Research Entomologist

This position is located in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Plains Area (PA), at the Crop Germplasm Research Unit in College Station, TX. In this position, you will help to enhance the production, value, and safety of pecan as a crop, and to maintain the genetic diversity of pecan in the National Carya Germplasm Repository. Elucidates the biology and ecology of pecan weevil and other insect pests to improve management in orchards and native stands. Adapts alternative controls (e.g., mating disruption, microbial biocontrol agents) for management of pecan pests. Increases the efficacy and economic benefit of natural enemy populations for pest control. Conducts independent and cooperative research on pest and natural enemy species. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Basic Requirements for Entomology, 0414 Series Degree: entomology; or a related discipline of the biological or physical sciences that included at least 16 semester hours in entomology. OR Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major that included course work as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Evaluation of Education: applicants with major fields of study in biology, zoology, or invertebrate zoology may fully meet the basic educational requirements if their academic preparation included substantive instruction (including appropriate laboratory and field work) in basic general entomology, taxonomy, physiology, ecology, general and organic chemistry, general physics, and mathematics or statistics that provided some training in the analysis of variables. Additional Requirements In addition to meeting the basic requirements described above, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below. GS-12: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service or possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or possess an equivalent combination of graduate level education and experience. Graduate education must be directly related to the work of the position and must have equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-12 level of this position are: conducting independent research related to entomology; and publishing independent research results in peer-reviewed related journals. GS-13: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-13 level of this position are: conducting independent research related to entomology; utilizing laboratory and field equipment to perform pest control; and publishing independent research results in peer-reviewed related journals. GS-14: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-14 level of this position are: developing, planning, and conducting research in the area of entomology focused on pests; providing guidance on the development of new germplasm, pest protection, or production practices for crops; and publishing independent research results on insects in peer-reviewed related journals. GS-15: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-15 level of this position are: formulating, planning, executing, and providing leadership for research programs; developing management of insects and pests that affect economically important crops; promoting research to others via demonstration orchards, field days, or research presentations; and publishing independent research results on insects in peer-reviewed related journals. 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. To further support your qualifications, it is strongly recommended that you submit a one-page abstract of your MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation. Failure to do so could result in loss of your consideration/referral. Also, please submit a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, recognition; any honors or awards received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitation); and publications. Applicants must be available to report for duty at the time a selection is made. Selections are typically made within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement. Please see above for education qualification requirement information.