Easter Seals Jobs

Summary As a Biological Science Laboratory Technician, you are responsible for organizing and managing a wide variety of standard techniques in performing diagnostic tests, reagent production, developmental studies, and training assignments related to animal pathogens using appropriate precautions to preserve sample integrity and reagent purity and to prevent cross-contamination. Your accurate diagnosis of animal diseases will be of significant economic importance to the livestock industry. Responsibilities The duties may include, but are not limited to: Receives diagnostic specimens for pathogen examination, reads history or specific requests of field personnel, selects appropriate test or identification procedure. Prepare diagnostic reagents which include bacterial culture, histology preparations, entomology preparation, inoculation of cell cultures, animals, and embryonating chicken eggs. Following a standard outline plans working details, makes measurements, and observes results of tests. Assumes responsibility for conducting sections of developmental projects. Takes references such as laboratory protocols, journal articles, or rough outlines from a professional and conducts virologic, bacteriological, parasitological, pathological or chemical techniques. Recognizes problems in assignments and procedures, make pertinent observations, draw conclusions, and make suggestions for improvement. Prepares accurate, written reports describing test procedures and results and summarizes findings. 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-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Performing techniques for culture propagation. Performing advanced animal handling including swabbing and inoculations, bacterial and viral identification, microscopy, immunohistochemical assays, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Performing in-vitro and in-vivo potency comparison tests in accordance with standard operating procedures. Working with computerized systems for tracking and reporting test results as part of a quality management system. Working with pathogens of veterinary concern such as zoonotic agents or those under surveillance. OR one (1) full year of graduate education in biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, mathematics, or related fields with at least 6 semester hours in microbiology, biology or chemistry. 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-07 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 qualification 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. Positions in Ames, IA and Orient Point, NY are represented by a collective bargaining unit (union), specifically: Ames, IA - American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 2315 Orient Point, NY - American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 1940 Manhattan, KS - positions are not represented. This is a term appointment not to exceed 13 months. (Appointment may be extended up to 4 years without reannouncing). For more details click: Term Appointments Worksite Information: This position is located at the duty station(s) listed in this vacancy announcement and is not eligible for telework or remote work.