"Alerted.org

Summary You will serve as a Courier in this Biological Science Laboratory Technician position that is responsible for the shipment of laboratory samples and exotic disease agents, handling, controlling, and shipping or receiving of biological material at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) Responsibilities The duties may include, but are not limited to: Serves as expert in International Air Transportation Act (IATA) shipping regulations, and performs training in air shipment regulations to staff and State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories. Serves as the expert in the transport and shipment of diagnostic materials, etiological agents and hazardous materials to and from national and international destinations. Coordinates the gamma irradiation of all animal products entering the United States whose permits require irradiation with the appropriate unit. Handles all biological materials during transfer, transport, and during manipulation in biological safety cabinet according to established USDA biosafety guidelines. Maintains necessary permits and licenses allowing movement through airport cargo and terminals to expedite retrieval of government personnel or clearance of packages. Assists with the unpacking and setup of instruments for preliminary checks before entering containment. Conforms with the requirements of approved SOPs, policies, or standards such as ISO 9001 or 17025. 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. FOR THE GS-9 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-8 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Processing, analyzing, storing, and inventorying controlled and/or hazardous waste items to ensure compliance with written processes and procedures. Transporting hazardous waste, controlled materials, or other items with restrictions on shipping and transportation. Keeping records in accordance with quality assurance requirements and preparing written summary reports of work and presenting this information in a small group setting. Interpreting and applying federal laws, regulations, and other written guidance when collecting, packaging, transporting, collecting, or shipping hazardous materials. Preparing, collecting, and safeguarding biological samples; OR Successful completion of Two full years of graduate education (36 semester hours, 54 quarter hours or equivalent) or a master's degree in biology, chemistry, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics, or in a field directly related to the position. 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-9 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 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. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.