Agricultural Science Research Technician

Summary

This position is located in the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, Crop Germplasm Research Unit in College Station, TX. The incumbent 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.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

GS-05

Qualifying experience for GS-05 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-04 which is directly related to the work of this position. Specialized experience is experience collecting samples, observations, or data in a laboratory, field, greenhouse, or other scientific setting; operating equipment and following established procedures to support scientific studies or experiments; and recording or organizing research data using computers or other recordkeeping systems.

OR Education: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study above the high school level leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must have been directly related to the position being filled. Related degrees may include: Agronomy, Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, or Biology.

OR A combination of education and experience as described above.

GS-06

Qualifying experience for GS-06 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-05 which is directly related to the work of this position. Specialized experience is experience conducting laboratory, field, or greenhouse studies and collecting and evaluating scientific data; operating, maintaining, or calibrating scientific equipment used in research activities; and compiling, analyzing, and summarizing research data.

OR Education: Successful completion of one full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include: Agronomy, Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, or Biology.

OR A combination of graduate level education and experience as described above.

GS-07

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. Specialized experience is experience conducting laboratory, field, or greenhouse research studies and maintaining detailed research records; operating, calibrating, maintaining, or troubleshooting specialized scientific equipment; and modifying research procedures or resolving technical problems to support project objectives.

OR Education: Successful completion of one full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include: Agronomy, Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, or Biology.

OR A combination of education and experience as described above.

GS-08

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. Specialized experience is experience performing complex research activities and contributing to the planning or sequencing of research projects; adapting or developing research methods and procedures to meet project needs; and analyzing experimental data, identifying technical issues, and resolving problems.

OR Education: Successful completion of two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include: Agronomy, Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, or Biology.

OR A combination of education and experience as described above.

GS-09

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. Specialized experience is experience planning and carrying out phases of biological or agricultural research projects; developing or improving research methods, procedures, or equipment to support scientific studies; and interpreting research findings, analyzing scientific data, and preparing technical reports or research documentation.

OR Education: Successful completion of two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include: Agronomy, Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, or Biology.

OR A combination of education and experience as described above.