Biological Science Technician

Agricultural Research Service • Urbana, IL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is with the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Midwest Area, Soybean/Maize Germplasm, Pathology, and Genetics Unit in Urbana, Illinois. The Biological Science Technician works as a team member with a scientist across phases of the research process and has technical and operational responsibility for specific research phases. Work may take place in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse and supports plant breeding, plant genetics, and plant pathology research.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service or exempt.
• Must pass background investigation and/or fingerprint check, E-Verify employment verification, and applicable employment adjudication.
• Federal payments must be received by direct deposit.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period unless previous federal service is creditable.
• GS-06: One year of specialized experience comparable to GS-05, directly related to the position. Examples include assisting with laboratory, field, or greenhouse research; collecting samples; operating scientific equipment; maintaining research data; preparing laboratory materials; performing plant disease inoculations or screenings; maintaining equipment; and safely handling biological or chemical materials.
• GS-06 education alternative: At least one full year of progressively higher-level graduate education toward a master's or equivalent graduate degree in a related field, or an appropriate combination of related graduate education and specialized experience.
• GS-07: One year of specialized experience comparable to GS-06, directly related to the position. Examples include performing laboratory, field, or greenhouse research using scientific equipment and biological research techniques; applying basic plant pathology protocols; collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data; adapting or modifying procedures; and maintaining specialized equipment and detailed records.
• GS-07 education alternative: At least one full year of progressively higher-level graduate education toward a master's or equivalent graduate degree in a related field, or an appropriate combination of related graduate education and specialized experience.
• Related fields of study may include Biology, Plant Pathology, Plant Sciences, Plant Biology, Plant Genetics, or Agronomy.
• Work requires recurring walking or bending and may involve prolonged activity, as well as agility or dexterity and exceptional hand-eye coordination.
• Work involves recurring moderate risk or discomfort and requires safety precautions and protective clothing, including gowns, coats, boots, goggles, and gloves.

Nice To Haves

• Experience or education in Biology, Plant Pathology, Plant Sciences, Plant Biology, Plant Genetics, or Agronomy.
• Recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized at the hiring official's discretion.

Responsibilities

• Participate in research by performing complex technical duties related to plant breeding, plant genetics, and plant pathology.
• Adapt, modify, or develop techniques and procedures to meet research project needs.
• Perform research techniques and studies using specialized equipment.
• Maintain, calibrate, and modify complex or specialized equipment and automated systems used for testing and evaluation.
• Purify and propagate plant pathogens for disease inoculations.
• For GS-06-level work, assist with research activities such as collecting samples, operating scientific equipment, following procedures, maintaining research data, preparing laboratory materials, conducting disease screenings, and following safety procedures.
• For GS-07-level work, perform research activities using scientific equipment and biological research techniques; collect, analyze, and summarize data; adapt or modify procedures; and maintain specialized equipment and detailed records.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

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