Biological Science Technician (Plants)

Agricultural Research Service • Hilo, HI

4d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located at the USDA Agricultural Research Service, Pacific West Area, Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Tropical Plant Genetic Resources & Disease Unit in Hilo, Hawaii. The technician serves as a senior member of the unit’s curatorial and research team, supporting the collection, preservation, characterization, documentation, and distribution of subtropical and tropical fruit, nut, and beverage crops.

The role maintains detailed accession, cultivation, and experimental records; researches procedures and literature relevant to plant cultivation, propagation, pest and disease management, and molecular research; and develops or refines methods for germplasm cultivation and phenotypic and genetic characterization. The technician performs a range of research techniques using specialized laboratory, greenhouse, and field equipment; prepares and applies pesticide, herbicide, fungicide, and reagent solutions; and safely disposes of chemical and biological waste.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Successfully pass the required background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Use direct deposit for federal payments.
• Successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Serve a one-year probationary period unless previous federal service is creditable.
• Meet the specialized experience, education, or combination requirements for the grade level sought by the announcement closing date.
• For GS-06, have one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-05 involving participation in a plant or plant-crop research project, assistance with scientific or descriptor data recording, and use of research equipment in a laboratory, greenhouse, or field environment; or one full year of directly related graduate education; or a combination.
• For GS-07, have one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-06 involving plant or plant-crop conservation, propagation, cultivation, evaluation, or research; biological sample collection or analysis; and maintenance or cleaning of basic greenhouse or laboratory equipment; or one full year of directly related graduate education; or a combination.
• For GS-08, have one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 involving participation in one or more phases of research related to plants, water, or soil; collection of crop or plant samples; and operation of specialized greenhouse or laboratory equipment; or two full years of directly related graduate education; or a combination.
• Qualifying directly related graduate education may include biology with an emphasis in plants, horticulture, plant science, agriculture, plant pathology, plant physiology, or crop production.

Responsibilities

• Keep detailed records of plant accessions, cultivation, and experimental data.
• Research products and procedures to improve the effectiveness or efficiency of curatorial and characterization procedures.
• Find and review literature on plant cultivation requirements, seed and propagation techniques, pest and disease identification or control, and molecular research methods for laboratory, field, or greenhouse use.
• Develop and refine techniques to improve germplasm cultivation, including monitoring and managing pests and diseases.
• Improve methods for phenotypic and genetic characterization of plant collections.
• Perform research techniques and studies using specialized equipment, including autoclaves, pH meters, spectrophotometers, total soluble sugar monitors, thermocyclers, mowers, and sprayers.
• Prepare and apply spray or reagent solutions, including pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.
• Safely dispose of chemical and biological waste.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to eligible employees and their families.
• Recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized.
• Flexible work arrangements may be available, subject to agency policy and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

What This Job Offers

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