**Department:** Department Of Agriculture

**Agency:** Agricultural Research Service

**Sub Agency:** Biological Research Unit

**Job Announcement Number:** ARS-D7W-0165

**Biological Science Technician (Insects)**

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  **Salary Range:** 32172 to 41823    **Open Period:** 3/16/2007 to
  USD Per Year                        3/23/2007

  **Series & Grade:** GS-0404-06      **Position Information:** Full-Time
                                      Permanent

  **Promotion Potential:** GS-09      **Duty Location:** 1 vacancy -
                                      Manhattan, KS
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

**Who May Be Considered:**

Applications will be accepted from United States citizens and nationals.

**Job Summary:**

Seeking a permanent, full-time Biological Science Technician (Insects)
to maintain and rear several hundred genetic strains of the red flour
beetle, Tribolium castaneum.

[**Your U.S. Citizenship must be verified prior to entrance on
duty.**]{.underline}

**Major Duties:**

Incumbent rears and maintains several hundred genetic strains of the red
flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum.  Purchases and prepares diet
(organically-produced wheat flour mixed with dry brewers\' yeast),
subcultures all strains on a regular basis (spot-checking strains for
presence of appropriate mutant phenotypes) and is a leader to student
assistants. Sets up various genetic crosses and other genetic
experiments, keeps records and collects data for these genetic
experiments, and performs simple data analyses.  Responsible for general
maintenance of the laboratory, including ordering supplies, keeping
track of expenses, and maintaining laboratory equipment. 

**Qualifications:**

Your education and experience will be evaluated against all
qualification requirements (basic and any additional requirements)
listed below.

**Basic Requirements:**

[GS-06:]{.underline}  One year of specialized experience equivalent to
at least the GS-05 level OR six months of graduate education directly
related to the duties of the position.

**If qualifying all or in part based on your education, please submit a
copy of your college transcripts OR a list of college courses with
credit hours, dates completed, and grades received.  If the requested
information is not provided, your education may not be appropriately
evaluated and you may lose consideration for this position.** 

**If your qualifications are based in any part on education and you are
selected for this position, you will have to provide an official copy of
your academic transcripts prior to entering on duty.   Education
completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the
above requirements if you can show that the foreign education is
comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in
the United States.  It is your responsibility to provide such evidence
when applying.   Please visit the Office of Personnel Management\'s
website at
[http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e4.htm#e4a]{.underline} for
additional information on this topic**.

**Specialized Experience** is experience which has equipped you with the
following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - \'KSAs\' required to perform
the duties of this position: 

1\.  Knowledge of the basic principles of biological science (e.g.
entomology, genetics, and molecular biology techniques).

2.  Ability to perform insect rearing techniques. 

3.  Skill in using specialized equipment such as stereomicroscopes,
fluorescence microscopy, etc.

4.  Skill in keeping experimental data and performing analyses using a
personal computer and software such as Microsoft Office (Excel or Word)
or WordPerfect.

**How Will You Be Evaluated:**

You will be evaluated to determine if you meet eligibility and minimum
qualifications required, and on the extent to which your application
shows that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs)
associated with this position as defined above under \'Specialized
Experience.\'  The Agricultural Research Service uses a category rating
process.  Based on evaluation of all written materials submitted in
application for the position, you will be determined to be Ineligible,
if you do not meet eligibility and/or minimum qualifications criteria;
Eligible, if you meet all eligibility and minimum qualifications
criteria; OR Quality, if you meet quality criteria in addition to
eligibility and minimum qualifications criteria.  For information about
how to address KSAs, please visit our website
at  [http://www.ars.usda.gov/careers]{.underline},  click on \'How to
Apply,\' then click on \'What are those KSAs anyway?\'  For more
information about the evaluation process, please visit our website at: 
[www.ars.usda.gov/careers]{.underline}, click on \'How to Apply,\'
then click on the link to \'Qualifications and What They Mean.\'

**Benefits:**

A Benefits Package is authorized for this position.  Additional
information about Federal benefits can be obtained at
[www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei61.htm]{.underline}.

**Other Information:**

**Veteran's Preference:**

For further details, call the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
at 703-724-1850 or TDD 978-461-8404.  Select General Information on the
Federal Employment Policies and Procedures, and then Veteran's
Preference and Special Appointing Authorities for Veterans.  Visit their
VetGuide website at
[http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp]{.underline}.

