Agricultural Science Research Technician

Agricultural Research Service • Pullman, WA

19h • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service, Pacific West Area, Plant Germplasm Introduction and Testing Unit in Pullman, Washington. The technician works as a member of a research team with a scientist, participating in all phases of the research process and taking technical and operational responsibility for specific research phases.

The role contributes to experiment planning, interpretation and documentation of findings, and collection, preparation, evaluation, and verification of samples and records. The technician operates and maintains specialized, complex equipment, determines testing and observation needs, maintains detailed experimental records, and tabulates, statistically analyzes, and summarizes data using computers and software.

The position is advertised at GS-05, GS-06, and GS-07. Qualifications may be met through relevant specialized experience, education, or a combination, depending on grade. Work involves regular moderate risks or discomforts and may require special safety precautions and protective clothing. The employee must be able to work outdoors in hot or cold weather and occasionally lift at least 50 pounds. Flexible work arrangements may be available under agency policy and applicable collective bargaining agreements. A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized at the hiring official’s discretion.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship or U.S. national status.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Successfully pass a background investigation and/or fingerprint check, as applicable.
• Enroll in direct deposit for federal payments.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Serve a one-year probationary period unless previous federal service is creditable; continued employment is subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.
• For GS-05, one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-04 assisting in one or more research phases, caring for plants, collecting or preparing samples, and operating common laboratory, field, or greenhouse equipment; or qualifying education, or a combination of experience and education.
• For GS-05 education qualification, complete a four-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree, with a major or at least 24 semester hours in specified relevant subjects and at least 6 semester hours directly related to the position.
• For GS-06, one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-05 collecting, evaluating, or preparing samples; keeping detailed experimental data records; and using automated systems for test and evaluation procedures; or qualifying graduate education, or a combination.
• For GS-06 education qualification, complete one full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a directly related master's or equivalent graduate degree.
• For GS-07, one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-06 performing complex technical duties in research or experimental activities, tabulating and summarizing data using software packages, and operating and maintaining specialized field equipment; or qualifying graduate education, or a combination.
• For GS-07 education qualification, complete one full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a directly related master's or equivalent graduate degree.
• Ability to work outdoors, often in hot or cold weather, and occasionally lift at least 50 pounds.
• Use required protective clothing and observe special safety precautions when working with hazards such as contagious diseases, irritant chemicals, or outdoor conditions.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to planning steps in experiments or projects and to interpreting and documenting findings.
• Operate and maintain specialized, complex equipment, including equipment requiring calibration and synchronization.
• Determine the types and frequency of tests and observations and the amount of data to record.
• Maintain exact, detailed records of experimental data.
• Tabulate, statistically analyze, and summarize data using personal computers and software packages.
• Collect, prepare, evaluate, and verify samples and supporting records.
• Participate as a team member with the scientist in research phases and assume technical and operational responsibility for specific phases.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type.
• A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized at the hiring official’s discretion.
• Flexible work arrangements may be available under agency policy and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level