Agricultural Science Research Technician

Responsibilities

This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service, Pacific West Area, Plant Germplasm Introduction and Testing Unit in Pullman, WA. In this position, you will participate as a team member with the scientist in all phases of the research process and assume full technical and operational responsibility for specific phases of the research. Find Solutions to Agricultural Problems that Affect Americans Every Day, From Field to Table.

Requirements

• GS-05 Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience comparable to GS-04, directly related to the work, including assisting in one or more phases of the research process; plant care, collecting or preparing samples; and operating common equipment in a lab, field or greenhouse.
• GS-06 Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience comparable to GS-05, directly related to the work, including collecting, evaluating or preparing samples; keeping detailed records of experimental data; and using automated systems for test and evaluation procedures.
• GS-07 Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience comparable to GS-06, directly related to the work, including performing complex technical duties in research or experimental activities; tabulating and summarizing data using various software packages; and operating and maintaining specialized field equipment.

Qualifications

• Education for GS-05: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study above the high school level leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics; at least 6 semester hours must be directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Soil Science, Environmental Science, Biology, Agricultural Science, Ecology, Agronomy, Plant Science, Natural Resource Management, or other related fields.
• Education for GS-06/GS-07: 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 Soil Science, Environmental Science, Biology, Agricultural Science, Ecology, Agronomy, Plant Science, Natural Resource Management, or other related fields.
• A combination of specialized experience and education as described above may be used to qualify.
• 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.