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Subject: Biological Science Technician Internship Available Description: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Field Operations (FO) Operations – Pest Management and Safety (OPMS) Plant Germplasm Quarantine Program (PGQP) Biological Science Technician GS-0404-04 Master Record Number: 4PQ822 INTRODUCTION The Plant Germplasm Quarantine Program establishes and maintains foreign Germplasm and cultivars under appropriate safeguarding conditions; conducts tests for pests; implements therapy if necessary; and distributes released plant propagules free of exotic and destructive pathogens. These activities prevent the introduction of damaging foreign fungi, bacteria, phytoplasmas, viruses, viroids, and undescribed infectious agents so that scientists and industry can safely obtain valuable genes for the improvement of US agriculture. The Plant Germplasm Quarantine Center is the only Federal plant quarantine facility in the United States for the importation of certain plants and plant propagules prohibited from commercial importation. APHIS is an emergency response agency. This means that all Agency employees may be asked or assigned to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments away from their assigned duty station to support emergency programs at some time during their careers with APHIS. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Performs standardized routines in support of various projects. Duties involve standardized test procedures, routines or operations which require a general knowledge of basic biological science and the ability to know when and how to resolve problems encountered or to make adaptations in the sequencing of the tasks performed. Duties are performed by any combination of the following: Assists in one or more phases of the scientific process by performing a variety of standardized or routine duties, in a laboratory, field screenhouse or greenhouse environment. These include collecting and weighing samples for laboratory tests, grinding and transferring samples to collection tubes and mixing reagents for a supervisor. Performs routine and recurring techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment such as weigh balances, autoclaves and printers deigned to make plant labels. Records instrument readings, collect samples and takes measurements such as recording and modifying greenhouse and screenhouse temperature and ventilation settings and controls. Assists with the collection and shipment of plant Germplasm released from quarantine. Tasks include carefully packaging one-of-a-kind plant material and preparing computer labels. Uses detailed records of experimental data. Tabulates and summarizes data using personal computers and software packages. Entry of routine data into electronic databases may be performed. Maintains inventory of chemicals, prepares solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, field, screenhouses, or greenhouses, and safely disposes of waste material (both chemical and biological). Performs tasks in greenhouses, screenhouses, and orchards including planting and transplanting woody and herbaceous plants, labeling plants and assisting with inoculations designed to test for pathogens of quarantine significance. On a rotational basis, participates in weekend and holiday duty as the sole person on duty from the immediate staff. Duties include watering plant materials in greenhouses and growth chambers, checking automated watering systems, and checking heating and cooling systems. FACTOR LEVELS 1. Knowledge Required by the Position – Knowledge of the basic principles of biological science, e.g., plant pathology, plant physiology, entomology, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, etc. in order to perform routine or recurring techniques and studies, record instrument reading, collect samples and take measurements. Knowledge of processes, methods and procedures necessary to perform the full range of duties on the assignment area. Skill in the operation of basic equipment common to specific area of pathogen detection being conducted to perform routine tests or take measurements and readings. Ability to keep exact and detailed records of data obtained from experiments. Ability to operate a personal computer using word processing and/or other software programs. Ability to recognize subtle variations in often repeated experiments. Ability to schedule and independently carry out work assignments. 2. Supervisory Controls – The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Laboratory Director or a designee. The incumbent is given relatively clear instructions concerning project objectives and methods to be employed. Proceeds with assigned duties independently, subject to occasional checks of work in progress. The supervisor or designee ensures that tasks completed, data developed, the methods used in securing and verifying data and application of guidelines are technically accurate and in compliance with instructions and established procedures. The incumbent is expected to recognize and report deviations in the expected progress of projects. 3. Guidelines – Work assignments, procedures and some deadlines are pre-established and updated periodically. The incumbent must use sound judgment in applying these guidelines to the varying circumstances found in the day-to-day operations of the program. The incumbent will notify the supervisor of deviations from established operating procedures as they occur. 4. Complexity – Assignments consist of performing a variety of routine procedural tasks or one or more complex duties related to regular and recurring technical work, operating a variety of pieces of equipment or one or more complex equipment systems commonly associated with the work site, and performing a full variety of standardized technical support and technical duties associated with the work. Performance of the assignments requires making choices when expecting a number of types of sequential, related steps or assembling several pieces of equipment. The incumbent exercises independence in recognizing differences, choosing the right course of action, and then selecting and executing the proper task sequences for completing the work. The incumbent deals with facts, i.e., spots readings which are outside the normal range of tolerance or acceptability, or determines how best to present raw data. The employee determines what needs to be done to update or complete records and documents and initiates action to acquire needed information from others as indicated by situations encountered in the work. 5. Scope and Effect – Completed assignments constitute a complete segment of assignments with broader scope, i.e. daily collects data for use by others involved in pathogen detection. Work products affect the accuracy, reliability, or acceptability of further procedures, processes or services, i.e. the ability of others to complete with accuracy a phase of a scientific process. 6. Personal Contacts – Contacts are primarily with other employees on the Plant Germplasm Quarantine Program staff. The incumbent will also establish contacts with other PPQ personnel and with a variety of other Federal, state, and local government stakeholders. The incumbent may also establish periodic contacts with University personnel, private citizens and other stakeholders. 7. Purpose of Contacts – Contacts are made to exchange information, to seek guidance in the performance of assigned duties, and to maintain participation in cooperative projects. 8. Physical Demands – The work requires good dexterity of the hands and some moderate exertion, including digging in soil and lifting of up to 40 pounds. The work may require extended periods of standing or sitting, and recurring periods of bending, crouching, and stooping, stretching or similar activities. Extended walking and/or climbing to field locations may be required, often while carrying equipment. 9. Work Environment – The work involves regular and recurring moderate risks of discomfort which require special safety precautions, i.e. working with contagious diseases or irritant chemicals or working outdoors. The incumbent is required to use protective clothing such as gowns, coats, boots, goggles and gloves. The incumbent may work at times in a Bio-safety Level 3 agriculture facility that will require changing clothes into work-suits. APHIS and state policy requires changing clothing upon entry and showering prior to exit of the facility. Working with toxic chemical agents is common in a laboratory setting. The work may also require safe contact with pesticides. This position is located at the Plant Germplasm Quarantine Program in Bldg 580, Beltsville, MD. The candidate must have its own transportation to get to the facilities every day. This position is opened from May 17, 2016 - until a suitable candidate is found. Please send resumes to: [log in to unmask] Phone: 301-313-9316 Event Date: May 17, 2016 Event Location: Beltsville, MD Contact Person: Dr. M.L. Bateman Contact Email: [log in to unmask] Contact Phone Number: 301-313-9316