Biological Science Lab Technician
Summary
As a Biological Science Lab Technician at Moore Air Base (MAB) in Edinburg, TX you would be filling a critical role in support of the nation's New World screwworm response activities. This position is part of the Biological Sciences and Laboratory Support Positions at MAB.
APHIS will also be accepting applications and conducting interviews in-person Nov 17-19 in McAllen, TX. Please see "How to Apply" and/or this site for more information.
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Duties
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- The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.
- The duties may include, but are not limited to:
- Maintains accurate records of tests and experimental results, and recognizes and records variations in test results.
- Identifies issues within assigned work, makes relevant observations, formulates conclusions, and communicates recommendations for improving procedures or project workflows to the appropriate scientific staff.
- Ensures equipment is properly calibrated, maintains required calibration or validation records, and reports any uncalibrated or malfunctioning equipment to the supervisor.
- Monitors and records biological, environmental, and operational data to support decision making and continuous improvement within the facility.
- Provides logistical support during pilot studies or operational trials, including setup, sample processing, observation, and data capture.
- Supports insect rearing activities, including maintaining colonies, monitoring developmental stages, documenting growth metrics, and ensuring environmental parameters remain within required specifications.
- Participates in dispersal preparation activities, including sample collection, packaging, labeling, and conducting quality checks to verify suitability for release.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
- You must be a US Citizen or US National.
- Individuals who were born male 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. Refer to the Next Steps section for more information.
- 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 [click to reveal website link]
- All USDA employees are required to be enrolled in Continuous Vetting, which authorizes government agencies to receive notifications of criminal activity on individuals who hold low risk, public trust, or national security positions.
- May be required to successfully complete a probationary and a trial period. Refer to the Next Steps section for more information.
Qualifications
First priority will be given to applicants who apply in-person or on-line by an initial applicant cut-off of 12:00 PM Central Time on November 17. If the position is filled after the first cut-off, this announcement may close prior to the posted closing date.
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-5 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-4 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
- Assisting with laboratory activities involving animal disease testing by applying basic knowledge of animal viruses and infectious diseases and following established procedures for sample handling, microscopy, and animal care.
- Routine use of computer software to store and retrieve data and maintain spreadsheets
- Using and maintaining laboratory equipment such as thermocyclers, microscopes, and centrifuges.
OR
Education: Successful completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, mathematics or related fields, with at least 6 semester hours in microbiology, biology or chemistry.
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-5 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 well qualified, which means having knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or competencies that exceed the minimum qualification requirements for this position. CTAP/ICTAP applicants may be required to take a manual assessment and 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.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.