Summary This position is located in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Pacific West Area (PWA), Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Tropical Crop and Commodity Protection Branch located in Hilo, Hawaii. In this position, you will assist scientist that develop pre and postharvest technologies for invasive pests, and to open and maintain market access and improved quality of tropical fruit, vegetable and ornamental crops grown in the Pacific Basin. Responsibilities Adapts, modifies, or develops new techniques and procedures to satisfy the needs of the research project. Tabulates, statistically analyzes and summarizes data using personal computers and software packages. Collects, prepares, evaluates and verifies samples and supporting records. Prepares solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse, and safely disposes of waste material (both chemical and biological). Maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources. Participates in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of complex technical duties. 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-07: 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-07 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-06 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 collecting, maintaining, or measuring biological samples related to plants or insects; operating basic laboratory and field equipment; assisting in recording, compiling, or summarizing data using programs such as Microsoft Excel. OR Education: One full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include biology, horticulture, ecology, agriculture, natural resource management, entomology, rangeland science. OR A combination of graduate-level education and specialized experience as described above. GS-08: 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-08 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 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 recording, compiling, or summarizing data using programs such as Microsoft Excel; using molecular laboratory techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing) and specialized field tools (e.g. UAV operation); coordinating data collection related to insects or plants; and assisting with experimental design. OR Education: Two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include biology, horticulture, ecology, agriculture, natural resource management, entomology, rangeland science. OR A combination of graduate-level education and specialized experience as described above. 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 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.