Biological Science Technician

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement ncluding 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 assisting in plant research in a field, laboratory, or a greenhouse environment related to grapevine or citrus research; recording or analyzing scientific data related to grapevine crops; and maintaining and modifying laboratory equipment. OR Education: Successful completion of a four-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree with a major or at least 24 semester hours or the equivalent in any combination of scientific or technical 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 to be filled. OR A qualifying combination of education and 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 providing technical support in grapevine crop research in a field, laboratory, or a greenhouse environment; collecting, maintaining, and measuring crop samples related to grapevine crops; recording and compiling research results and data; and maintaining and modifying specialized laboratory equipment. OR Education: Successful completion of one full year of study leading to a master’s or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Biological Sciences, Botany, Plant Science, Horticulture, Forestry, or Plant Pathology. OR A qualifying combination of graduate 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.
This position is in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Pacific West Area (PWA), Crop Diseases, Pests and Genetics located in Parlier, CA. In this position, you will assist scientists in conducting research on grapevine, almonds, stone fruit, and citrus to reduce losses caused by pathogens and pests and improve fruit quality. This is a term, time-limited appointment with an initial duration no less than 13 months and can be extended up to a total of 4 years.