Summary Incumbent performs routine work involving the support, rearing, and maintenance of host colonies and parasitoid colonies. This includes works independently and in concert with other staff members to sustain an efficient and cohesive workforce, ensure collaboration and knowledge transfer and support work-life balance. Responsibilities The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Schedules, organizes, and executes projects for identifying pest problems. Independently conducts field and laboratory projects that support programs for developing methods to exclude, control detect, and/or rear invasive pests. Provides assistance to lower graded technicians on issues related to Standard Operations Procedures (SOP), daily activities, policies, and directives as appropriate. Uses computers to enter production and/or quality control data into spreadsheets. Operates and ensures maintenance of standard laboratory and field equipment such as balances, microscopes, and GPS units as well as specialized equipment. Observes all health and safety regulations and practices in the laboratory and the field. Provides input on the development and maintenance of SOPs or other similar manuals in areas directly related to the assignment. Maintains colonies of insect species within laboratory and/or quarantine facilities. Scouts for potential collection sites, contacts property owners for permission to use sites, and set up collection equipment. Collects samples. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. FOR THE GS-06 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 grade level) that demonstrates: Independently performing all aspects of insect-rearing duties in a parasitic hymenopteran (wasps for biological control) mass-production setting. Performing all aspects of care for greenhouse-grown plant material (ash trees), setting up and maintaining wood boring beetle (emerald ash borer) and parasitic hymenopteran (wasps for biological control) rearing enclosures, maintaining a safe and sanitary laboratory environment, performing quality control on insect and plant material in the laboratory, etc. Preparing detailed laboratory reports, such as the results of specific projects, wherein the candidate performed statistical analysis of data as directed by supervisor. OR One full year of directly related graduate education in a field of study such as biology, entomology, or related fields. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-06 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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. Education This position does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), or Reemployment Priority List (RPL): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP or RPL eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. This position is represented by a collective bargaining unit (union), specifically the National Association of Agriculture Employees (NAAE). Promotion Potential: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. Worksite Information: This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Additional information regarding ad hoc, occasional, or reoccurring telework may be obtained at a later time from the hiring manager or program during the hiring process.
