- Position Title
- Geneticist (Plants)/Agronomist
- Agency
- Agricultural Research Service
- Announcement Number
- ARS-D25PWA-12643763-mds Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Wednesday, December 18, 2024 to Thursday, December 26, 2024
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.
2.
Select the series you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one series.
3.
Are you a current or former Political appointee, Presidential appointee, and/or non-career Senior Executive Service (SES) appointee?
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.
Select the answer below that describes your education as it relates to the basic qualification requirements for the Geneticist (0440) position. If you select A, please submit a copy of your transcripts for verification.
2.
This position requires applicants to meet a Basic Education Requirement. Please select the description below that best describes your education or education and experience. Your transcript(s) must support the response you selected.
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 and/or transcripts 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 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.
5.
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-11 level. Your resume must clearly support the response you select, or you will 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.
Ensuring that germplasm or seeds are planted or harvested at the appropriate times.
7.
Collecting required data on experimental materials on plant quality, environmental stresses, diseases, or insects throughout the growing season.
8.
Maintaining current knowledge on published breeding to advance in genetics and agronomy.
9.
Determining appropriate parental combinations for mating based on experimental evaluation of plant germplasms and breeding lines.
10.
Organizing and planting a nursery which ensures that matings can be made to make the necessary crossing.
11.
Maintains field germplasm collections for conservation and experimental use.
12.
Stays abreast of current research trends, findings and needs in plant germplasm conservation and plant health.
13.
Maintains proper inventory of fertilizer, pesticide, herbicide and irrigation supplies.
14.
I have provided technical training to research associates, affiliates, or assistants in the use and maintenance of all equipment including: (Select all that apply) (GS-9/11 only)
15.
I have the following experience as it relates to agronomy research: (Select all that apply)
16.
I have experience performing the following plant health optimization tasks: (Select all that apply)
17.
I have experience performing the following agronomy duties in a farm environment: (Select all that apply)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
18.
Knowledge of genetics and plant breeding principles, theories, and practices.
19.
Independently perform recurring tests and analyses, evaluate methodologies, and make minor modifications of procedures and protocols. (GS-11)
20.
Maintain large collections of plant germplasm with appropriate identification and integrity
21.
Perform large-scale propagation
22.
Conduct disease resistance screening assays
23.
Manage genetic data including sequence, pedigree, marker, and phenotype
24.
Modify existing methods of analysis or development of new techniques to improve accuracy and efficiency, or to overcome difficulties in dealing with specific systems or genotypes. (GS-11)
25.
Writes periodic laboratory reports including discussion on experimental design, principle, procedure, and results. (GS-11)
26.
I have conducted plant breeding and genetics research and activities: (Select all that apply) (GS-9/11)
27.
Phenotype complex traits in plants under field and greenhouse conditions. (Select all that apply)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
28.
Performing experiments in field, greenhouse, growth chamber, or plant genomics laboratory.
29.
Performing statistical analyses of data collected in experiments to interpret results of experiments.
30.
Supporting the execution of research projects designed to determine genotypic differences among different plants and breeding lines for selection and genetic recombination purposes. (GS-09/11)
31.
Search for literature pertinent to plant genetics for new procedures or techniques to use.
32.
Plan and follow experimental designs and protocols.
33.
Make recommendations for more effective research methods and procedures.
34.
Collect, organize, and records experimental data in a form suitable for publication and future reference by others.
35.
Apply standard statistical methods when conducting analysis of data.
36.
Recreate experiments describing protocols, methods, and procedures used. (GS-9/11)
37.
Provide summary of data obtained and descriptions of any problems or unusual situations encountered in carrying out the experiment.
38.
Independently plans and carry out individual experiments within prescribed approaches (GS-11).
39.
Prepare results of findings from experiments conducted.
40.
Search for literature pertinent to plant genetics for new procedures or techniques to use.
41.
I have performed research in the following scientific fields: (Select all that apply) (GS-9/11)
42.
I have prepared and utilized data for the following applications: (Select all that apply)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
43.
Ensures that laboratory equipment is available when needed, properly calibrated and in working order.
44.
Performs maintenance and repair of equipment and arranges for service as needed.
45.
Assists in the procurement, installation of and training for new equipment.
46.
Maintaining inventory of nonexpendable equipment assigned to the project.
47.
Serving as manager of assigned research facilities to ensure safety of staff and property. (GS-11)
48.
Making sure that all employees receive required safety training. (GS-11)
49.
Maintains detailed field and laboratory experiment records.
50.
Performs data entry in Windows-based computer applications.
51.
Prepares appropriate reports, tables, graphs, slides and charts in preparation for publication or presentation of experiments.
52.
Upkeeps farm buildings and grounds.
53.
Operates and maintains equipment used for farm operations.
54.
Maintain laboratory notebooks recording the methods and procedures used, any modifications of methodology applied, and the results.
55.
I have the following experience when managing field experiments: (Select all that apply)
56.
I have trained technical or lower-level staff in: (Select all that apply) (GS-09/11)
57.
Process seed samples from the greenhouse and field by (Select all that apply)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
58.
Participates and interacts with the other research team members to attain project goals. (GS-11)
59.
Establishes and carries out field safety and training program for all farm operations. (GS-11)
60.
Trains and directs permanent, term, and temporary personnel to achieve duties. (GS-11)
61.
I have interacted with the research team members in the following ways (Select all that apply) (GS-11)
62.
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.