Ecologist/Agronomist/Physical Scientist

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 Ecology Series, 0408
Degree: biology, or a related field of science underlying ecological research that included at least 30 semester hours in basic and applied biological sciences. These hours must have included at least 9 semester hours in ecology and 12 semester hours in physical and mathematical sciences.

Basic Requirements for Agronomy Series, 0471
Degree: agronomy; or related discipline of science that included at least 30 semester hours of course work in the basic plant sciences, including at least 15 semester hours in agronomic subjects, such as those dealing with plant breeding, crop production, and soil and crop management.
OR
A combination of education and experience: at least 30 semester hours in the basic plant sciences, including a minimum of 15 semester hours in agronomic subjects, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Basic Requirements for Physical Science Series, 1301
Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
OR
A combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

AND
In addition to the basic requirements above, all applicants must also meet the following minimum qualification requirements:

Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-11 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-09 which is directly related to the work of this position, and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience developing research programs to study agricultural systems or practices; summarizing research data; and evaluating the effects of climate and weather on agricultural production crops.
OR
Education: 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree
OR
A combination of Ph.D. education and experience as described above.

Physical Demands
Work is sedentary. Some work requires periods of walking, standing, bending, climbing, or driving a motor vehicle. Employees occasionally carry light items, such as books, small instruments or samples, and other similar materials. The work does not require any special physical effort.

Work Environment
Work performed in the office involves common risks and discomforts requiring normal safety precautions. Occasional outdoor field activities related to assessment of agricultural and forestry systems and gathering of appropriate weather, soil, and vegetation data may be required. Work involves exposure to moderate risks and discomforts, such as those due to adverse weather conditions, such as high winds and low or high temperatures. The incumbent will receive guidance on any safety concerns at each potential field site.

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.