Agricultural Science Research 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. GS-05: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised.

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 collecting samples, observations, or data in a laboratory, field, greenhouse, or other scientific setting; operating equipment and following established procedures to support scientific studies or experiments; and recording or organizing research data using computers or other recordkeeping systems.

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 may include: Agronomy, Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, or Biology.

OR A combination of education and experience as described above GS-06: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. 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 conducting laboratory, field, or greenhouse studies and collecting and evaluating scientific data; operating, maintaining, or calibrating scientific equipment used in research activities; and compiling, analyzing, and summarizing research data. OR Education: Successful completion of one full year of progressively higher- level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related.

Related degrees may include: Agronomy, Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, or Biology. OR A combination of graduate level education and experience as described above. GS-07: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised.

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 conducting laboratory, field, or greenhouse research studies and maintaining detailed research records; operating, calibrating, maintaining, or troubleshooting specialized scientific equipment; and modifying research procedures or resolving technical problems to support project objectives.

OR Education: Successful completion of one full year of progressively higher- level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include: Agronomy, Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, or Biology. OR A combination of education and experience as described above. GS-08: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised.

Qualifying experience for GS-08 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 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 performing complex research activities and contributing to the planning or sequencing of research projects; adapting or developing research methods and procedures to meet project needs; and analyzing experimental data, identifying technical issues, and resolving problems. OR Education: Successful completion of two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related.

Related degrees may include Agronomy, Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, or Biology. OR A combination of education and experience as described above. GS-09: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised.

Qualifying experience for GS-09 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-08 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 planning and carrying out phases of biological or agricultural research projects; developing or improving research methods, procedures, or equipment to support scientific studies; and interpreting research findings, analyzing scientific data, and preparing technical reports or research documentation.

OR Education: Successful completion of two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Agronomy, Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, or Biology. OR A combination of 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.

Participates as a team member with the scientist in all phases of the research process and assumes full technical and operational responsibility for specific phases of the research.,Independently develops or designs various aspects of research projects on the basis of overall objectives outlined by the supervisor.,Contributes to the planning of various steps in experiment or project and to interpretation and documentation of findings.,Operates and maintains a variety of highly specialized complex equipment which must be calibrated and synchronized to achieve desired results.,Interprets and documents findings by preparing information to be included in manuscripts or preparing reports summarizing progress or results of research.