Biological Science Technician

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Specialized Experience to qualify for the GS-5 level: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-4 grade level in the federal service or comparable experience not gained through federal service. Examples of this experience may include: Preparing, establishing, and maintaining fields necessary for growing various types of crops; Irrigating, fertilizing and apply pesticides; Monitoring plantings, harvesting plots, collecting data; Establish and maintain seed and plant production fields; OR Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience: Completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor’s degree with courses related to field of biological sciences; OR Combination of education and experience: Possess a combination education and experience as described above may be used to qualify for this position. This combination must have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and/or experience to successfully perform the duties of this position. Combinations of experience and education must total at least 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy. Specialized Experience to qualify for the GS-6 level: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level in the federal service or comparable experience not gained through federal service. Examples of this experience may include: Performing tasks such as weed management and irrigation; Seed production, processing, and handling to ensure quality control; Performing routine and reoccurring research techniques or procedures; Operating and maintaining equipment for vegetation monitoring and data collection and collecting, preparing, and evaluating plant samples; OR Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience: Completion of one (1) year of graduate level education (18 semester/27 quarter hours) if directly related to the position; OR Combination of education and experience: Possess a combination of graduate-level education and experience, as described above, may be used to qualify for this position. This combination must have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and/or experience to successfully perform the duties of this position. Combinations of experience and education must total at least 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy. Specialized Experience to qualify for the GS-7 level: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-6 grade level in the federal service or comparable experience not gained through federal service. Examples of this experience may include: irrigate, fertilize, and apply pesticides; establish, monitor, and maintain seed and plant production fields and inventory; monitor planting for pest or other problems and address issues; operation, maintenance, and repair of various types of farm agricultural equipment; OR Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience: Completion of one year of graduate-level education leading to a master’s degree, if directly related to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Possess a combination of graduate-level education and experience, as described above, may be used to qualify for this position. This combination must have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and/or experience to successfully perform the duties of this position. Combinations of experience and education must total at least 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy. For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: Biological Science Technician Series 0404 (opm.gov) 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.
This position serves as the Biological Sciences Technician at a Plant Materials Center (PMC) and can be used by Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Plant Materials Centers nationwide. The Plant Materials Center develops plant science technology to assist NRCS field offices in conservation of natural resources and farm bill programs.