Agricultural Research Service Logo
Position Title
Biological Science Technician
Agency
Agricultural Research Service
Announcement Number
ARS-S20Y-10858844-MJT Opens in new window
Open Period
Wednesday, July 15, 2020 to Tuesday, July 28, 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? (limit characters)
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.
 
 
(limit characters)
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.
 
 
(limit characters)
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?
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
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. (limit characters)
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-05 level. Your resume must clearly support the response you select or you will be rated as not qualified.
(limit characters)
2. 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-06 level. Your resume must clearly support the response you select or you will be rated as not qualified.
(limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
3. Collect, prepare, evaluate and verify plants or plant disease samples and supporting records. (limit characters)
4. Maintain inventory of chemicals, prepare solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory.
(limit characters)
5. Safely dispose of waste material both chemical and biological.
(limit characters)
6. Keep detailed records of plants or plant disease experimental data. (limit characters)
7. Assist in one or more phases of a plants, or plant diseases research process by performing a variety of technical duties in a laboratory, common to the assigned area of work.
(limit characters)
8. Nucleic acid extraction from plants. (limit characters)
9. Maintain records, locate and compile data and other information from various sources related to plants or diseases.
(limit characters)
10. I have had experience with the following equipment. (Select all that apply)
(limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
11. Perform routine and recurring techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment.
(limit characters)
12. Maintain, calibrate and modify equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures.
(limit characters)
13. Tabulate, statistically analyze and summarize data using personal computers and software packages.
(limit characters)
14. 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.
(limit characters)