Biological Science Technician

Summary

This position is located in the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Midwest Area, Soybean/Maize Germplasm, Pathology, and Genetics Unit in Urbana, IL. 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.

Duties

• Actively participates in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of complex technical duties common to plant breeding, plant genetics and plant pathology research, in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment.
• Adapts, modifies or develops new techniques and/or procedures to satisfy the needs of the research project.
• Performs the full range of techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment.
• Maintains, calibrates and modifies complex/specialized equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures.
• Purifies and propagates plant pathogens to conduct disease inoculations.

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-06 Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. 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 experience assisting with laboratory, field, or greenhouse research activities by collecting samples, operating scientific equipment, and following established procedures; maintaining accurate records of research data and using computer software to organize, summarize, or report results; preparing laboratory materials, performing plant disease inoculations, conducting disease screenings in field or greenhouse settings, maintaining equipment, and following safety procedures when handling biological or chemical materials. OR Education: Successful completion of at least one full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a masters' or equivalent graduate degree, related degrees may include Biology, Plant Pathology, Plant Sciences, Plant Biology, Plant Genetics, Agronomy. OR An appropriate combination of specialized experience and graduate level education directly related to the work of the position as stated above. GS-07 Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. 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 experience performing laboratory, field, or greenhouse research activities using scientific equipment and a variety of biological research techniques; basic plant pathology protocols, collecting, analyzing, and summarizing research data; adapting or modifying research procedures, maintaining specialized equipment and detailed research records. OR Education: Successful completion of at least one full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a masters' or equivalent graduate degree, related degrees may include Biology, Plant Pathology, Plant Sciences, Plant Biology, Plant Genetics, Agronomy. OR An appropriate combination of specialized experience and graduate level education directly related to the work of the position as stated above. 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.

Requirements

You must be a US Citizen or US National. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period unless previous federal service is creditable. During this time your employment will be evaluated, and we may consider: your performance and conduct, the needs and interests of the agency, whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government, and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Physical Demands: The work requires some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring walking or bending. In many situations the duration of the activity (such as most of a work day) 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. Work Environment: The work involves regular and recurring moderate risk or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working with contagious diseases or irritant chemicals or working outdoors. The employee is required to use protective clothing such as gowns, coats, boots, googles, gloves.

Grade: GS 6 to 7. . Telework eligible. Apply by 2026-11-12 on USAJOBS.