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  • Research Agricultural Engineer/Soil Scientist/Agronomist (Research Associate)

    Mar 7, 2016 4:45 pm by pwakefie@illinois.eduJobs

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    Job Title:  Research Agricultural Engineer/Soil Scientist/Agronomist (Research Associate)
    Department:  Department Of Agriculture
    Agency:  Agricultural Research Service
    Job Announcement Number:  RA-16-008-H

    SALARY RANGE: $62,050.00 to $80,666.00 / Per Year
    OPEN PERIOD: Wednesday, December 23, 2015 to Thursday, December 22, 2016
    SERIES & GRADE: GS-0890/0470/0471-11
    POSITION INFORMATION: Full-Time - Temporary
    PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 11
    DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy - Saint Paul, MN   View Map
    WHO MAY APPLY: U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents seeking U.S. Citizenship.
    SECURITY CLEARANCE: Other
    SUPERVISORY STATUS: No

    JOB SUMMARY:

    Find Solutions to Agricultural Problems that Affect Americans Every Day, From Field to Table.

    The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the United States Department of Agricultures chief scientific research agency and one of the worlds premiere scientific organizations. ARS Postdoctoral Research Associates are hired to supplement a lead scientists research on agricultural problems of high national priority affecting American agriculture.

    U.S. citizens and permanent residents who meet certain eligibility requirements

    Additional information on the employment of non-citizens can be found at: http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/EmployForeignNationals/index.htm

    This is an Excepted Service, time-limited appointment with an initial duration of 2 years.

    **ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR DECEMBER 22, 2016**

    TRAVEL REQUIRED

    • Occasional Travel
    • Travel is required to visit collaborating ARS locations and attend scientific meetings and conferences.

    RELOCATION AUTHORIZED

    • No

    KEY REQUIREMENTS

    • A Ph.D. is required that was obtained within the last 4 years.
    • Appropriations Law and Immigration Law requirements must be met.
    • Pre-employment fingerprint check with successful adjudication is required.

    DUTIES:

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    The incumbent will use an extensive nine-year dataset from an on-farm study to elucidate trends in soil nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon content in a silage corn–alfalfa crop rotation with two manure management application practices. Geospatial and time series analysis techniques will be used to describe gains or losses over time, and seasonal cycles.  The incumbent will develop large-farm-scale water and nutrient balances in support of simulation modeling for the multi-location USDA-ARS Dairy Agro-ecosystems Working Group (DAWG) initiative. Interaction is anticipated with another post doctoral research associate who will focus on the environmental and economic simulation modeling.

    QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

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    This position requires a recent (within the last 4 years) Ph.D in soil science, agricultural engineering, agronomy, or a related field of study that has equipped the applicant with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Knowledge of time series and spatial statistical analyses are desired.

    Applicants must meet basic Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards requirements (found in links below) of the scientific discipline necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

    Qualification Standards for Agricultural Engineering Series, 0890
    https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800/

    Qualification Standards for Agronomy Series, 0471
    https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/agronomy-series-0471/

    Qualification Standards for Soil Science Series, 0470
    https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/soil-science-series-0470/

    This position has a positive education requirement. You must submit a copy of your academic transcripts OR a list of college courses with credit hours, dates completed, and grades received to verify education when applying for this position. If this information is not provided, your education may not be appropriately evaluated and you may lose consideration for this position. If you are selected for this position, you will have to provide an official copy of your transcripts prior to entering on duty. Application materials will not be returned.

    Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
    Foreign education must be evaluated by an approved organization. For additional information, refer to the U.S. Department of Education web site at http://www.ed.gov. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.

    Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.

    HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

    Your application will be evaluated to determine if you meet eligibility and minimum qualification requirements, and on the extent to which your application shows that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with the position as defined above under "Qualifications".


    To view the application form, visit: https://ars.usda.ntis.gov/cp/?event=jobs.previewApplication&jobid=E03083FC-BFC4-4FF4-BEB4-A56F011D5422

    BENEFITS:

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    A Benefits Package will be authorized for appointments made for a period of more than 1 year.  

    The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package. Explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees at: http://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/enrollment/new-federal-employee-enrollment/


    OTHER INFORMATION:

    It is the policy of the Government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. See more information at: http://www.chcoc.gov/transmittals/TransmittalDetails.aspx?TransmittalID=6465

    HOW TO APPLY:

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    Applications may be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to the appropriate address and/or facsimile number listed below:

    Mail: 
    Dr. Gary Feyereisen
    USDA, ARS, Soil and Water Management Research Unit
    439 Borlaug Hall
    1991 Upper Buford Circle
    St. Paul, MN 55108

    E-mail: gary.feyereisen@ars.usda.gov

    Fax: (651) 649-1575

    If sending your application as an attachment to an email, do not send zipped files. They will be removed in accordance with standard electronic security procedures.

    REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

    If application packages do not contain all of the requested information, you may lose consideration for the job. To help you ensure your application fully outlines your qualifications and eligibility for this position, please submit the following documentation as appropriate. Some of the items listed may not apply to you. NOTE: Applications received in postage paid government envelopes will not be considered.

    APPLICATION PACKAGE CHECKLIST

     __ Resume, Curriculum Vitae, or other document outlining your qualifications

    The following information is required of all applicants:
    __ Announcement number, title, and grade(s) of the position


    __ Full name, mailing address (including zip code) and day and evening phone numbers (with area code)

    __ Indicate country of citizenship __Copy of DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Only if claiming veterans preference. Visit the following web site for additional information: http://www.opm.gov/employ/veterans/html/vetguide.asp)

    __SF-15 (Application for 10-point Veterans Preference) plus the supporting documentation required by this form (if claiming 10-point veteran's preference). Visit http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/sf.asp to obtain the form.

    As an Applicant for a Postdoctoral Research Associate Position, you must also submit the following:

    __ A one-page abstract of Ph.D. dissertation

    __ A resume of 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 invitations); and publications.

    __ A list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, and recognition.

    If this is your first time applying for a federal job, or if you wish to view more detailed information about various aspects of applying for federal jobs, go to http://www.usajobs.gov/ResourceCenter.

    AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

    Heather Lee
    Phone: 301-504-1410
    Fax: 301-504-1537
    TDD: 202-855-1234
    Email: heather.lee@ars.usda.gov
    Agency Information:
    USDA/ARS/EBSC/HR Branch
    5601 Sunnyside Avenue
    Beltsville, MD,
    20705
    United States
    Fax: 301-504-1537

    WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

    Applications will be received and reviewed for consideration until a selection has been made.

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