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)
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.
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.