- Agency
- USDA - Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit
- Location
- Manhattan, Kansas
- Job Category
- Full Time Positions
- Salary
- $45,810 - $65,778/year
- Last Date to Apply
- October 16, 2018
- Website
- www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/512497000
- Description
- ABADRU conducts research on the surveillance and management of domestic livestock pathogens that are transmitted by insects (biting flies and mosquitoes). Insect-borne diseases cause significant economic loss and pose a constant threat to the U.S. livestock industry. New methods and products will be developed and compared to established techniques and materials. The incumbent of this position will actively participate in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of complex technical duties in a laboratory and field environment working with live insects. Major Duties may include, but are not limited to: • Collects insect samples in a field environment. • Sorts and identifies insect collections to the species classification. • Maintains and rears large populations or colonies of insects and arthropods for disease vector research and scientific studies. • Tests new and established products (insecticides) and techniques (treatment methods) for efficacy. • Identifies physical features from live insect samples and prepares the insects for study in a laboratory environment. • Keeps exact, detailed records of experimental data. Tabulates, statistically analyzes and summarizes data using personal computers and software packages. • Interprets and documents findings by preparing information to be included in manuscripts or preparing reports summarizing progress or results of research.
- Qualifications
- Conditions of Employment You must be a US Citizen or US National. Satisfactory background investigation and/or fingerprint check Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Subject to satisfactory completion of a one-year probationary period. Physical Demands The work requires some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring walking or bending. In many situations, the duration of the activity (such as most of a workday) contributes to the arduous nature of the job. In other situations, there may be special requirements for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination. Work Environment The work involves regular and recurring moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g. working with contagious diseases or irritant chemicals or working outdoors. The employee is required to use protective clothing such as gowns, coats, boots, goggles, gloves. Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement including the following specialized experience and/or education, as identified by grade level. 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: At the GS-8: Qualifying 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 participating in a biological research project which includes collecting, evaluating and identifying insect samples; rearing insects for scientific study; and preparing summaries of experimental data findings. OR Education: Two full years of graduate level education or a Master’s degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Biology, Agricultural Science, Entomology, or other science degree that included the study of insects. OR A combination of education and experience as described above. At the GS-9: Qualifying experience for GS-9 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-8 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 conducting a biological science research project which includes collecting, evaluating and identifying insect samples; rearing insect colonies for scientific study; and preparing reports and peer-reviewed manuscripts which summarize research progress and results. OR Education: Two full years of graduate level education or a Master’s degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Biology, Agricultural Science, Entomology, or other science degree that included the study of insects. OR A 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, knowledge, and skills 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 Additional information More than one selection may be made if another vacancy occurs within 90 days of the issuance of the certification of eligibles.
- Job Number
- 58
- Contact Person
- David Pesta
- Contact Phone
- 703-259-9412
- Contact eMail
- dpesta@yrci.com