Summary This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Plant Introduction Research Unit in Ames, IA. In this position, you will actively participate in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties in a laboratory, field or greenhouse environment. Responsibilities Maintains, calibrates, and modifies equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures. Uses software packages especially MS Excel and PowerPoint. Assists in initiating action to resolve or correct technical difficulties and results or assists in developing recommendations to resolve issues. Operates basic field machinery such as tractors, planters, cultivators, sprayers and erects and dissembles controlled pollination structures in the field and greenhouse. Keeps detailed records of experimental data. Maintains supply records and arranges timely ordering of necessary supplies. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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. GS-6 Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-06 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-05 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is participating in a research project; collecting or preparing samples and maintaining or operating common equipment in a field or greenhouse environment. OR Education: Successful completion of one full year of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master’s or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include: Biology, Plant Pathology, Plant physiology, Genetics, Horticulture, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Agronomy, Soil Science, Crop Science or Agricultural Science. OR A combination of graduate level education and experience as described above. GS-7 Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-07 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-06 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is participating in one or more phases of a plant breeding research project; planting or harvesting samples; operating or maintaining specialized equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures. OR Education: Successful completion of one full year of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master’s or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include: Biology, Plant Pathology, Plant physiology, Genetics, Horticulture, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Agronomy, Soil Science, Crop Science or Agricultural Science. OR A combination of graduate level education and experience as described above. Physical Demands The work requires extended periods of physical exertion, such as regular and recurring running, walking, or bending in field or greenhouse conditions, and ability to lift and carry 50 pounds. In many situations the duration of the activity (such as most of a workday) contributes to the arduous nature of the job. In other situations, there may be special requirements for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination. Use of a tall ladder is required to pollinate tall plants in the field and/or greenhouse. Work Environment The work involves regular and recurring moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working with irritant chemicals and working outdoors for extended periods of time. The work involves physical exertion and seasonal daily exposure to extremes in temperature and humidity, sometimes in muddy conditions, and extensive exposure to pollen (especially sunflower and other Asteraceae species) and pollinator insects (bees). The employee is required to use protective clothing such as gowns, coats, boots, goggles, gloves, and/or hard hats as appropriate. Travel to off-site locations periodically can be required. 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 Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional 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. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. The final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at the time of job offer. 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. This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.