Agricultural Science Research Technician

Agricultural Research Service • Houma, LA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in the Agricultural Research Service, Plant Science Research Office, Sugarcane Research Unit in Houma, Louisiana. The technician works with scientists to develop improved varieties and environmentally friendly production strategies, expand the cropping range, and combat an evolving pest complex that includes diseases, insects, and weeds.

The role participates in research by performing technical duties in laboratory and field settings, conducting agronomic crop production tasks, and operating specialized agricultural and research equipment. The position is advertised at GS-07, GS-08, and GS-09. Applicants must meet the specialized experience or related graduate education requirements for the grade level sought. A one-year probationary period applies unless previous federal service is creditable. Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized at the hiring official’s discretion. The position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements under agency policy and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Must meet the applicable GS-07, GS-08, or GS-09 qualification requirements by the announcement closing date of 11/03/2026.
• For GS-07, qualifying specialized experience is one year comparable to GS-06 involving preparation or analysis of biological samples related to entomology, operation of common laboratory or greenhouse equipment for testing or evaluation, and detailed experimental-data recordkeeping; alternatively, one full year of directly related graduate education leading to a master’s or equivalent degree, or a combination of education and experience.
• For GS-08, qualifying specialized experience is one year comparable to GS-07 involving participation in an entomology or plant science research project; microscope use for organism identification and quantification; sample analysis using PCR; data summaries using software packages; and laboratory equipment or supply inventory maintenance; alternatively, two full years of directly related graduate education leading to a master’s or equivalent degree, or a combination of education and experience.
• For GS-09, qualifying specialized experience is one year comparable to GS-08 involving an entomology and plant science experiment; maintenance of specialized scientific equipment and automated test or evaluation systems; microscope use for organism identification and quantification; and preparation of reagents or solutions for laboratory PCR analysis; alternatively, two full years of directly related graduate education leading to a master’s or equivalent degree, or a combination of education and experience.
• Related graduate fields may include Entomology, Biology, Pathology, Genetics, Agriculture, or Plant Science.
• Must satisfactorily complete a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Must use direct deposit for federal payments.
• Must successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period unless previous federal service is creditable.

Responsibilities

• Perform field tasks involved in agronomic crop production, including land preparation, planting, crop management, harvest, and post-harvest operations.
• Maintain an inventory of chemicals.
• Safely dispose of chemical and biological waste materials.
• Search for relevant literature or attend training and lectures to learn procedures or techniques for laboratory or field research.
• Adapt, modify, or develop techniques and procedures to meet research project needs.
• Participate in one or more phases of the research process by performing complex technical duties in a laboratory or field.
• Operate and maintain specialized equipment, including tractors, sprayers, corn and soybean combines, cotton pickers, cotton module builders, and ATVs.
• Operate GPS, RTK, yield-monitoring, and computer-controlled farm equipment.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefit eligibility depends on position type.
• A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized at the hiring official’s discretion.
• The position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, subject to agency policy and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed