Supervisory Biological Science Technician (Animal/High Containment)

U.S. Department of Agriculture; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Services (ARS) NBAF Animal Care Unit in Manhattan, Kansas seeks a supervisory animal care professional to support scientists and staff.

You will coordinate animal management programs, ensure space, equipment, and transport needs are met, and maintain records and compliance with safety and regulatory requirements. This role emphasizes collaboration with researchers and operations to enable successful research outcomes while upholding

Responsibilities

• Provides oversight of short- and long-range planning with the supervisor for animal management programs that support scientists' needs.
• Directs and coordinates staff and work assignments through team leaders to meet operational requirements.
• Provides expertise on project planning including animal needs, space, equipment, transportation, and decontamination to support research objectives.
• Develops plans and schedules for support activities, oversees coordination and completion of work, and maintains communication between research and operations staff.
• Identifies and implements changes to animal protocols and enrichment activities, oversees critical equipment maintenance, recordkeeping, animal handling, drug administration, and biological sample collection to support research objectives.
• Participates in several stages with the supervisor and scientific staff in support of scientific objectives, including animal needs and experimental design to ensure successful completion of the research studies.

Job description

Summary

This position is located at United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Services (ARS), The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), Animal Care Unit located in Manhattan, Kansas. The mission of the NBAF Animal Resources Unit (ARU) is to support all aspects of the care and use of animals at NBAF.

Major Duties

Participates in short- and long-range planning with the supervisor, overseeing animal management programs that support scientists' needs. Directs and coordinates staff and work assignments through team leaders to meet operational requirements. Participates in discussions with research scientists and operations staff, providing expertise on project planning, including animal needs, space, equipment, transportation, and decontamination requirements to ensure effective support services. Develops plans and schedules for support activities, oversees coordination and completion of work, maintains communication between research and operations staff, and coordinates with facilities personnel on space adjustments as needed. Identifies and implements changes to animal protocols and enrichment activities, oversees critical equipment maintenance, recordkeeping, animal handling, drug administration, and biological sample collection to support research objectives. Participates in the several stages with the supervisor and scientific staff in support of scientific objectives, including animal needs and experimental design to ensure successful completion of the research studies.

Education

Please see above for education information.

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/. Subject to one year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period. Supervisory Responsibilities (EEO Statement). Motor Vehicle or Commercial Driver's License Required. Drug Test Required. Vaccine(s) Required. Special Physical Requirements/Demands. Full background investigation required positions working with BSL-3 (or higher) agents, or in BSL-3/BSL-4 facilities. Department of Justice (DOJ) Security Risk Assessment (SRA) approval is required. USDA/DOJ clearances are required for working with select agent programs as well as training that goes along with maintaining proficiency.

Other Information

It is highly desirable that the incumbent is certified as a Laboratory Animal Technician by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) or a related specialty certification. 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. This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. The final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official.