Biological Science Laboratory Technician

Summary As a Biological Science Laboratory Technician with Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant and Protection Quarantine (PPQ), Pest Exclusion and Import Program (PEIP), National Identification Services (NIS), you will be responsible for the daily operational activities of the assigned laboratory, preparing study plans for scientific activities required for pest identification. Responsibilities 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: Applies basic principles of a biological science to assess readings and measurements taken, tests executed, observations made, work completed, samples collected, etc. Prepares and submits comprehensive written reports describing test procedures and results, and manages plant and/or pest samples and resulting data. Sorts urgent and routine pest samples of snails and slugs from port interceptions nationwide, and forwards to appropriate professional staff for final identification. 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. Performs literature searches and catalogues information from this literature and develops new techniques or refines and modifies standard methods of specimen preparation. Operates necessary equipment and associated software such as critical point dryer, scanning electron microscope, word processor, and stereoscopic/compound photographic system as occasion warrants. Organizes and executes a range of organism identification activities in support of PPQ malacologists. Provides support for the training of other identifiers, helps plan and organize training sessions, chooses and orders training supplies and equipment, and prepares training materials. Maintains related databases of pest interceptions, collections, and loans and performs general data entry into different databases. 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. FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience handling, sorting, and inventorying biological specimens collected in field surveys or as part of museum collections. Experience recording and maintaining files of specimen-related data using computer spreadsheets and databases, and ability to summarize findings. Experience preparing biological specimens for examination, identification, or dissection. Experience in operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment used for scientific investigations of biology such as microscopes and sterilizers. Experience using mathematics to prepare stock solutions or convert measurements used for scientific investigation. OR Successful completion of one full year (18 semester hours, 27 quarter hours or equivalent) of graduate level education in biology, plant pathology, entomology, or closely related fields. 18 semester hours should be considered as satisfying the 1 year of full-time study. 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-07 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. 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. 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. This position is represented by a collective bargaining unit (union), specifically the National Association of Agricultural Employees / 1836. 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. Worksite Information: 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. Additional information regarding ad hoc, occasional, or reoccurring telework may be obtained at a later time from the hiring manager or program during the hiring process.