- Position Title
- Biological Science Technician
- Agency
- Agricultural Research Service
- Announcement Number
- ARS-DE22PWA-11513593-mds Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Monday, July 11, 2022 to Monday, July 18, 2022
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?
Preferences
1.
Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position.
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-05 level. Your resume must clearly support the response you select, or you may be rated as not qualified. Transcripts must be provided if you are qualifying using your education.
2.
From the choices below, please select the response that best describes how your experience and/or education meets the minimum qualification requirements for this position at the GS-06 level. Your resume must clearly support the response you select, or you may be rated as not qualified.
3.
From the choices below, please select the response that best describes how your experience and/or education meets the minimum qualification requirements for this position at the GS-07 level. Your resume must clearly support the response you select, or you may be rated as not qualified.
4.
From the choices below, please select the response that best describes how your experience and/or education meets the minimum qualification requirements for this position at the GS-08 level. Your resume must clearly support the response you select, or you may be rated as not qualified.
5.
From the choices below, please select the response that best describes how your experience and/or education meets the minimum qualification requirements for this position at the GS-09 level. Your resume must clearly support the response you select, or you may be rated as not qualified.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
6.
Apply principles of horticulture in field and greenhouse.
7.
Assist with laying out and establishing replicated field, laboratory, or greenhouse research trials.
8.
Plant research materials, seeds, graft, or propagations in greenhouse.
9.
Conduct research on fruit trees.
10.
Establish and maintain insect colonies.
11.
Maintain plants for use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse.
12.
Safely dispose of waste material (both chemical and biological).
13.
Maintain an inventory of chemicals, supplies, stock solutions, or samples.
14.
Control insects and mite pests.
15.
Prepare specified (pH and molarity) chemical solutions and reagents at for use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse.
16.
Routinely conduct data analyses using statistical software packages.
17.
Perform complex techniques with unusual skill related to insect, plant, or pathogen experiments.
18.
Which of the following sample types have you prepared, collected, and evaluated? (Select all that apply).
19.
I have experience performing the following functions with biological samples: (Select all that apply)
20.
I have collected and evaluated the following samples in support of plant or crop research: (Select all that apply)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
21.
Maintain records of operations performed in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse.
22.
Keep exact and detailed records of data obtained from experiments related to biological research.
23.
Compile and keep records of scientific data related to research on citrus or fruit trees.
24.
Maintain records and compile data and other information from various sources in support of a plant pathogen related experiment.
25.
Provide technical support for scientific research related to molecular biology.
26.
Assist in one or more phases of research by performing a variety of technical duties in of a plant pathogen-related experiment.
27.
Assist in the research process by performing a variety of technical duties in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment.
28.
Assist in one or more phases of a research process by performing a variety of technical duties related to microbiological or virological research.
29.
Recognize and report abnormal or unexpected results in research.
30.
Adapt, modify, or develop new techniques or procedures to satisfy the needs of the research project.
31.
Maintain records, locate, and compile data and other information, upload data into databases from various sources related to research.
32.
Locate and compile data related to plant or crop research.
33.
Adapt, modify, or develop new techniques or procedures to satisfy the needs of a plant pathology or crop-based research project.
34.
Contribute ideas towards the planning and sequencing of the technical aspects of molecular biology research.
35.
Search for literature for new procedures or techniques to use in a laboratory, field or greenhouse related to plant pathology or entomology
36.
Search for literature pertinent to microbial research for new procedures or techniques to use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse.
37.
I have conducted research in the following scientific fields: (Select all that apply)
38.
I have assisted in one or more phases of the research process by performing the following duties in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment: (Select all that apply)
39.
I have kept detailed records of the following: (Select all that apply)
40.
I have assisted in research that involved the following: (Select all that apply)
41.
I have searched for literature pertinent to the following scientific areas: (Select all that apply)
42.
I have conducted research on the following types of samples: (Select all that apply)
43.
I have performed the following tasks to satisfy the needs of a research project: (Select all that apply)
44.
I have participated as a team member with scientists in performing the following duties related to plant pathology: (Select all that apply)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
45.
Perform routine and recurring techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment, specifically instrumental analyses.
46.
Tabulate and summarize data using personal computers and software packages, such as Microsoft Excel and other Office Programs.
47.
Maintain, calibrate and modify laboratory equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures.
48.
Tabulate and summarize data using personal computers and computer software packages.
49.
Independently initiates action to resolve or correct technical difficulties and results.
50.
Statistically analyze data using personal computers and software packages.
51.
Independently initiate action to resolve or correct technical difficulties and results, or recommends resolution to supervisor.
52.
Contribute ideas towards the planning and sequencing of the technical aspects of plant pathology research.
53.
Search for literature pertinent to plant pathology research for new procedures or techniques to use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse.
54.
I have experience conducting the following research in a greenhouse setting: (select all that apply)
55.
I have used the following equipment and techniques to obtain, analyze and summarize data and samples: (Select all that apply)
56.
I have experience with molecular biology techniques such as: (select all that apply)
57.
I have kept detailed records of the following: (Select all that apply)
58.
I have operated and maintained the following laboratory, field or greenhouse equipment to perform routine experiments to data related to plant pathology research: (Select all that apply)
59.
I have maintained laboratory inventories of the following: (Select all that apply)
60.
I have operated the following scientific equipment: (Select all that apply).
61.
I have maintained and operated the following equipment used for plant or crop research: (Select all that apply)
62.
I have operated the following statistical or mathematical software: (Select all that apply).
63.
I have experience performing the following to process and analyze high-throughput DNA sequencing results:
64.
I have performed or utilized the following: (Select all that apply)
65.
I have performed the following tasks to satisfy the needs of a research project: (Select all that apply)
66.
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.