Agricultural Research Service, Department of Agriculture

Columbia, MO | #science #government

This position is located within United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Field Organization, Midwest Area (Peoria, IL), Plant Genetics Research Unit in Columbia, MO.

The incumbent actively participates in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of complex technical duties.

This is a term, time-limited appointment with an initial duration no less than 13 months and can be extended up to a total of 4 years Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

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: GS-7:nQualifying experience for GS-7 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-6 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 operating or maintaining standard scientific agricultural research equipment, performing plant research in a field environment; and performing field techniques such as planting, harvesting, or applying herbicide.

OR Education: One full year of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related.

Related degrees may include agricultural engineering, agriculture, plant sciences, crop science, horticulture, or any degree related to agriculture.

OR A combination of graduate education and specialized experience as described above.

GS-8:nQualifying experience for GS-8 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-7 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 operating or maintaining standard scientific agricultural research equipment, performing plant research in a field environment; performing field techniques such as planting, harvesting, or applying herbicides; and selecting appropriate methods and procedures for carrying the project plan to completion.

OR Education: Two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related.

Related degrees may include agricultural engineering, agriculture, plant sciences, crop science, horticulture, or any degree related to agriculture.

OR A combination of graduate education and specialized 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.