Summary As a Biological Science Laboratory Technician, you will organize and manage a wide variety of standard techniques in performing diagnostic tests, reagent production, developmental studies, and training assignments related to animal pathogens having significant economic importance to the livestock industry. This Open Continuous Announcement allows acceptance of applications through 09/30/2024 with eligible applicants being placed on the register and referred for consideration as vacancies occur. Responsibilities 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: Receives diagnostic specimens for pathogen examination, reads history or specific requests of field personnel, selects appropriate test or identification procedure. Prepare diagnostic reagents which include bacterial culture, histology preparations, entomology preparation, inoculation of cell cultures, animals, and embryonating chicken eggs. Following a standard outline plans working details, makes measurements, and observes results of tests. Assumes responsibility for conducting sections of developmental projects. Takes references such as laboratory protocols, journal articles, or rough outlines from a professional and conducts virologic, bacteriological, parasitological, pathological or chemical techniques. Recognizes problems in assignments and procedures, make pertinent observations, draw conclusions, and make suggestions for improvement. Prepares accurate, written reports describing test procedures and results and summarizes findings. 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-05 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Using word-processing and database software. Maintaining a safe laboratory environment for self and colleagues. Making buffers and maintaining a sterile workspace. Following standard operating procedures and testing for proficiency. OR 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. FOR THE GS-06 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Using word-processing and database software. Maintaining quality records and maintaining a sterile workspace. Performing laboratory techniques comparable to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) requirements. Animal handling, microbiological techniques such as isolate identification, and/or molecular techniques such as antibody-based assays. OR Successful completion of 18 semester hours of graduate level education 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. FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Performing techniques for culture propagation. Performing advanced animal handling including swabbing and inoculations, bacterial and viral identification, microscopy, immunohistochemical assays, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Performing in-vitro and in-vivo potency comparison tests in accordance with standard operating procedures. Working with computerized systems for tracking and reporting test results as part of a quality management system. Working with pathogens of veterinary concern such as zoonotic agents or those under surveillance. OR One full year of graduate education 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 at the GS-05/06/07 grade levels. 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-05/06/07 GRADE LEVELS: 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. Current Federal employees relocating more than 50 miles and New Hires may be eligible for a $2,500 incentive at start of new service appointment and additional $2,500 at completion of a 2nd year of continued employment if all obligations are met. 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 selectee. Locality pay will vary based upon the selectee's duty location. A final salary determination will be made upon selection. Positions in Ames, IA and Orient Point, NY are represented by a collective bargaining unit (union), specifically: Ames, IA - American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 2315 Orient Point, NY - American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 1940 Positions in Manhattan, KS are not represented by a collective bargaining unit (union). Promotion Potential: 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. Worksite Information: This position is located at the duty station(s) listed in this vacancy announcement and is not eligible for telework or remote work. This is an open continuous vacancy announcement that will be used to fill vacancies as they occur. To receive consideration for vacancies, applicants must submit complete applications prior to the established cut-off date(s). An initial cut-off will take place on 05/15/2024 to begin initial applicant consideration. Applications received after the initial cut-off date will be considered, if needed. Additional cut-off dates will occur on the following dates: 05/15/2024, 05/31/2024, 06/28/2024, 07/31/2024, 08/30/2024, and 09/30/2024. Candidates who submit a complete application by 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) on the cut off dates, will be reviewed and referred if found eligible and qualified for the position. You can update your application at any point during the open period. Please be mindful that updating your application may move it into a later cut-off period. This announcement will remain open until the closing date indicated; however, those who apply after the initial cut-off date will be considered for referral to the hiring manager only if additional vacancies occur and/or the initial referral list is exhausted. Cutoff dates and the closing date of this announcement may be adjusted as needed, and any updates will be reflected on this announcement.