Biological Science Laboratory Technician bei Department of Agriculture

Not Required

Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.,The duties may include, but are not limited to:,Logs service samples into the Labworks database.,Mixes and divides seed samples to obtain proper amounts of representative portions of seed required for testing.,Conducts testing for purity, germination, and noxious weed seed examinations according to specified rules.,Operates and monitors laboratory equipment including germination chambers, dividers, balances, microscopes, seed examination stations, photography equipment, and other laboratory equipment as needed.,Generates laboratory Certificates of Analysis and mails them to customers.

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. FOR THE GS-04 LEVEL: Applicants must have 6 months of general experience and 6 months of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-03 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Entering, locating, and retrieving information utilizing a computer, electronic spreadsheets, and/ or databases. Following established procedures or oral instructions to collect a specified amount, quantity, and type of sample or take measurements. Operating laboratory equipment such as microscopes, balances and thermometers. Preparing, analyzing, and recording data on submitted samples in a laboratory setting. OR Successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 12 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 be directly related to the position to be filled. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-04 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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.

Other 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. First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. Promotion Potential: 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. The work is performed in the office, laboratory, greenhouse, or the field. The work environment involves regular and recurring exposure to pesticide-treated seeds, dust, fungal spores, and hazardous chemicals. The work environment involves noise from exhaust hoods, vacuum lines, germination, and other equipment. The incumbent wears protective clothing or gear such as masks, earplugs, laboratory coat or apron, and gloves.