Summary In this position you will assist higher graded employees in day-to-day operations and will perform a variety of technical duties in support of the Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) Eradication program objectives in cooperation with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. The PCN program is tasked with developing effective strategies to minimize the spread of PCN and eradicate the pest in Idaho and the rest of the U.S. Responsibilities The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Conducts routine surveillance and inspections for nematodes and other pests of concern. Extracts soil samples and microscopically examines sample extracts to detect nematodes. Summarizes data and submits written reports on significant findings and important problems to immediate supervisor upon discovery. Compiles and maintains information on field surveys, soil samples, and regulatory data such as equipment movement, sanitation, and eradication progress. Assists in placing infected and associated fields under quarantine to restrict the movement of regulated articles and require sanitation procedures for equipment used in fields. Assists with educational outreach on Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) best management practices, and chemical and non-chemical eradication methods. Assembles all necessary equipment to perform field duties and sanitizes, maintains, and keeps laboratory and field equipment, laboratory work areas, and vehicles in good operating order. 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. FOR THE GS-04 LEVEL: Applicants must have six months general work experience and six months specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-03 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Analyzes soil samples for the presence of nematodes. Performs inspections and sanitation of farm equipment, vehicles, and other regulated articles. Assists in performing routine surveillance, inspections, and surveys for nematodes and other pests of concern in agricultural areas. OR Successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 8 semester hours in courses such as biology, plant pathology, entomology, zoology, botany, forestry, chemistry, agriculture, or physics. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-04 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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 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. 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. This position is represented by a collective bargaining unit (union), specifically the National Association of Agriculture Employees (NAAE). This is a term appointment not to exceed 13 months. (Appointment may be extended up to 10 years without reannouncing). For more details click: Term Appointments 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. Worksite Information: 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. Additional information regarding ad hoc, occasional, or reoccurring telework may be obtained at a later time from the hiring manager or program during the hiring process.