Biologist - Agricultural Research Service : Job Details

Summary This position is in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Pacific West Area (PWA), Western Wheat Quality Laboratory in the Wheat Health, Genetics and Quality Research Unit (WHGQRU) at Pullman, Washington. In this position, you will lead and coordinate service activities and coordinate with other scientists in carrying out the mission of the agency which interacts regularly with national and international scientists, commodity groups and food industry personnel. Responsibilities Serves as the technical authority and manages of all aspects of cultivar research involving cereal chemistry, food science, plant genetics, and crop management. Serves as a recognized expert and collaborator in development of new wheat and pulse cultivators by evaluating and interpreting end-use quality data of experimental breeding lines and cultivators. Coordinates with the Research Leader by developing long range cultivar research plans regarding the management and execution of end use quality analyses for over 6,000 breeding samples per year of wheat and pulse crops. Supervises ARS Research Technicians and temporary employees, assigned to the breeding sample evaluation project. Coordinates the research activities with scientists in other USDA-ARS Wheat Quality Laboratories, small grains and pulse food industries, and international partners through the Pacific Northwest Quality Council. Develops and demonstrates new testing methods as the technical authority for testing methodology and works directly with plant breeders and food industry representatives to implement new methods. Manages the maintenance of a database containing all quality analyses conducted in the lab, curating the data for accuracy and usefulness. Plans, conducts, and reports complex and innovative research to develop new testing methods and evaluate current testing methods for repeatability, efficiency, and applicability to current food production needs. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. Basic Requirements: Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. AND In addition to the basic requirements above, all applicants must also meet the following minimum qualification requirements: GS-12: 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-12 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-11 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 evaluating the quality of small grains or pulse crops; providing guidance on procedures and methods to be employed by research technicians; and ensuring the safe handling of laboratory, greenhouse and field milling machinery and related equipment. GS-13: 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-13 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-12 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 directing the execution of the testing and assessment of small grain or pulse samples to meet quality targets; developing new testing methods for plant breeders and for the food industry; and collaborating and sharing research results with plant breeders and with the food industry. GS-14: 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-14 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-13 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 developing new research methods and testing procedures to enhance milling, baking, product quality and functionality; applying milling and baking quality requirements of the commercial milling and baking industry for wheat and pulse crops to ensure research projects are applicable; and managing cultivar research as a recognized expert and collaborator including evaluation and interpretation of end-use quality data of experimental breeding lines and cultivars in support of cultivar development and release. 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) or Reemployment Priority List (RPL): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP or RPL eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP 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 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. 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. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.