Several positions will be filled at several different non-BSL (Bio-Safety Laboratory) locations within the Agricultural Research Service and will perform a variety of routine, standardized tests, procedures, routines, or operations in support of animal research projects, animal husbandry, and animal care.
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled and which provided the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position. GS-05: Experience: Qualifying experience for the GS-05 level of this position is one-year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 grade level or its non-federal equivalent, maintaining inventory of all animal feeds, supplements, and additives; maintaining, calibrating or modifying equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures and participating in animal or aquatic species research project. OR Education: A full 4-year course of study above the high school level leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must have been directly related. Related courses may include animal sciences, animal feeding and nutrition, animal management, animal production, or meat sciences. OR An appropriate combination of education and experience as described above. GS-06: Experience: Qualifying experience for the GS-06 level of this position is one-year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level or its non-federal equivalent, maintaining inventory of all animal feeds, supplements, and additives; maintaining, calibrating or modifying equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures and collecting samples, maintaining records, compiling data and other information from various sources, and participated in animal or aquatic species research project. OR Education: Successful completion of One full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include animal sciences, animal feeding and nutrition, animal management, animal production, or meat sciences. OR An appropriate combination of education and experience as described above. SEVERAL LOCATIONS HAVE THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENT: This is an essential/emergency (exigency) position. The incumbent is required to report for duty during emergencies, critical periods, or during times when there is Government closure due to inclement weather or budget cut-off. If you have applied to a location with the requirement identified above, it will be discussed with you during the interview process. 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.
Duties listed represent the full performance level of the position.
Monitors the health of the animals (sheep, cattle, horses, dogs, mice, rats, aquatic species, etc.)
Assists with delivering diets to the animal(s) identified.
Assists in one or more phases of the research or operational processes by performing a variety of standardized or routine duties.
Keeps detailed records of experimental data as it relates to animal feeding, health, and performance.
Records instrument readings, collects samples, and takes measurements.
Maintains inventory of all animal feeds, supplements, and additives; plant materials (seeds), fertilizers, and herbicides; and any chemicals relevant to the assigned work equipment/area.