Research Technician 2 (Onsite)

Job Description

Job Description

Research Technician 2 (Onsite) ID: ARS-MWA-026 Location: Ames Program: ARS
Wage/Hr: $25.00 Hours/Week: 30 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 USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS). These experienced professionals provide administrative, scientific, and technical support to the Agricultural Research Service through the Experienced Worker Program (EWP).

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. The enrollee shall not sign federal documents, authorize the use of federal funds, nor initiate or conduct federally funded research projects. The enrollee shall not author articles for publication as a federal employee, nor coordinate scientific research between the Government and private industry. The enrollee shall not present themselves as a Government employee or Government representative at meetings both foreign and domestic or when coordinating federal agencies? areas of research. The enrollee shall not make decisions on federally based research on behalf of Government policy makers, and the enrollee shall not supervise any Government employees.

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

*This position will be open until filled.

Qualifications:

Minimum of 20 year(s) of experience in analytical chemistry/instrumentation. OR BA/BS Degree in Physical Sciences

• Experience with Aglient GC/MS, database software, and field analytical equipment.
• Experience required with Windows, Apple, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint

Duties:

This position contributes to ARS initiatives aimed at reducing inputs, improving productivity, and increasing profits for American farmers. It focuses on developing management practices that integrate animal and cropping systems to promote circular agriculture. Responsibilities include deploying and maintaining analytical equipment both in the laboratory and at livestock operations, as well as analyzing, processing, and entering data from field samples. The enrollee shall not sign federal documents, authorize the use of federal funds, nor initiate or conduct federally funded research projects. The enrollee shall not author articles for publication as a federal employee, nor coordinate scientific research between the Government and private industry. The enrollee shall not present themselves as a Government employee or Government representative at meetings both foreign and domestic or when coordinating federal agencies? areas of research. The enrollee shall not make decisions on federally based research on behalf of Government policy makers, and the enrollee shall not supervise any Government employees.

• Operates laboratory and field analytical equipment, processing of data generated from instruments, and provides technical support for chemical analyses of material in various matrixes associated with livestock operations.   50%
• Keep detailed records of experimental data and assist in maintaining laboratory notebooks.   30%
• Tabulates, statistically analyzes and summarizes data using personal computers and knowledge of software packages and databases (e.g. FileMaker Pro, Chemstation, Logger Net) to participate in the collection, post-processing, analysis and presentation of data and results.   15%
• Knowledge of laboratory and field safety protocols to ensure a safe work environment.   5%

• Training provided as needed.
• Health and Safety Considerations: Field and laboratory safety training and hazardous chemical training.
• Required Safety Gear: The Safety and Occupational Health Specialist will identify safety equipment needs on the first day in the workplace.
• Safety Gear Use: The Safety and Occupational Health Specialist will identify safety equipment needs on the first day in the workplace.
• Physical requirements: The work requires some physical exertions, such as regular and recurring walking, repeated bending, standing for prolonged periods, or lifting and carrying instruments and other materials that weigh up to 30 kg. There may be special requirements for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination. Incumbent is required to operate a motor vehicle. 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.