- Agency
- USDA Agricultural Research Service
- Location
- Edinburg, TX
- Job Category
- Full Time Positions
- Salary
- $76,721 to $118,603 per year
- Website
- https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/571791700
- Description
- The Research Ecologist is part of the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville, TX. The incumbent will perform research in the Cattle Fever Tick Research Laboratory at Moore Field near Edinburg, TX, which is a satellite facility of the Laboratory in Kerrville. Incumbent is assigned to the ARS Project "Integrated Pest Management of Cattle Fever Ticks" to perform ecological research utilizing molecular techniques on cattle fever ticks (CFT). Responsibilities Provide research support on the ecology and molecular characterization of CFT samples provided by APHIS-VS and others. Work with stakeholders and industry to provide scientific advice to other action and regulatory federal and state agencies, and directly coordinate cooperative research with universities, private organizations, and companies. Conduct ecological research using molecular based approaches. Develop ecologically-based methods, which improve CFT surveillance to prevent outbreaks. Study the pattern and interaction between livestock and wildlife to understand how this ecological process drives CFT outbreaks across heterogenous landscapes. Analyze ecological and genetic data using database software to enhance countermeasures against CFT.
- Qualifications
- Conditions of Employment You must be a US Citizen or US National Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check Direct Deposit ? Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/. Successful completion of a three year probationary period. Subject to one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period. 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 Requirements for the Ecology (408) series: Degree: biology, or a related field of science underlying ecological research that included at least 30 semester hours in basic and applied biological sciences. These hours must have included at least 9 semester hours in ecology, and 12 semester hours in physical and mathematical sciences. Additional Requirements In addition to meeting the basic requirements described above, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below. GS-12: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service or possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or possess an equivalent combination of graduate level education and experience. Graduate education must be directly related to the work of the position and must have equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-12 level of this position are: Experience conducting ecological research utilizing molecular techniques related to insects or ticks; Experience applying molecular approaches to study the ecology of agricultural pests; Presenting research at scientific meetings; AND Publishing ecological research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals. GS-13: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-13 level of this position are: Experience conceiving and conducting ecological research utilizing molecular techniques related to insects or ticks; Experience applying ecological approaches for surveillance of agricultural pests; Experience presenting ecological research at scientific meetings; AND Experience publishing ecological research as the lead author in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Supervisory/Managerial Competencies - the following KSAs will also be used to evaluate candidates in the interview and selection process:1. Ability to lead and accomplish work through others (i.e. team building, conflict management, cultural awareness, strategic thinking, technology management, and political savvy.) 2. Ability to communicate with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds in a variety of situations To be considered for this position, you must submit a one-page abstract of your MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation. Also, submit a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, recognition; any honors or awards received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitation); and publications. 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. Applicants must be available to report for duty at the time a selection is made. Selections are typically made within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.
- Job Number
- 179
- Contact Person
- Yelena Minasyan
- Contact Phone
- 703-259-9348
- Contact eMail
- Yelena.Minasyan@usda.gov