Agricultural Research Service Logo
Position Title
Physical Science Technician
Agency
Agricultural Research Service
Announcement Number
ARS-S24Y-12217442-KP Opens in new window
Open Period
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 to Tuesday, December 26, 2023
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS CAREFULLY. Your answers will be used to determine your eligibility to apply to this job opportunity announcement. You will be considered under the eligibility option(s) to which you answer YES. Select YES to all eligibility options for which you want to be considered. If you respond NO to meeting the criteria for all the eligibilities, you will not be considered for those eligibilities.

NOTE: You must submit the required supporting documentation to receive consideration for EACH selected eligibility. Failure to provide the required documents will result in an ineligible rating and your application will be excluded from consideration.
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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.
 
 
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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.
 
 
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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?
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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-06 level. Your resume must clearly support the response you select or you will be rated as not qualified.
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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-07 level. Your resume must clearly support the response you select or you will be rated as not qualified.
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3. I have performed routine and recurring techniques and studies using the following equipment: (Select all that apply) (limit characters)
4. I have used the following software packages to statistically analyze and summarize data in support of a research project or experiment: (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)
5. Maintain, calibrate, and modify equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures. (limit characters)
6. Tabulate, statistically analyze, and summarize data using personal computers or software packages. (limit characters)
7. Use a variety of specialized equipment to perform a full range of techniques. (limit characters)
8. Assist in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties in a laboratory environment.
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9. Keep detailed record of experimental data.
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10. Maintain records and locate or compile data or other information from various sources. (limit characters)
11. I have experience performing the following actions with crop samples used for experimental data: (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)
12. Search for literature pertinent to area of research for new procedures or techniques to use in the laboratory. (limit characters)
13. Independently initiate action to resolve or correct technical difficulties or results. (limit characters)
14. Actively participate in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of complex technical duties and contribute ideas towards the planning and sequencing of the technical aspects of the research. (limit characters)
15. Maintain inventory of chemicals and prepare solutions or reagents for use in the laboratory.
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16. Safely dispose of chemical or biological waste material.
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17. Maintain work site in a neat and orderly manner.
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18. Adapt, modify, or develop new techniques or procedures to satisfy the needs of a crop research project. (limit characters)
19. 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.
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