Summary This position is in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Plains Area, Northern Plains Agricultural Research Lab located in Sidney, MT. In this position, you will assist scientists that develop diversified irrigated and dryland cropping systems that improve the economic viability of agricultural enterprises while enhancing soil and water quality, conserving natural resources, and reducing dependence on agrochemicals. Responsibilities Adapts, modifies or develops new techniques and/or procedures to satisfy the needs of the research project. Performs the full range of soil science research techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment including electronic sensors, data loggers, wired and wireless data transfer systems, mechanized sample/data collection equipment, etc. Participates in planning, implementing and/or compiling data from laboratory-, field-, or greenhouse-based soil science research. Searches literature for procedures or techniques to evaluate soil physical properties in laboratory, field, or greenhouse studies. Collects, prepares, evaluates, and verifies soil samples and supporting records as needed to evaluate soil physical properties (e.g., bulk density, soil moisture, water retention, etc.). Maintains inventory of chemicals, prepares solutions, and manages chemical waste as required to accomplish research objectives in laboratory, field, or greenhouse studies on soil physical properties. Uses proper procedures to establish and maintain research plots and assists with necessary operations involved in field experiments, including tillage, planting, fertilization and harvest. Oversees work assignments of part-time or seasonal employees, as assigned, and works collegially with other research team members. 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. GS-07 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-07 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-06 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 performing plant or soil sampling in a field or greenhouse environment; operating field and lab systems for evaluating soil physical properties; assisting with the planning of experiments; and analyzing and summarizing data using personal computers or software packages. OR Education: One full year of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or Agricultural Science. OR A combination of graduate level education and experience as described above. GS-08: 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-08 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 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 calibrating or modifying field and lab systems for evaluating soil physical properties; assisting with the planning of experiments involving soil; and analyzing and summarizing data for scientific reports. OR Education: Two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or Agricultural Science. OR A combination of graduate level education and experience as described above. 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 This position does not have an education qualification requirement. 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. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. The final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at the time of job offer. If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. 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. You will work both individually and as a member of a team consisting of six scientists and seven technicians to accomplish a shared research mission of the highly collaborative research group. This position requires a combination of field research and laboratory analysis. This will require being responsible for managing resources and equipment assigned by your supervisory scientist as well as sharing time and equipment with other team members as required to meet shared objectives.