Biological Science Technician (Animal)

Summary These positions are located in ARS, Midwest Area, National Animal Disease Center (NADC), Animal Resources Unit in Ames, IA. In this position, you will manage the technical work in support of the care, maintenance, health, and behavior of animals involved in the research projects located in ARS Bio- and High Containment Animal Research facilities. Responsibilities Perform a variety of processes, methods, procedures, and tasks related to the care and feeding of the animals. Provide feed and liquids according to such factors as age, activity, and state of health requirements. Adhere to guidelines for the humane handling of animals to prevent injury to animals and/or personnel. Observe animals for appearance and activity and signs of illness, disease, discontent behavior, and/or refusal of feed. Document and report animal health and general physical condition per facility-specific guidance. Apply guidelines defined by SOPs for acceptable housing of various species in the daily care and housing of animal. Keep detailed records of clinical and experimental data including tabulating and summarizing data using personal computers and software packages. 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-05: 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-05 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-04 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 higher level technicians in one or more phases of the research process related to the care and feeding of animals; and operating common laboratory or field equipment. OR Education: A full 4-year course of study above the high school level leading to a bachelors degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must have been directly related to the position to be filled. Related degrees may include Animal Science, Agricultural Science, Biology, Microbiology, and related fields. OR A combination of education and specialized experience as described above. GS-06: 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-06 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-05 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 higher level technicians in one or more phases of the research process; handling animals in an agricultural, commercial, or research setting; and operating common laboratory or field equipment. OR Education: Successful completion of one full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a masters or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Animal Science, Agricultural Science, Biology, Microbiology, and related fields. OR A combination of graduate-level education and specialized experience as described above. Physical Demands: The incumbent performs activities involved in the care, treatment, and observation of animals, and collecting of biological specimens. Moderate to heavy physical exertion is required daily for restraining larges animals and moving feed, hay, bedding, and equipment (up to 75 pounds). May be required to move large animal carcasses and/or portion of carcasses in carts weighing up to 300 pounds with the support of handling equipment. May require standing on a ladder to complete overhead tasks, i.e., the cleaning and changing of filters; stooping, bending, reaching, and active walking. The incumbent may frequently be required to do physical activity while wearing a respirator which requires extra effort. Work Environment: Work is in a Biosafety Level 2, 3, 4 Ag, and/or BSL-4 facility. The work is performed in animal holding facilities where natural and man-made environmental extremes (i.e., rain, snow, ice, sunlight, heat, cold, and high humidity) are present. Because this is an exigency position, the incumbent is expected to report for duty when the laboratory is closed due to hazardous weather, heightened threat levels, or natural disasters. Work may involve discomforts such as having to spend long periods of time on concrete or slippery floors, exposure to bites, scratches, kicks, disagreeable odors, allergens, and animal wastes from diseased or distressed animals. In addition, the work may be in closely confined rooms and areas as well as outside areas. The incumbent works in all kinds of weather or in situations where temperature variance is considerable including long periods in the hot sun, and sometimes chilly or rainy weathers, exposed to dirt, dust, mud and sometimes chemical sprays and dusts. Works on weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings, as required. The incumbent is expected to work with animals infected with zoonotic diseases and therefore be required to follow shower procedures and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks or respirators, ear and eye and ear protection, boots, gloves, and coveralls. Various forms of respiratory protection equipment must be worn when working with certain infectious agents, chemicals, and animal allergens. PPE provides necessary protection against biological and chemical hazards but may increase risk of accidents due to decreased vision, hampered communication, and limited mobility and dexterity. Physical well-being may be compromised by the prolonged usage of the PPE may lead to labored respiration, heat stress and dehydration. Work may be performed daily in the presence of hazardous chemicals such as formaldehyde, virucidal and bactericidal disinfectants, and detergents. 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. 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. 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. This position is designated as a bargaining unit position and is represented by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).