Biological Science Laboratory Technician

This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Dairy Forage Research Unit located in Madison, WI. In this position, you will assist in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties in a laboratory environment, common to the assigned area of work. Collects, prepares, evaluates and verifies samples and supporting records. Performs routine and recurring techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment. Keeps detailed records of experimental data. Tabulates, statistically analyzes and summarizes data using personal computers and software packages. Organizes, curates, and cleans datasheets using statistical software and spreadsheets. Conducts detailed operations to care for plants in the field, greenhouse, or growth chamber. As directed, searches for literature pertinent to area of research for new procedures or techniques to use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse. Curates, catalogues, organizes, or stores large amounts of samples, such as seeds, plants or DNA. Coordinates and communicates with collaborators who are in other offices and states. Uses heavy agricultural field machinery, GPS, tablets, growth chambers, or imaging technology. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following requirements; Completed all requirements for an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two (2) years; OR Individuals who, due to military service obligation, were precluded from applying to the Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period described above shall have a full 2-year period of eligibility upon release or discharge from active duty. This eligibility period cannot extend more than 6 years from the date on which the requirements for the academic course of study were met. In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements above, applicants must possess the experience or education requirements as follows: GS-06 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 experience handling plant or crop samples in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment; contributes ideas towards the planning and sequencing of the technical aspects of the research; and devises and tests new research technologies and experimental methods. OR Education: One full year of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees or courses may include Agronomy, Genetics, Plant Science, Plant Physiology and Agriculture. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described 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. 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 experience handling plant or crop samples in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment; contributes ideas towards the planning and sequencing of the technical aspects of the research, evaluating scientific data; operating laboratory equipment; and making preliminary assessments based on laboratory testing results. OR Education: One full year of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees or courses may include Agronomy, Genetics, Plant Science, Plant Physiology and Agriculture. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described 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. You must be a US Citizen or US National. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt. Satisfactory 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/ Successful completion of one-year trial period.