**Creditable Service:**

Service credit for annual leave accrual may be granted for directly
related non-Federal work experience or uniformed service for newly
appointed individuals, or those individuals reappointed after a break in
service from civilian Federal employment of at least 90 calendar days. 
The amount of non-Federal service to be credited will be based on the
amount of directly related and documented experience that the selectee
possesses as documented by the employee and which is approved by agency
management.

**Relocation Expenses:**

Payment of relocation expenses will be determined in accordance with P&P
412.5, Recruitment and Retention Incentives and Other Special Pay,
Sections 6 and 7, as amended by Bulletins 03-402 and 05-412.5, which may
be found at
[http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/ppweb/412-05.htm#H10]{.underline}.  See
also <http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/staffing_recruit/reloweb.htm>.

**Financial Disclosure Requirement:**

Federal employees are subject to prohibitions against officially dealing
with outside organizations in which they have a financial interest.  
You may be required to submit a financial disclosure report if hired for
this position.   

**False statements:**

If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may
not be hired; may be fired after beginning work; or may be fined or
jailed.

**Optional Form 306, (Declaration for Federal Employment**):

If you are selected for this position, you will be required to complete
this form before an offer may be made.

**USDA CTAP/ICTAP or Federal Displaced Employees:**

Applicants requesting consideration under the CTAP or ICTAP programs
must submit documentary evidence of eligibility.  Well qualified CTAP
and ICTAP applicants within the local commuting area will receive
selection priority as provided by OPM regulations.  Well-qualified means
the applicant meets the basic qualification and eligibility requirements
and all selective factors; is rated above minimally qualified against
the KSAs or quality criteria; and is able to satisfactorily perform the
duties of the position upon entry.  If you are requesting consideration
as a CTAP or ICTAP applicant, you must submit the following:

1)      a copy of your RIF Separation Notice or Certification of
Expected Separation or other documentation indicating that you are a
surplus employee;

2)      Evidence of full performance level of current position;

3)      A copy of your most recent performance appraisal; and

4)     A copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel
Action.

**Selective Service System:**

Males over age 18 who were born after December 31, 1959, must have
registered with the Selective Service System (or have an exemption) to
be eligible for Federal employment.

**ARS Reasonable Accommodation Contact Information:**

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application
and hiring process, or have questions regarding reasonable accommodation
and/or accessibility for any part of the application and hiring process,
please contact the Disability Program Manager on 202-720-6161 or through
the DC Relay Service on 202-855-1234 (TDD). 

**How to Apply:**

Applications may be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to the appropriate
address and/or facsimile number, but they must be **postmarked** by
11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the closing date.

If sending your application as an attachment to an email, do not send
zipped files.  They will be removed in accordance with standard
electronic security procedures.

If hand delivered, be sure your application is received in the Human
Resources Division on or before closing date.

**If application packages do not contain all of the requested
information, you may lose consideration for the job.  To help you ensure
your application fully outlines your qualifications and eligibility for
this position, please submit the following documentation as
appropriate.   Some of the items listed may not apply to you.  NOTE: 
Applications received in postage paid government envelopes will not be
considered.**

**APPLICATION PACKAGE CHECKLIST**

\_\_ Optional Form 612 (Optional Application for Federal
Employment), Resume, Curriculum Vitae, or other document outlining your
qualifications (Go to
[http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/of.asp]{.underline} and scroll down to
obtain the OF-612).

**The following information is required of all applicants:**

\_\_ Announcement number, title, and grade(s) of the position

\_\_ Full name, mailing address (including zip code) and day and evening
phone numbers (with area code)

\_\_ Social security number

\_\_ Statement that you are a U.S. citizen (if not using the OF-612)

\_\_Copy of DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active
Duty) (only if claiming veteran's preference) (Visit the following web
site for additional information:
[http://www.opm.gov/employ/veterans/html/vetguide.asp]{.underline}

\_\_SF-15 (Application for 10-point Veteran's Preference) plus the
support documentation required by this form (if claiming 10-point
veteran's preference) (Go to the web site at
[http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/sf.asp]{.underline} to obtain form.)

\_\_ Paid and non-paid work experience related to the position.  For
each period of work experience include:

          \_\_\_Job title

          \_\_\_Series/grade (if Federal employment)

          \_\_\_Duties and accomplishments

          \_\_\_Employer's name and address

          \_\_\_Supervisor's name and contact information

          \_\_\_Starting and ending dates of employment (at least
month/year)

          \_\_\_Number of hours worked per week

          \_\_\_Salary

          \_\_\_Indicate if we may contact current supervisor/employer

\_\_ Other job related information, such as training courses (title &
year); skills (e.g., other languages, computer software/hardware, tools,
etc.)

