Agricultural Science Research Technician

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

GS-05
Specialized Experience: 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-05 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-04 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 assisting in a research project in a laboratory, greenhouse, or field environment; collecting and preparing samples; and operating and maintaining basic research equipment.
OR
Education: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study above the high school level leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must have been directly related. Related courses include Biology, Plant Pathology, Agricultural Engineering, Horticulture, Genetics, Genomics, or Agronomy.
OR
An appropriate combination of education and experience as described above.

GS-06
Specialized Experience: 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 assisting in genetics or plant science research studies in a laboratory, greenhouse, or field environment; operating or maintaining complex research equipment; and compiling research results and data.
OR
Education: One full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if related. Related degrees may include Biology, Plant Pathology, Agricultural Engineering, Horticulture, Genetics, Genomics, or Agronomy.
OR
An appropriate combination of education and experience as described above.

GS-07
Specialized Experience: 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 calibrating specialized research equipment or automated systems; analyzing research data for reports; and developing new techniques and to satisfy the needs of the research project.
OR
Education: One full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if related. Related degrees may include Biology, Plant Pathology, Agricultural Engineering, Horticulture, Genetics, Genomics, or Agronomy.
OR
An appropriate combination of education and 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.