Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
Specialized Experience to qualify for the GS-5 level: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-4 grade level in the federal service or comparable experience not gained through federal service. Examples of this experience may include:
- Preparing, establishing, and maintaining fields necessary for growing various types of crops; Irrigating, fertilizing and apply pesticides;
- Monitoring plantings, harvesting plots, collecting data;
- Establish and maintain seed and plant production fields; OR
Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience: Completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to field of biological sciences;
OR
Combination of education and experience:Possess a combination education and experience as described above may be used to qualify for this position. This combination must have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and/or experience to successfully perform the duties of this position. Combinations of experience and education must total at least 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy.
Specialized Experience to qualify for the GS-6 level: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level in the federal service or comparable experience not gained through federal service. Examples of this experience may include:
- Performing tasks such as weed management and irrigation;
- Seed production, processing, and handling to ensure quality control; Performing routine and reoccurring research techniques or procedures;
- Operating and maintaining equipment for vegetation monitoring and data collection and collecting, preparing, and evaluating plant samples; OR
Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience: Completion of one (1) year of graduate level education (18 semester/27 quarter hours)
if directly related to the position; OR
Combination of education and experience: Possess a combination of graduate-level education and experience, as described above, may be used to qualify for this position. This combination must have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and/or experience to successfully perform the duties of this position. Combinations of experience and education must total at least 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy.
Specialized Experience to qualify for the GS-7 level: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-6 grade level in the federal service or comparable experience not gained through federal service. Examples of this experience may include:
- irrigate, fertilize, and apply pesticides; establish, monitor, and maintain seed and plant production fields and inventory;
- monitor planting for pest or other problems and address issues;
- operation, maintenance, and repair of various types of farm agricultural equipment; OR
Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience: Completion of one year of graduate-level education leading to a master's degree,
if directly related to the position. OR
Combination of education and experience: Possess a combination of graduate-level education and experience, as described above, may be used to qualify for this position. This combination must have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and/or experience to successfully perform the duties of this position. Combinations of experience and education must total at least 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy.
For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here:
Biological Science Technician Series 0404 (opm.gov)
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.