Physical Science Technician

Summary

This job is open to

Recent graduates

Clarification from the agency

Duties

• Performing chemical and physical analyses of samples using established methods and procedures, such as sample receipt, sample preparation, and sample login within the laboratory as assigned.
• Chooses appropriate sample preparation techniques to adequately prepare laboratory samples for analysis.
• Prepares a variety of detailed reports and other summaries of data illustrating findings on worksheets and maintains records of tests.
• Performs routine maintenance and verification checks of instruments and equipment, and keeps supervisor abreast of maintenance, service, and repair needs.
• Maintains and reviews sample logbooks, sample information documentation, and chain-of-custody documentation for samples and checks for completeness and accuracy.
• Recommends improvements to routine testing methods and helps scientists implement new or modified analytical methods and procedures for new and existing analyses.
• Takes periodic supply inventories and prepares requisitions to maintain adequate supplies of chemicals, consumables, and laboratory apparatus for conducting analyses.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Satisfactory Background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year trial period.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/The work is performed in laboratory and office settings, special safety precautions and protective clothing and/or equipment may be required.
• The work requires long periods of standing associated with handling glass equipment containing hazardous substances, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, crawling, and moving objects up to 70 pounds.

Qualifications

• Completed all requirements for an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two (2) years. Current students who will complete their degree requirements by 06/30/2023 will be considered. or
• Individuals who, due to military service obligation, were precluded from applying to the Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period described above shall have a full 2-year period of eligibility upon release or discharge from active duty. This eligibility period cannot extend more than 6 years from the date on which the requirements for the academic course of study were met.

• Reconcile samples with sample information documentation and review for correctness and completeness.
• Prepare laboratory samples for testing by following sample grinding and homogenization procedures for each type of sample.
• Coordinate with analytical staff to prepare samples for testing in the most efficient manner possible by prioritizing work according to sample priority and analytical staff work schedules.
• Operate such equipment as food processors and mills to prepare samples for analyses.

Education

Additional information

• Recent Graduate appointments are intended to last for 1 year. Recent Graduates who satisfactorily complete all the USDA Recent Graduates Program requirements may be non-competitively converted to a Term or Permanent appointment in the competitive service. Conversion is not guaranteed. Recent Graduates converted to Term appointments may later be non-competitively converted to a Permanent competitive service position.
• If selected, official transcripts will be required prior to entrance on duty.
• A Pathways Participant Agreement will be required if you are selected for a position. The agreement must be signed by all applicable parties prior to entrance on duty.
• First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected.
• Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee.
• Promotion Potential: 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.
• Selection will be at GS-1311-05 with the possibility of conversion to a term or permanent GS-1311-05, with promotion potential to the GS-1311-07 level. Conversion eligibility and position is not guaranteed and depends upon the program unit's needs.
• Worksite Information: This position is located at the duty station(s) listed in this vacancy announcement and is not eligible for telework or remote work.

• Successfully complete at least 1-year of continuous service in addition to all requirements of the Program as outlined in the Participant Agreement.
• Demonstrate successful job performance.
• Meet the qualifications for the position to which the Recent Graduate will be converted.

How You Will Be Evaluated

How to Apply

Agency contact information

 APHIS Human Resources

Phone

Email

Address

Next steps

Fair & Transparent

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Financial suitability
• Selective Service
• New employee probationary period
• Signature and false statements
• Privacy Act
• Social security number request

Required Documents

• Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) other qualifications; and 5) supervisors name and phone number for each work period listed and whether or not they may be contacted for reference checks.
• College Transcripts: You must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program. For further information, visit the following: Foreign Education Evaluation. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
• If claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions within 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. The certification must be on the letterhead of the appropriate military branch and include the dates of military service. Veterans' preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
• If claiming 10-point veterans' preference you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. The SF-15 should be included but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference. For more information on veterans' preference visit FEDSHIREVETS