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Summary This position is located within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville, TX. In this position, you will assist higher level technicians and scientists with maintaining insect colonies and performing molecular biology techniques in support of USDA, ARS' New World screwworm research program. Responsibilities Maintains, calibrates and modifies complex or specialized equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures. Performs routine and recurring techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment. Tabulates, statistically analyzes and summarizes data using personal computers and software packages. Assists in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties, in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse. Maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources. 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. GS-06: Applicants must meet one of the following to be qualified at the GS-06 grade level: Specialized Experience - One year of specialized experience (defined below) equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled and has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. The specialized experience requirements for this position at the GS-06 level are: Collecting or evaluating biological samples; and Keeping detailed records of experimental data; and Performing routine and recurring molecular biology techniques using a variety of specialized equipment such as pipetting, PCR, and gel electrophoresis. OR Education - Successful completion of one full year of graduate level education directly related to the duties of the position. Related education may include biology, molecular biology, entomology, or chemistry. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above. GS-07: Applicants must meet one of the following to be qualified at the GS-07 grade level: Specialized Experience - One year of specialized experience (defined below) equivalent to at least the GS-06 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled and has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. The specialized experience requirements for this position at the GS-07 level are: Participating in a research project related to insects, molecular biology, or chemistry; and Statistically analyzing or summarizing data; and Maintaining equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures. OR Education: Successful completion of one full year of graduate level education directly related to the duties of the position. Related education may include biology, molecular biology, entomology, or chemistry. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized 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 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 This position does not have an education qualification requirement. 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. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. The final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at the time of job offer. 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. 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.