Status: Full-time position
Location: - Idaho Falls, ID
Salary: $27,990.00 to $45,376.00
Deadline Date: 1/30/13
Date Available:
Job Summary: The Potato Cyst Nematode Project (PCN) is tasked with developing effective strategies to minimize the spread of PCN in Idaho and the rest of the U.S. The incumbent will work in Idaho Falls, ID and serve as a Plant Protection Technician by providing a variety of technical duties in support of PCN objectives.
You can make a difference! The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) needs bright, energetic and committed professionals to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. MRP offers an array of occupations and is committed to diversity in the workplace. We operate in domestic and global markets. Be part of an organization that protects the health and agriculture of the American people.
Qualifications: Education
GS-4: 2-years of education beyond the high school level that included at least 8 semester hours in courses such as biology, plant pathology, entomology, zoology, botany, forestry, chemistry, agriculture, or physics.
GS-5: 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree years that included at least 16 semester hours in courses such as biology, plant pathology, entomology, zoology, botany, forestry, chemistry, agriculture, or physics. GS-6: Half year or 9 semester hours of graduate education in biology, plant pathology, entomology, zoology, botany, forestry, chemistry, agriculture, or physics.
Duties: Conducts routine surveillance and inspections for nematodes and other pests of concern. Extracts soil samples and microscopically examines sample extracts to detect nematodes. Uses microscopes to examine samples from field experiments. Summarizes data and evaluations.
Samples taken are submitted to agency and university laboratories to determine whether additional potato cyst nematodes are present. Submits written reports on significant findings and important problems to immediate supervisor upon discovery. As assigned, may conduct tests on nematicide use to control both free-living and cyst nematodes, nematode population testing, resistant varieties, crop rotations and/or phonological control.
Uses computer and associated software such as databases, spreadsheets and statistical analysis programs to maintain information on soil samples and field data, such as equipment movement, quarantines, treatment efficacy, etc.
May participate in the placing of invested fields under quarantine to restrict the movement of plants and soil and require sanitation procedures for equipment used on the regulated field. Assists with quarantine measures to stop the movement of seed, soil and machinery from both infested and clean areas.
May assist with educational outreach or experiments on the use of soil fumigants and non-fumigant nematicides used in the control of PCN, or provide technical assistance on projects to isolate natural enemies of the nematode and assess their potential as biological control agents.
Assembles all necessary equipment for the study and will follow all tests to completion, recording necessary data as outlined by the supervisor. Sanitizes, maintains and keeps in good operating order all field equipment, the laboratory, work area and vehicles.
Follows and obeys all state and federal guidelines and reports unsafe situations to the supervisor in a timely manner.
To Apply:
For more information on how to apply please visit https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/336104900