Biological Science Laboratory Technician

Summary This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Soil and Water Management, in St. Paul, Minnesota. In this position, you will be responsible for participating in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of complex technical duties, in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment. You will contribute ideas towards the planning and advanement of the technical aspects of the research. Responsibilities Manages laboratory experiments, field plot studies and collection of environmental samples, and verifies supporting records. Performs general handling activities and sample collection of water, soil, or plants. Adapts, modifies or develops new techniques or procedures to satisfy the needs of the research project. Participates in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of complex technical duties, in a laboratory, greenhouse or outdoor research environment. Tabulates, statistically analyzes, and summarizes data using personal computers and software packages. Operates, maintains, calibrates and orders supplies for complex/specialized analytical and extraction equipment and automated-samplers, sensors and data loggers. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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-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 experience participating in one or more phases of a research process related to water, soil, or plants; collecting and analyzing water, soil, or plant samples; operating, maintaining, and calibrating specialized equipment. OR Education: Successful completion of two full years of graduate level education leading to a Master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Toxicology or Water Sciences. OR A combination of graduate education and specialized experience as described above. 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 is experience setting up and conducting an experiment or research project related to water, soil, or plants; collecting, preparing, and evaluating samples related to water, soil, or plants; operating and maintaining research equipment; recording and analyzing scientific data; and summarizing research results for preparation in scientific reports or manuscripts. OR Education: Successful completion of two full years of graduate level education leading to a Master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Toxicology or Water Sciences. OR A combination of graduate education and specialized 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. Education Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional 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. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. The final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at the time of job offer. 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. This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. This position is designated as a bargaining unit position and is represented by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).