Lead Biological Science Technician (Animal)

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. 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-07 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-06 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 serving as a lead for an animal research team including providing guidance and information; participating in the maintenance of health and research of animals; collecting animal samples; and maintaining detailed records. OR Education: One full year of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master’s or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related courses may include Animal Science, Animal Husbandry, Animal Biology, or Veterinary Medicine. OR A combination of graduate level education and 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.
These positions are located in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Animal Disease Center, Animal Resources Unit in Ames, Iowa. In these positions, you will be responsible for serving as a working Lead, performing a full range of technical work in support of the care and maintenance, and health and behavior of animals (including birds and fish) involved in the scientific research projects.