Laboratory Technician (GS3556-MO-001)

Job Description

Job Description

Laboratory Technician (GS3556-MO-001) ID: GS3556-MO-001 Location: Columbia Program: USGS
Wage/Hr: $29.00 Hours/Week: 20 hours/wk; est 1040 total hours Minimum Age: 55

For over 25 years, National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) has specialized in connecting experienced workers (ages 55+) with full-time and part-time job opportunities that support the critical missions of Federal Agencies across the United States.

NEW Solutions connects experienced workers (ages 55+) with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). These experienced professionals provide administrative, technical, and professional support to the U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Geological Survey through the Experienced Services Program (ESP).

Positions listed here do not guarantee employment for any definite period. Enrollment in the Experienced Worker Programs administered by NEW Solutions is temporary. The enrollment relationship between NEW Solutions and the Enrollee is an ?at-will? relationship. This means that an Enrollee is free to terminate enrollment at any time during the enrollment period, and NEW Solutions and the Agency have the right to terminate the relationship with the Enrollee.

PLEASE NOTE: An ?Enrollee? is not a federal employee, nor an employee of NEW Solutions. An ?Enrollee? is a participant in a grant program established through a Cooperative Agreement funded by the agency and administered by NEW Solutions.

This opportunity applies to applicants legally eligible to work in the United States.

Qualifications:

Minimum of 15 year(s) of experience in environmental science or biology OR BA/BS Degree in BA/BS in Biology, Ecology, Fisheries, Environmental Science, or closely related field. OR Previously completed training in Previously completed training in laboratory safety, animal care, or field sampling techniques is desirable.

• Laboratory practices, including experience using routine lab equipment and an understanding of chemical hygiene and safety requirements. The candidate is able to follow established SOPs, maintain accurate documentation, and apply a basic understanding of biological or environmental sciences to support laboratory activities effectively.
• Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Teams

Duties:

This position supports the operations of the laboratory including experimentation setup, study execution, inventory, safety compliance, QA/QC and records. The position requires collaboration with interdisciplinary teams within the Toxicology Branch and may include assisting with method development, troubleshooting culture systems. Travel will include field trips for mussel collection, site assessments, and sample collection, typically within regional watersheds.

• Operation and maintenance of routine laboratory equipment 40%
• Assistance with experimental setup and study execution 35%
• Laboratory housekeeping, inventory, and safety compliance 15%
• Data entry, QA/QC support, and maintenance of accurate laboratory records 10%

Other:

• Laboratory safety, chemical hygiene, animal care, defensive driving (if applicable), and USGS-required training modules.
• Overnight travel: 2 per month
• Government Vehicle Training: Enrollee will complete defensive driving training before operating government vehicles.
• Health and Safety Considerations: Field safety, water-safety training, use of PPE, heat/cold stress prevention, and species-handling protocols.
• Required Safety Gear: Waders, gloves, safety glasses, PFDs, and field boots.
• Safety Gear Use: Used during field collection, wading, working from boats, and handling samples or chemicals.
• Physical requirements: The position requires the ability to lift up to around 40 pounds, walk or stand for extended periods, work in variable weather conditions, wade in streams or rivers, and perform repetitive laboratory tasks. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

NEW Solutions is committed to promoting equal opportunity and to an environment free from discrimination and harassment in any form administering Experienced Worker Programs under cooperative agreements with federal agencies. It is NEW Solutions' policy to comply with all applicable laws that provide equal opportunity and to prohibit unlawful discrimination in enrolling participants in the federal programs.