Research Entomologist
Job Location:
College Station, TX - USA
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
This position is located in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Plains Area (PA) at the Crop Germplasm Research Unit in College Station TX.
In this position you will help to enhance the production value and safety of pecan as a crop and to maintain the genetic diversity of pecan in the National Carya Germplasm Repository.
- Elucidates the biology and ecology of pecan weevil and other insect pests to improve management in orchards and native stands.
- Adapts alternative controls (e.g. mating disruption microbial biocontrol agents) for management of pecan pests.
- Increases the efficacy and economic benefit of natural enemy populations for pest control.
- Conducts independent and cooperative research on pest and natural enemy species.
- You must be a US Citizen or US National.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
- Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
- Successful completion of one-year probationary period unless previously served. Refer to the Next Steps section for more information.
- Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
- Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities visit E-Verify at completion of a three year probationary period.
- Moderate Risk/T2 investigation required.
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education as defined below.
Basic Requirements for Entomology 0414 Series
Degree: entomology; or a related discipline of the biological or physical sciences that included at least 16 semester hours in entomology.
OR
Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major that included course work as shown above plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Evaluation of Education: applicants with major fields of study in biology zoology or invertebrate zoology may fully meet the basic educational requirements if their academic preparation included substantive instruction (including appropriate laboratory and field work) in basic general entomology taxonomy physiology ecology general and organic chemistry general physics and mathematics or statistics that provided some training in the analysis of variables.
Additional Requirements
In addition to meeting the basic requirements described above applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below.
GS-12: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service or possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or possess an equivalent combination of graduate level education and experience. Graduate education must be directly related to the work of the position and must have equipped applicants with the knowledge skills and abilities necessary to do the work. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-12 level of this position are: conducting independent research related to entomology; and publishing independent research results in peer-reviewed related journals.
GS-13: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-13 level of this position are: conducting independent research related to entomology; utilizing laboratory and field equipment to perform pest control; and publishing independent research results in peer-reviewed related journals.
GS-14: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-14 level of this position are: developing planning and conducting research in the area of entomology focused on pests; providing guidance on the development of new germplasm pest protection or production practices for crops; and publishing independent research results on insects in peer-reviewed related journals.
GS-15: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-15 level of this position are: formulating planning executing and providing leadership for research programs; developing management of insects and pests that affect economically important crops; promoting research to others via demonstration orchards field days or research presentations; and publishing independent research results on insects in peer-reviewed related journals.
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.
To further support your qualifications it is strongly recommended that you submit a one-page abstract of your MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation. Failure to do so could result in loss of your consideration/referral. Also please submit a list of names addresses and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature contributions recognition; any honors or awards received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitation); and publications.
Applicants must be available to report for duty at the time a selection is made. Selections are typically made within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.
Please see above for education qualification requirement 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 71 out of a possible 100.
- Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.
- 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.
- Research scientists have open-ended promotion potential. Research accomplishments and their impact on the duties and responsibilities of positions are evaluated periodically. The grade level is limited only by the individuals demonstrated ability to perform research of recognized importance to science and technology. *Final grade level may be determined by a peer review panel.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
