55,104,000; Full time

Job summary

NEW Solutions is seeking an onsite Research Technician to support sugarcane research activities in Houma as part of the ARS-SEA program. The enrollee will perform technical duties, data collection, and lab tasks under supervision, including juice quality analysis, plant care, and sample processing.

The role emphasizes teamwork, meticulous record-keeping, and adherence to protocols. Training will be provided; travel to remote field sites may be required, with safety training included.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience working as a team member or leader toward a common goal.
• Experience keeping accurate records, following protocols, and recognizing deviations from expected results; BA/BS Degree acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Support sugarcane research at the location, including technical duties and data recording.
• Assist with plant care, seed processing, sample collection, preparation and analysis, and greenhouse/lab maintenance.
• Provide timely data reports to scientists and assist with field data collection.
• Perform field tasks such as harvesting sugarcane and conducting Brix measurements in variety trials.

Skills

Teamwork

Education

10+ years team experience

BA/BS Degree

Tools

Windows

MS Excel

Job description

Research Technician (Onsite)

ID: ARS-SEA-069

Location: Houma

Program: ARS

Wage/Hr: $25.00

Hours/Week: 28

Minimum Age: 55

For over 25 years, National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) has specialized in connecting experienced workers (ages 55+) with full-time and part-time job opportunities that support the critical missions of Federal Agencies across the United States.

NEW Solutions connects experienced workers (ages 55+) with the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS). These experienced professionals provide administrative, scientific, and technical support to the Agricultural Research Service through the Experienced Worker Program (EWP).

Positions listed here do not guarantee employment for any definite period. Enrollment in the Experienced Worker Programs administered by NEW Solutions is temporary. The enrollment relationship between NEW Solutions and the Enrollee is an ?at-will? relationship. This means that an Enrollee is free to terminate enrollment at any time during the enrollment period, and NEW Solutions and the Agency have the right to terminate the relationship with the Enrollee.

PLEASE NOTE: An ?Enrollee? is not a federal employee, nor an employee of NEW Solutions. An ?Enrollee? is a participant in a grant program established through a Cooperative Agreement funded by the agency and administered by NEW Solutions. The enrollee shall not sign federal documents, authorize the use of federal funds, nor initiate or conduct federally funded research projects. The enrollee shall not author articles for publication as a federal employee, nor coordinate scientific research between the Government and private industry. The enrollee shall not present themselves as a Government employee or Government representative at meetings both foreign and domestic or when coordinating federal agencies? areas of research. The enrollee shall not make decisions on federally based research on behalf of Government policy makers, and the enrollee shall not supervise any Government employees.

This opportunity applies to applicants legally eligible to work in the United States.

*This position will be open until filled.

Qualifications

Minimum of 10 year(s) of experience in working as a member or leader of a team toward a common goal. Previous experience keeping accurate records, following assigned protocols, and recognizing unexpected deviations to expected results.OR BA/BS Degree

• Ability to work in a team setting with frequent last-minute changes in plans.
• Experience required with Windows, MS Excel

Duties

The enrollee will provide support associated with sugarcane research performed at the location, including performing technical duties and collecting and maintaining accurate records of data. This may include but is not limited to, performing juice quality analysis, assisting with plant care (e.g. watering, fertilizing, hybridizing), seed processing, sample collection, preparation, and analysis, collection of field data, and help maintaining the greenhouse and laboratory. Operation of a motor vehicle may be required.The enrollee shall not sign federal documents, authorize the use of federal funds, nor initiate or conduct federally funded research projects. The enrollee shall not author articles for publication as a federal employee, nor coordinate scientific research between the Government and private industry. The enrollee shall not present themselves as a Government employee or Government representative at meetings both foreign and domestic or when coordinating federal agencies? areas of research. The enrollee shall not make decisions on federally based research on behalf of Government policy makers, and the enrollee shall not supervise any Government employees.

• Processing sugarcane juice and fiber samples.50%
• Assisting in photoperiod and greenhouse facility with hybridizations, plant husbandry, and seed processing and other required technical support duties.30%
• Accurately provides timely data reports to scientists.10%
• Field work such as harvesting sugarcane and determining Brix in variety trials.10%

Other

• Training will be provided as necessary by the agency.
• Travel Requirements: It is possible the enrollee will travel via ground transportation to remote field sites. There will also be travel between two local facilities.
• Health and Safety Considerations: Standard farm and laboratory safety training as well as computer and on-site security training will be provided.
• Physical requirements: The work could require physical exertion such as standing, bending, lifting (40 pounds) or walking on uneven terrain. Field environments can range from hot (90 Degree +) to cold (30 degrees) and muddy to dry.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

NEW Solutions is committed to promoting equal opportunity and to an environment free from discrimination and harassment in any form administering Experienced Worker Programs under cooperative agreements with federal agencies. It is NEW Solutions' policy to comply with all applicable laws that provide equal opportunity and to prohibit unlawful discrimination in enrolling participants in the federal programs.