Summary This position is located within the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Southeast Area in Stoneville, Mississippi. In this position, you will be involved in almost all phases of the scientist's study and have responsibility for selected phases or test applications of scientific and technical theories when the methods, techniques, and procedures are clearly outlined. Responsibilities Participates in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of complex technical duties, in a laboratory, growth chambers, greenhouse and field environment. Maintains inventory of chemicals or stock solutions. Prepares solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse, and safely disposes of waste material both chemical and biological. Adapts, modifies or develops new techniques or procedures to satisfy the needs of the research project. Maintains, calibrates and modifies complex or specialized equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures. 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-07 Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-07 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-06 which is directly related to the work of this position, and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience assisting with plants or crops in a field or greenhouse; operating basic farm, greenhouse, or laboratory equipment; and collecting or preparing plant or seed samples and supporting records. 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 to the position. Related degrees may include Plant Science, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Crop Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, or Plant Pathology. OR A combination of graduate level education and experience as described above. GS-08 Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-08 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience participating in plant science research, handling, mixing, and spraying herbicides using various spray equipment or working with different crops; keeping records of research data such as herbicide resistance; and maintaining and operating field or greenhouse equipment. OR Education: Successful completion of two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Plant Science, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Crop Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, or Plant Pathology. OR A combination of graduate level education and 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 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. 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. 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. 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.