Biologist / Chemist

Summary The incumbent performs tasks to assist the Director and senior staff scientists of the USDA Pesticide Data Program (PDP). Under the guidance of the Director and / or senior staff scientists, the incumbent carries out a variety of programmatic and analytical assignments pertaining primarily to food sampling and the quality assurance programs of the participating States and Federal pesticide residue programs and facilities. 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 : Reviews detailed PDP sample and / or chemical residue data and reports for conformity to standard operating procedures and quality assurance / quality control requirements. Analyzes PDP data for trends and reporting by applying knowledge of technical / scientific approaches and spreadsheet and database applications. Independently researches and prepares reports on agricultural and scientific questions of interest to PDP for review by the Director and / or senior scientists. Contributes to the preparation of reports, presentations, trainings, and other communications regarding the program methods, sample and / or chemical residue results, pesticide tolerances, etc. Maintains working relationship with PDP State partners and provides support to the States on the recognition of collaborators. Manages multiple tasks at one time, including reoccurring (e.g., monthly) assignments. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and / or education, as defined below. BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR THE 0401 SERIES : Degree : biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. or Combination of education and experience : Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR THE 1320 SERIES : Degree : physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics. or Combination of education and experience : Course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education. FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL : Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates : Training in the methods of residue chemistry and review of chemical residue data in environmental samples such as food, water, soil, etc. Using spreadsheet and / or database applications that can be used for data analysis. Training in researching and preparing scientific reports and documenting findings. OR : 1 year of graduate-level education in courses relating to each individual basic requirement per job series. OR Superior Academic Achievement : To qualify based on Superior Academic Achievement. (S.A.A.), you must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution AND must meet certain GPA requirements. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL : Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates : Applying methods of residue chemistry and / or reviewing chemical residue data in environmental samples such as food, water, soil, etc. Conducting data analysis using software applications such as spreadsheets and / or databases. Researching and preparing scientific reports, preparing presentations of scientific findings, and communicating results. OR : 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in courses relating to each individual basic requirement per job series. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if : This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. You are qualifying for this position based on Superior Academic Achievement. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-07 / 09 GRADE LEVELS : 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 Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) : Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP / RPL / ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP / ICTAP 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 / ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected. 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 is an interdisciplinary position and may be filled in any of the job series / position titles listed. In addition to the specialized experience requirements, applicants must submit proof that they meet the educational requirements for at least one of the series described in the announcement. Applicants may only be appointed to job series / position titles for which they meet all experience and educational requirements. 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.