- Position Title
- Biological Science Technician
- Agency
- Agricultural Research Service
- Announcement Number
- ARS-S19Y-10679704-FIK Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Monday, December 30, 2019 to Monday, January 6, 2020
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
2.
Are you a current USDA employee who meets the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee, in which received official notice that your job is no longer needed or that you will lose your job by Reduction-in-Force (RIF)? If yes, confirm:
• you are located in the same local commuting area as the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
• you are located in the same local commuting area as the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
3.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a Federal agency other than USDA? If yes, confirm:
• you are located in the same local commuting area as the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
• you are located in the same local commuting area as the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
4.
Have you registered for reemployment consideration AND meet one of the below:
• Are you a current or former competitive service USDA employee who will be or was separated by Reduction-In-Force (RIF) and received a rating of satisfactory or above as your last annual performance rating?
OR
• Are you a former USDA competitive service employee who separated due to a compensable injury or disability?
• Are you a current or former competitive service USDA employee who will be or was separated by Reduction-In-Force (RIF) and received a rating of satisfactory or above as your last annual performance rating?
OR
• Are you a former USDA competitive service employee who separated due to a compensable injury or disability?
Assessment 1
Your responses to the questions below will be used in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Your resume and application materials must support the level of experience and/or education you claim in this questionnaire. If, after a complete review of your application package, a determination is made that you have overstated your qualifications, you may be rated ineligible for this position.
1.
From the choices below, please select the response that best describes how your experience meets the minimum qualification requirements for this position at the GS-09 level. Your resume must clearly support the response you select or you will be rated as not qualified.
2.
I have collected, prepared and evaluated the following types of samples: (Select all that apply)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
3.
Implementing soil sampling manually using soil cores, scoops or similar methods to collect data in support of restoration, ecological research and monitoring:
4.
Measured soil stability with field soil aggregate stability kit to collect data in support of restoration, ecological research and monitoring.
5.
Measured soil infiltration rates using various instruments including a single ring infiltrometer.
6.
Performed soil processing and subsampling.
7.
Classifying soil and characterizing soil pedon.
8.
Apply Ecological site identification in a rangeland, pasture, or forestland.
9.
Installing, maintaining and trouble-shooting soil moisture probes.
10.
I have performed all the following with data logging software. (Select all that apply)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
11.
Installing solar panels and solar panel instruments
12.
Applied Pedoderm and pattern class assignment.
13.
I have used a Modified Wilson and Cooke (MWAC) sampler to collect dust and process its samples in a laboratory.
14.
I have implemented the following vegetation sampling methods to collect data in support of restoration, ecological research and monitoring: (Select all that apply)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
15.
I have used ArcGIS or ArcMap software to create randomized sample study locations and navigation materials.
16.
I have loaded data onto GPS units and used GPS units and maps to navigate to remote study site locations.
17.
Maintain an inventory of chemicals, stock solutions, and/or field equipment.
18.
Prepare solutions, reagents, samples, and/or seeds for use in a laboratory, field or greenhouse.
19.
Safely dispose of chemical or biological waste material.
20.
Identify Chihuahuan Desert plants to species or able to key out plants to species.
21.
I have performed ecological restoration techniques using the following: (Select all that apply)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
22.
Search for literature for new procedures or techniques to use in a laboratory, field or greenhouse related to rangeland restoration, ecological research and monitoring.
23.
Keep exact, detailed records of experimental soil and vegetation data.
24.
Maintain records and locate and compile data and other information from various sources related to a soil, water or air research experiment.
25.
Adapt, modify or develop new techniques or procedures in support of soil restoration, ecological research and monitoring projects
26.
From the choices below please select the response that best describes your specific experience in physical exertion while working. Your resume must clearly support the response you select or you will be rated as not qualified. (Select all that apply)
27.
I have participated as a team member with scientists in performing the following duties related to rangeland research and monitoring: (Select all that apply)
28.
I have experience independently operating, maintaining and troubleshooting the following specialized equipment in support of a restoration, ecological research or monitoring project or experiment: (Select all that apply)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
29.
Independently initiate action to resolve or correct technical difficulties and results.
30.
Tabulate, statistically analyze and summarize soil and vegetation research and monitoring data using personal computers and software packages (such as R or R Studio).
31.
Develop various procedures, devises new or improved methods or designs specialized equipment.
32.
I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001); my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied an appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in my not being considered for this position.