Biological Science Laboratory Technician with USDA Agricultural Research Service in Frederick, Maryland

Type of position Government
Employer USDA Agricultural Research Service
Location Frederick, Maryland
Description of Location The Foreign Disease-Weed Science Research Unit, Frederick, Maryland is seeking an energetic and motivated applicant for a Biological Science Laboratory Technician position. In this position, you will help discover and develop microbial-based biological control agents used to manage invasive weeds.
Salary $42,870 – $62,122 per year
Benefits A comprehensive benefits package is available.
Closing date of competition 3/31/23
Date position available Immediately
Description of duties

The incumbent will 1) Assist with research performed in a laboratory, field and greenhouse environment, 2) Collect, prepare and evaluate plant or microbial samples and supporting records, 3) Maintain an inventory of chemicals and safely dispose of waste material (both chemical and biological), 4) Calibrate and modify complex/specialized equipment and automated systems, 5) Work in a biocontainment facility escorting visitors and/or handling high-consequence pathogens.

Qualifications sought

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
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-05 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-04 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 processing, preserving, or cataloging biological samples; keeping record of research data; and propagating and growing plants.
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 or courses may include Biology, Botany, Microbiology, Plant science, Horticulture, Plant breeding, Plant pathology, Molecular biology, Mycology, or Weed Science.
OR
A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above.

GS-06
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-06 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-05 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 collecting and processing plant and microbial samples; operating and maintaining research equipment; and recording and summarizing experimental data in support of plant research.
OR
Education: One full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master’s or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees or courses may include Biology, Botany, Microbiology, Plant science, Horticulture, Plant breeding, Plant pathology, Molecular biology, Mycology, or Weed Science.
OR
A combination of graduate level 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.

Contact for additional information [email protected]
Application procedure  
Submit what Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) other qualifications.

If education is required or you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application if it includes your name and the necessary course information; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the NACES website. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.

Submit to Vacancy announcement (ARS-S23Y-11876631-JH) and where to apply can be found at website www.usajobs.com.

Applying online is highly encouraged: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713639900

Additional Information The USDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider.