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.

Duties

• •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.

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.