Biological Science Lab Technician

Summary

As a Biological Science Laboratory Technician at Moore Air Base (MAB) in Edinburg, TX you would be filling a critical role in support of the nation's New World Screwworm response activities. This position is part of the Health and Safety Occupations at MAB. APHIS will also be accepting applications and conducting interviews in-person Nov 17-19 in McAllen, TX. Please see "How to Apply" and/or this site for more information.

Duties

• The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.
• The duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Prepares study plans for scientific experiments, using the scientist's hypothesis; attends to all the technical/ administrative concerns; develops the data required.
• Acts independently within established parameters, frequently resolves difficult problems, and performs the full range of tests and procedures carried out in the assigned lab.
• Conducts tests and analyses of studies and evaluations of data on plant pests detected domestically or intercepted at ports of entry from all parts of the world.
• Collects and manages data, evaluates, and analyzes data pertaining to risk, diagnosis, mitigation, rearing, control, treatment, and quarantine status.
• Prepares and submits comprehensive written reports describing test procedures and results within specified timeframe.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. FOR THE GS-7 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-6 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience with Plant Protection principles and laboratory techniques. Ability to follow written and oral instructions and execute laboratory, field, or computer-based research. Experience in data collection, data quality control, electronically storing data, basic summary analysis and reporting. Ability to communicate effectively and successfully work with team members to achieve a common goal OR Successful completion of 18 semester hours of graduate level education or internship in biology, entomology, botany, or agriculture, or in a field directly related to the position Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-7 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

This position does not have an education qualification requirement. How You Will Be Evaluated

All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, to include any specialized experience and/or selective placement factor(s), if applicable, will be referred. Before a certificate is issued, your application is reviewed to ensure that you meet all the qualification requirements. An unranked list will be used; veteran's preference will apply. This announcement is in support of an on-site hiring event. Priority will be given to applicants who apply in-person or on-line by an initial applicant cut-off of 12:00 PM Central Time on November 17. If the position is filled after the first cut-off, this announcement may close prior to the posted closing date. CTAP/ICTAP applicants may be required to take a manual assessment and must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100 to be eligible for selection priority. Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may be found ineligible. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service. Other Information

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. Promotion Potential: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed.