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Sunday, April 26, 2015

Biological Science Laboratory Technician - Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service

 Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service

Job Title: Biological Science Laboratory Technician
Department: Department Of Agriculture
Agency: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Job Announcement Number:PATHR-PPQ-APHIS-2015-0644
SALARY RANGE:
$32,733.00 to $43,397.00 / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD:
Thursday, April 23, 2015 to Wednesday, April 29, 2015
SERIES & GRADE:
GS-0404-05
POSITION INFORMATION:
Full-Time - Recent Graduates
PROMOTION POTENTIAL:  07
DUTY LOCATIONS:
2 vacancies in the following location(s):
Atlanta, GA
Buffalo, NY
WHO MAY APPLY:
Recent graduates from a qualifying educational institution having completed an academic program within the preceding 2 years.  Note: Veterans who were precluded by their military service obligation from meeting this requirement will have up to 6 years to apply.  Current students may apply if they will complete their degree requirements by June 30, 2015. 
SECURITY CLEARANCE:
Other
SUPERVISORY STATUS:
No
JOB SUMMARY:
The incumbent performs a variety of duties in a Plant Inspection Station / laboratory environment in support of the Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Identification specialists (Identifiers) and assists them with special projects in the disciplines of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Botany (CITES).
The Recent Graduates Program affords developmental experiences in the Federal Government intended to promote possible careers in the civil service to individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs. Successful applicants are placed in a dynamic, developmental program with the potential to lead to a civil service career in the Federal Government. The program lasts for 1 year and includes:
  • Orientation program
  • Mentorship throughout the program.
  • Individual Development Plan to create and track Recent Graduates' career planning, professional development, and training activities.
  • At least 40 hours of formal, interactive training each year of the program.
  • Opportunity for career advancement.

The Marketing and Regulatory Programs will be at Tuskegee University accepting applications for this position.  Applications will be accepted on-site only in Room 117 Henderson Hall on the campus of Tuskegee University, located at 120 Old Montgomery Road, Tuskegee Institute, Alabama 36088.  Candidates may drop off application packages on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Central time.
The Marketing and Regulatory Programs conducts multiple hiring events throughout the year as part of our overall recruitment strategy.  We will be announcing additional Pathways job opportunities within the next 30 days on USAJOBS.  If you are unable to apply in-person at Tuskegee University, please note that you will be able to apply on-line to the positions posted under our next hiring opportunity.

If you have questions on how to apply, please see the Agency Contact Information that is listed below.
TRAVEL REQUIRED
  • Occasional Travel
  • Occasional travel may be required

RELOCATION AUTHORIZED
  • No

KEY REQUIREMENTS
  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must be at least 16 years of age


DUTIES:
The duties described are for the full-performance level.  At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope with less independence and limited complexity. 

Pre-processing of routine interceptions submitted to the Plant Inspection Station, including:
  • Reviewing forms (PPQ 309a) for errors and completeness, reporting errors to supervisors so a request may be made to the submitter to make corrections.
  • Sorting submissions of interceptions into various taxonomic groups.
  • Distribution of interceptions to the appropriate identifier.
  • Entering appropriate data into databases.
  • Forwarding of specimens to the appropriate National identifier.
  • Tracking the interceptions throughout the entire process.
  • Maintaining interception logs (paper and electronic).
  • Processing of specimens to facilitate identification by the identifier. This includes:
  • Making microscope slide and whole specimen mounts.
  • Ordering and/or preparing various solutions and mounting media.
  • Processing of specimens to facilitate identification by the identifier. This includes:
  • Making microscope slide and whole specimen mounts.
  • Ordering and/or preparing various solutions and mounting media.

Managing assigned collections (Entomology, Botany and Plant Pathology)
Scheduling, organizing, and executing other pest identification support activities, as assigned. 

Assisting Plant Health Safeguarding Specialists, as necessary, in the inspection of propagative plant materials (including plants, seeds, and bulbs) and in their laboratory and field activities.

Selection will be at the GS-0404-5 with the possibility of conversion to a permanent or term Biological Science Technician, GS-404 with promotion potential to the GS-7 level.  Conversion eligibility and position is not guaranteed and depends on the program unit’s needs. 


QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
To qualify, you MUST meet all program and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. 

RECENT GRADUATES PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for the Recent Graduates program, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

Completed all requirements for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, 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 June 30, 2015 will be considered.

Or

Individuals who, due to a 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.

All academic degrees or course work must be completed in an educational institution that has obtained accreditation from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see http://www.edu.gov/

IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE: 
EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
• Research activity or control program work.
• Nursery work that required the growing and maintenance of plants in a controlled environment
EDUCATION: Applicants must have successfully completed a four year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics.  At least 6 semester hours of courses must have been in biology, entomology, botany, or agriculture.

OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:  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. To learn more about combining education and experience for this series, click the following:Combining Education and Experience for Technical and Medical Support Positions

Special Conditions:
  • Transcripts including your major field of study and the date your degree was conferred are required (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).  Applications will not be considered without this documentation.
  • If selected, official transcripts will be required prior to entrance on duty.
  • DD214 (Member 4 copy) or other veterans’ documents required to receive  veterans’ preference and/or to document eligibility for individuals who, due  to military service obligation, were precluded from applying within 2 years of completing their academic program
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with the Selective Service.
  • 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.
  • Satisfactory completion and favorable adjudication of a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
  • APHIS is an emergency response agency. This means that all Agency employees may be asked or assigned to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments to support emergency programs at some time during their careers with APHIS. For details click: APHIS Emergency Response
  • The work is mostly sedentary, performed in a laboratory setting, and requires use of a microscope, computers and laboratory equipment. 
  • Handling of small organisms and dissection requires above average dexterity.
  • May be exposed to mildly irritating chemicals.


CONVERSION REQUIREMENTS

Recent Graduates may be non-competitively converted to a term or permanent position in the competitive service. To be eligible for conversion the Recent Graduate must meet all of the following:
  • Be a U.S. Citizen;
  • 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:
Before you submit an application for this vacancy, please carefully review the position requirements. Please apply only if you meet the required minimum qualifications AND Recent Graduates program eligibility requirements described in the announcement. 

If you have reviewed the announcement and believe that you meet both the minimum qualifications and the program requirements, you should document your experience and education in your resume. Since traditional resumes do not always provide all the information needed to determine your status, you should create a more detailed resume to use when applying to Federal positions. Your resume should include:
  • Type of degree and date it was received or is expected to be received.
  • Statement of U.S. citizenship
  • Job announcement number
  • Work and/or volunteer experience including employment dates, hours worked per week, salary and supervisor information
  • References
  • Please ensure that your resume contains your full name, permanent address, contact phone number and email address.

Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements of the Recent Graduates program and the basic qualification requirements established for the position may be referred to the selecting official for consideration. Qualified applicants with veterans’ preference are listed ahead of applicants who do not have veterans’ preference.
To view the application form, visit: https://aphis.usda.ntis.gov/cp/?event=jobs.previewApplication&jobid=c4371852-8a8a-4999-b763-a48100d161ef

BENEFITS:


OTHER INFORMATION:
  • Relocation expenses are not authorized.
  • The incumbents of Recent Graduates positions may be reassigned/relocated to any geographical location where the employee’s services are needed as determined by management.
  • More than one selection may be made if another vacancy occurs within 90 days of the issuance of the certification of eligibles.
  • Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.
  • If you are newly hired, the documentation you present for purposes of completing the Department Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 on your entry-on-duty date will be verified through the DHS “E-VERIFY” system. Federal law requires the use of E-VERIFY to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. Under this system, the new hire is required to resolve any identification discrepancies as a condition of continued employment.
  • It is the policy of the Government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. See more information at: http://www.chcoc.gov/transmittals/TransmittalDetails.aspx?TransmittalID=6465



HOW TO APPLY:
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin.
The following instructions outline our application process for this announcement.
  • You must complete this application process and submit all required documents in-person by 4:00 p.m. Central time on Wednesday, April 29, 2015.
  • Representatives are available at 612- 336-3286 to assist you with questions prior to the application period during business hours (normally 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Central Time (CT), Monday - Friday).
  • Applying in-person is required. Applications will be accepted in Room 117 Henderson Hall on the campus of Tuskegee University, located at 120 Old Montgomery Road, Tuskegee Institute, Alabama 36088.  You may apply on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Central time.   If you require directions to the location, please contact Carmen Walton at (612) 336-3286 for assistance.
  • This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on an as-needed basis. Please contact us if you require this for any part of the application and hiring process.


Step 1: Create a cover letter (optional) State the position for which you are applying.

Step 2: Create a resume and obtain academic documentation. Customize your resume to ensure it documents duties and accomplishments you have gained that are directly related to the position for which you are applying. In addition, your resume should include a statement of U.S. citizenship, the job announcement number, your degree program, major/concentration, date degree was conferred, work and/or volunteer experience and references.

Step 3: Drop off application package on-site. You must apply in-person at the location listed above on the date and during the times specified.  LATE APPLICATIONS will not be considered. 


REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
You must submit a complete Application Packages by 4:00 p.m. Central time on Wednesday, April 29, 2015. The following documents must be submitted for your application package to be considered complete. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents are received within the required time frames. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, system failure or downtime, etc.  Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
  1. Cover letter - (OPTIONAL) identify the positions/locations you are applying to, academic program, academic major, and graduation date.
  2. Resume that includes the following information: 1) statement of U.S. citizenship; 2) job announcement number; 3) contact information; 4) completed degree (major and type); 5) date degree was completed; 6) work/volunteer experience including the work schedule and hours worked per week as well as dates or employment; and title, series, and grade, if applicable; 7) supervisor’s name, phone number and email address for each work period listed and whether or not we may contact them for reference checks; and 8) references. 
  3. Current transcripts: an unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however if selected, an official college transcript will be required. Transcripts MUST include the student’s name, name of the school, type of degree, degree program, and date it was conferred.  If your school's transcripts or documentation do not provide all the necessary information listed above, you should include additional official academic documentation that meets the requirements. 
  4. DD-214 and VA documentation, if claiming 10-point Veterans’ Preference. Veterans claiming 10-point preference should also submit a SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans Preference.Current active duty members must submit a certification that they are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted.


AGENCY CONTACT INFO:
DO NOT E-MAIL DOCUMENTS
Phone: 612-336-3286
Fax: 612-336-3560
Email: carmen.j.walton@aphis.usda.gov
Agency Information:
USDA APHIS MRPBS
100 N 6th Street, Butler Sq Bldg, Suite 510C
Minneapolis,
55403
MN
Fax: 612-336-3560

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:
After the conclusion of the event, your application package will be reviewed to verify that you meet the qualification and eligibility requirements for the position. Qualified veterans’ preference eligibles will receive selection priority over non-veterans. 

You will be notified if you are referred to the selecting official for consideration and if you were selected or not selected.  If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.

Control Number: 401818000


Friday, April 24, 2015

COLLEGE: DON PATHWAYS SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (STUDENT TRAINEE HUMAN RESOURCES)-Secretary of the Navy/Assistant for Administration (DON/AA)-$25,434.00 to $33,068.00 / Per Year-Stennis Space Center, MS -to Friday, April 24, 2015

Job Title: DON PATHWAYS SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (STUDENT TRAINEE HUMAN RESOURCES)
Department: Department of the Navy
Agency: Secretary of the Navy/Assistant for Administration (DON/AA)
Job Announcement Number:SE50299-03-13886604I042115P
SALARY RANGE:
$25,434.00 to $33,068.00 / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD:
Wednesday, April 22, 2015 to Friday, April 24, 2015
SERIES & GRADE:
GS-0299-03
POSITION INFORMATION:
Part Time - Summer
PROMOTION POTENTIAL:
03
DUTY LOCATIONS:
Many vacancies in the following location(s):
Gulfport, MS
Stennis Space Center, MS
WHO MAY APPLY:
Students currently accepted for enrollment OR currently enrolled in a college/university.
SECURITY CLEARANCE:
Not Applicable
SUPERVISORY STATUS:
No
JOB SUMMARY:
The Navy and Marine Corps team offers innovative, exciting and meaningful work linking military and civilian talents to achieve our mission and safeguard our freedoms. Department of the Navy provides competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and extensive professional development and training. From pipefitters to accountants, scientists to engineers, doctors to nurses-the careers and opportunities to make a difference are endless. Civilian careers-where purpose and patriotism unite!
This is a Student Trainee (Human Resources) position serving as a member of the Department of Navy's (DON) Civilian Human Resources Community, which is responsible for effectively developing and delivering personnel management policies, systems, guidance and programs to enable the DON to inspire, develop, and compensate its civilian workforce. Work assignments are of limited scope and complexity and are designed to assist the trainee in their career development. Trainees provide assistance to higher level HR personnel performing a variety of routine tasks.
Who May Apply: Appointment to this program is restricted to those currently accepted for enrollment or currently enrolled in a college/university. 
 
This is a Part-Time Position, and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Expenses and/or Relocation Expenses are NOT authorized.
TRAVEL REQUIRED
·         Not Required
RELOCATION AUTHORIZED
·         No
KEY REQUIREMENTS
·         You must be a US Citizen.
·         Must be registered for Selective Service, see Legal & Regulatory Guidance.
·         Suitable for Federal employment as determined by background investigation.
·         Students are attending/enrolled in college/university.
·         Be at least 16 years of age.

DUTIES:
The purpose of the Pathways Program is work experience that provides an opportunity for students to pursue work that is relevant and beneficial to their academic studies.  Work assignments are of limited scope and complexity, designed to assist the trainee in developing a basic understanding of administrative practices and procedures.  Trainees provide assistance to higher level personnel performing routine tasking.  Trainees will perform a variety of administrative support work associated with human resources.
 
The program is an excellent opportunity for students to get an interesting, real-world experience in the field of human resources while contributing to the defense of our nation.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
In order to qualify for this position, your resume must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and abilities, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are being considered.   Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities, as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to be clear and specific when describing your experience.
You must provide a resume to be considered for this position.  You must be currently accepted for enrollment or currently enrolled in a college/university to be considered for this position.  Failure to provide a resume and required documentations will result in ineligible rating.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management web site: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=GS-PIP.  
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE : Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.  
As part of the application process, you must complete and submit an occupational questionnaire.   To preview this questionnaire and determine if your experience matches the skills required for this position, click on the following link:View Assessment Questions.

EDUCATION:
Are you using your education to qualify? For positions requiring positive education requirements, or if you are using education to meet all or part of the qualification requirements, we strongly recommend that you submit a copy of your transcripts or an itemized list of college courses which includes equivalent information from the transcript (course title, semester/quarter hours, and grade/degree earned).   See OPM's General Policies for information on crediting education.

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the qualification requirements if the applicant can provide documentation indicating that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide such evidence when applying for further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
REQUIREMENTS:

Selectee is required to participate in the Department of Defense direct deposit of pay program.
HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:
When the application process is complete, we will review your resume to ensure you meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this announcement. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume and responses to the Occupational Questionnaire , along with your supporting documentation to determine your ability to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities/competencies:  
1.  Knowledge of administrative procedures. 
2.  Skill in the use of a variety of hardware/software. 
3.  Ability to deal effectively with others. 
4.  Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work.    
If, after reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, a determination is made that you inflated your qualifications and/or experience, your score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities or you may be found ineligible/not qualified.
 
Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

BENEFITS:
Department of the Navy offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, a 401K-type retirement plan, and an Employee Assistance Program.  More information can be found at:

OTHER INFORMATION:
This Position is subject to Department of Defense Priority Placement Program.
This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments.
 
The Department of the Navy uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.


HOW TO APPLY:
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.  Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 
- Complete Resume.
- Complete Assessment Questionnaire. View Occupational Questionnaire
.
- Other supporting documentation as required.  Please see the "REQUIRED DOCUMENTS" section and review the applicant checklist link to determine if there are other documents you are required to submit. 

Failure to submit a complete application (resume, assessment questionnaire, and all supporting documents) by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Friday, April 24, 2015, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration.  Please follow all instructions carefully as missing application information will not be requested. 

If more than one resume is received, only the last resume received and processed will be reviewed.

If you upload your documents, do not fax the same documents.

Note: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account:  https://mydon.usajobs.gov/Account/Login select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.  

If you are unable to apply online or unable to upload your supporting documents follow the directions located at:   
 
This Vacancy ID is 1388660.

Do not email or send hard copy resumes/applications to the Contact Information or Agency Information listed in this vacancy announcement.  All resumes/applications received at the addresses listed in the Contact Information or Agency Information will be destroyed and will not be considered for this vacancy announcement.

**It is the applicant’s responsibility to verify that all information in their resume and documents, whether uploaded or faxed, are received, legible, and accurate.  HR will not modify answers/documents submitted by an applicant. **
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
The documents you are required to submit vary based on what authority you are using to apply (i.e., applying as a veteran, applying as a current permanent Federal employee, applying as a reinstatement, etc).  Please review the following link to see if there are any documents you need to provide:  
 
AGENCY CONTACT INFO:
DON Employment Info Center EIC
Phone: (800)378-4559
TDD: (857)577-5723
Email: DONEIC@NAVY.MIL
Agency Information:
69224 OCHR Stennis Operations Center
9110 Leonard Kimble Road
Stennis Space Center, MS
39522
WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:
When the application process is complete, your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this announcement.  You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume and responses to the questionnaire, along with your supporting documentation to determine your level of knowledge, skill, and ability, related to the job requirements. 
  
Best qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager.  The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision.

Stay informed of changes to your application status by signing up for automatic email alerts at: https://www.usajobs.gov/Applicant/Application/ListApplications. 

Control Number: 401663200


Good Morning,

Vacancy announcement NRCS-15-0748-MP-EW with duty station(s) of Augusta and Huntsville, Arkansas has been posted to USAJobs.gov with an opening date of 4/23/15 and closing date of 5/04/15.  To access the announcement please use the following link: 


Please feel free to share this link with all interested agency personnel. If you have any additional questions please feel to contact me via phone.

Warm Regards~

Mr. Jimmy R. McAlpine, Program Analyst
Outreach, Diversity & Equal Opportunity
USDA - ARS
P.O. Box 225
141 Experiment Station Road
Stoneville, Mississippi  38776
Fax:     (662) 686-5309

Men of genius are admired; men of wealth envied; men of power feared; but only men of character are trusted.