- Agency
- USDA - ARS - Sugarcane Reserch Unit
- Location
- Houma, LA
- Job Category
- Full Time Positions
- Salary
- $74,596 to $115,313 per year
- Website
- https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/557125000
- Description
- This position is located on Sugarcane Research Unit (SRU), Houma, LA The goal of the multi-disciplinary research unit is to improve sugarcane production efficiency through germplasm enhancement, including the development and release of superior commercial cultivars; improved cultural practices; and integrated management of insect, disease, and weed pests. Incumbent is responsible for a research program that addresses insect pests that limit sugarcane productivity. Responsibilities Evaluating susceptibility of parental and near-release varieties of sugarcane to sugarcane stalk borers Quantifying the impact of insect pests on sugarcane yields Identifying control tactics for managing damaging infestations of a hemipteran complex to include the role of soil health on these infestations and new insecticides for controlling the complex Evaluating the impact of changing agronomic practices on insect development during a 4-year sugarcane crop-cycle Determining the role of insect vectors of sugarcane pathogens Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
- 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 Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served. 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. 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. 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: Entomology Series (414): Degree: entomology; or a related discipline of the biological or physical sciences that included at least 16 semester hours in entomology. OR Combination of education and experience - courses equivalent to a major that included 16 semester hours in entomology. 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 defining research problems, developing and executing a research plan related to insect pests limiting sugarcane productivity. Experience in professional knowledge of entomology and sugarcane pathogens. Experience publishing research in peer reviewed scientific journals in integrated management of insect, disease and weed pests. GS-13: Applicants must demonstrate at least 1 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 experiencerequirements for the GS-13 level of this position are: Research experience conceiving or formulating research ideas supporting or leading in the processes of insect pests limiting sugarcane productivity. Research experience conceiving or formulating research ideas supporting or leading in entomology as it relates to sugarcane pathogens. Experience reporting research results in peer reviewed scientific journals as primary authorship of publications of considerable interest and value to the fieldand making presentations at scientific or stakeholder meetings, as it relates to integrated management of insect, disease and weed pests. 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. 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. 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
- 151
- Contact Person
- Christine Isaac
- Contact Phone
- 301-504-1394
- Contact eMail
- christine.isaac@usda.gov