          \_\_\_Certificates/licenses (current)

          \_\_\_Honors, awards, and special accomplishments

          \_\_\_Supplemental questionnaire if applicable

                (usually for Federal Wage System positions - WG, WL, WS)

\_\_ Copy of college transcripts (if qualifying all or in part on the
basis of education for this position) (If you have non-conventional
education, e.g., foreign study, continuing education units, life
experience, etc., go to the web site at
[http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e4.htm#e4a]{.underline} and
look under the heading "Other Education" for information governing
acceptability of this type of education.)

\_\_ Copy of SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify
possession of competitive civil service status (if you are a current or
previous federal employee)

\_\_ Copy of most recent performance appraisal (if you are a current
federal employee)

\_\_ Second copy of application package IF you are a candidate with
competitive status.  (NOTE:  All status candidates who wish to be
considered under both alternative merit promotion and non-status
competitive examining must submit two (2) complete applications when the
position is open to both status and non-status candidates.  When only
one (1) application is received, it will be considered under the
alternative merit promotion procedures if the applicant is a current or
former Federal employee with reinstatement eligibility.)

\_\_ Support documentation for eligibility for special hiring
authorities, such as disability, Peace Corps service, etc.  (If you have
questions about whether you are eligible for a particular hiring
authority, please call the servicing HR specialist or visit the web site
at
[http://www.opm.gov/Strategic_Management_of_Human_Capital/fhfrc/default.asp]{.underline}

\_\_ Support documentation if you are a USDA surplus or federal
displaced employee (See pertinent section under "Other Important
Information" below.

\_\_ Self-certification of typing speed (if required as a basic
qualification for the position)

\_\_ While not required, a separate response to the required knowledge,
skills, and abilities (KSAs listed under Specialized Experience) and
Selective Placement Factor(s), if present, for this position may better
highlight your specific qualifications for this position.  (For an
explanation of KSAs, go to the web site at
[http://www.ars.usda.gov/careers/whatksa.html]{.underline}).

If this is your first time applying for a federal job, or if you wish to
view more detailed information about  various aspects of applying for
federal jobs, go to
[http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/of.asp]{.underline} and scroll down to
access the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Optional Form 510.

**Location Contact Information:  Janette Jensen, (785) 776-2737**

**Contact Information:**

Keli A. Martin

Phone: 301-504-1584

Fax: 301-504-1535

TDD: 202-855-1234

Internet: SCIRECRUIT@ARS.USDA.GOV

Or Write:

Department Of Agriculture

USDA-REE-ARS-HRD/ARS-X7W-0165

5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Stop #5106

Beltsville MD 20705-5106

US

**What to Expect Next:**

Applicants will receive written confirmation from this office when their
application package is received.

After the application has been received, applicants will not be notified
of the status of their paperwork until a final selection has been made.

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the
basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political
affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age,
membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants
with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable
accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should
contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for
reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and were
separated under honorable conditions may be eligible for veterans'
preference. For service beginning after October 15, 1976, the veteran
must have served the required length of time and have a Campaign Badge,
Expeditionary Medal, a service-connected disability, or have served in
the Gulf War between August 2, 1990, and January 2, 1992.

The Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) gives veterans access to
job vacancies that might otherwise be closed to them. The law allows
eligible veterans to compete for vacancies advertised under agency's
promotion procedures when the agency is seeking applications from
outside of its own workforce.

To claim veterans' preference, veterans should be ready to provide a
copy of their DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active
Duty, or other proof. Veterans with service connected disability and
others claiming 10 point preference will need to submit Form SF-15,
Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference.

For more specifics on all veterans employment issues such as Veterans
preference or special appointing authorities see the VetGuide.

Social Security Number - Your Social Security Number is requested under
the authority of Executive Order 9397 to uniquely identify your records
from those of other applicants who may have the same name. As allowed by
law or Presidential directive, your Social Security Number is used to
seek information about you from employers, schools, banks, and others
who may know you. Failure to provide your Social Security Number on your
application materials, will result in your application not being
processed.

Privacy Act - Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): The information requested
here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is
authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.

Signature - Before you are hired, you will be required to sign and
certify the accuracy of the information in your application.

False Statements - If you make a false statement in any part of your
application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin
work; or you may be subject to fine, imprisonment, or other disciplinary
action.

Selective Service - If you are a male applicant born after December 31,
1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective
Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective
Service Law.