United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Merit Promotion Vacancy Announcement ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: EAZ-144-2001 SERIES and GRADE: GS-0404-06/07 POSITION: Biological Science Technician UNIT IDENTIFIER: USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station Center for Bottomland Hardwoods Research. DUTY LOCATION: Stoneville, Mississippi OPENING DATE: August 03, 2001 CLOSING DATE: August 17, 2001 (MUST BE Received by) Contact: Gina Jones; 803-561-4024 For multi-grade recruitments you must indicate the lowest grade you will accept. THIS POSITION IS BEING FILLED UNDER THE FOREST SERVICE MERIT PROMOTION PLAN. Individuals certified by a USDA Agency as Displaced in the commuting area under the USDA Career Transition Assistance Plan will receive selection priority, if determined to be well-qualified. TOUR OF DUTY: One (1) Permanent, full-time, 40 hours per week position. PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 07. If position is filled below the highest level indicated above, then the selected applicant may be non-competitively promoted
after one year with satisfactory performance. AREA and LEVEL of CONSIDERATION: Forest Service-wide. Current or former Forest Service employee who now hold or have previously held a Competitive Status position. (PLEASE NOTE: Most employees in Excepted Service positions, or on temporary appointments [including TERM and Post Doctoral] do not have the STATUS required to apply to this announcement, UNLESS you meet one of the requirements shown below. To verify your status, check with the office issuing
this announcement.) Additionally, the USDA Forest Service provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify Gina Jones at 803-561-4024 for assistance. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. The following will be considered for the position under special employment authorities, provided applicants meet qualifications and knowledge, skills and
abilities cited for the position. Applicants do not have to be present or former civilian Federal Government employees: 1) Individuals with disabilities
that have State Vocational Rehabilitation Certification; 2) Vietnam Era Veterans (Veterans Readjustment Appointment-VRA) and 30% or more disabled veterans, (appropriate written certification required; 3) Peace Corps Volunteers who have a certificate of satisfactory service for a two (2) year period and meet all qualifications for the position; and, 4) Preference Eligibles or veterans who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after three (3) years or more of continuous service may apply, {include copies of ALL of your DD-214's}. Additional information on these special employment authorities may be obtained from this office. CUSTOMER SERVICE COMMITMENT: Southern Research Station: Employees of the Southern Research Station are committed to providing quality customer service to their INTERNAL Customers at the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests in South Carolina, National Forests in North Carolina, Forest Health Protection-Asheville Field Office, Lyndon B. Johnson and Schenck Job Corps Centers, Savannah River, Southern Research Station; and, ALL OF THEIR External
Customers. MAJOR DUTIES: The incumbent serves as a biological technician and is responsible for assisting a Research Entomologist with planning scheduling and
performing a wide variety of entomological, ecological and molecular biological studies. GS-06 level QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Applicants MUST MEET A. or B.; AND C. below: A. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: One full year of specialized experience in the biological sciences or in a related occupation, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully
perform the duties of the position, at least equivalent to the GS-05 level. B. SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: At least one-half year of graduate education related to the biological sciences and duties of this position is qualifying at the GS-6 level. GS-07 level QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Applicants must meet A. or B.; and C. below: A. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: One full year of specialized experience in the biological sciences or in a related occupation, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully
perform the duties of the position. For External applicants WITHOUT prior Federal Experience, the specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the GS-06, to creditable For applicants WITH prior Federal Experience, the specialized experience may have been at least equivalent to either the GS-05 or GS-06 level, to be creditable; or, B. SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of graduate education related to the biological sciences and duties of this position are qualifying at the GS-07 level. C. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: When addressing knowledge, skills and abilities, applicants should explain how experience, training, or education meets the knowledge, skills or abilities. Do not cite references that can be read from a manual, etc. If a specific knowledge, skill, or ability is claimed; explain how it was obtained and how it has been used in the performance of duties. Be specific and elaborate on problems involved in and objectives of your work and how you handled the problems/challenges and met work objectives; including examples of your experience/involvement, which contributed to the outcome. Responses to each KSA should be no more than one (1) page in length. GS-06 level A. Theoretical and applied knowledge of entomology and molecular biology. B. Ability to perform statistical analyses. C. Knowledge of computer software packages for word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, and data entry and manipulation. D. Knowledge of curation of insect and plant specimen . GS-07 level A. Considerable theoretical and applied knowledge of entomology and molecular biology. B. Experience in performing statistical analyses. C. Experience in using a variety of computer software packages for word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, and data entry and manipulation. D. Experience in curation of insect and plant specimen . BASIS OF RATING: Either a Promotion Panel or a Personnel Management Specialist
will evaluate each applicant's qualifications, including experience, performance, awards, education and training, against the categorical grouping criteria and placed in the appropriate group (eligible or quality). ELIGIBLE = Candidates who meet the requirements of OPM Qualification Standards
within 60 days of the closing date of the announcement along with any applicable supplemental qualifications. QUALITY = In addition to OPM Qualification Standards, candidates who meet the supplemental qualifications; knowledge, skills and abilities identified in this announcement. Applicants will be evaluated ONLY on the information RECEIVED BY THE Closing date of this announcement. HOW TO APPLY - APPLICATION MATERIALS: Interested persons should submit the following, as applicable, for the position to which they are applying: FOREST SERVICE applicants: (1) An Applicant Biographical Sketch; (2) Narrative response describing examples of relevant experience, training and personal achievements which concisely address each knowledge, skill or ability; (3) If qualifying based on education; or changing from one GS series to another; and/or Wage Grade series, college/university transcript(s); REQUIRED,
copies acceptable; (4) Copy of latest Personnel Action (documenting STATUS), SF-50 or equivalent;
(5) AD-1086, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE APPLICANT SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET . OTHER GOVERNMENT APPLICANTS: (in addition to the above): (6) Resume, or OF-612, Optional Application for Federal Employment, describing
your work experience; (employers, from/to dates, hours per week, duties/responsibilities, etc.). (7) Copy of latest performance rating. DO NOT SUBMIT position descriptions, manuscripts, personnel endorsements, or other materials UNLESS Specifically requested. All materials must be received NO-LATER-THAN the Closing Date of this announcement to be considered. INCOMPLETE OR LATE applications WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT your application in a notebook, binder, or other cumbersome covering. AGENCY CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (ACTAP): If you are currently an employee of the USDA Forest Service in the NORMAL COMMUNTING AREA OF THIS VACANCY, who has received a Reduction-in-Force (RIF) Notice or a Certificate of Expected Separation, or have been designated as a Surplus Employee, you may
be entitled to special priority selection under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program. To receive this priority, you must: (1) Be currently employed by the agency in the same commuting area; (2) File your application by the POSTMARK closing date of this announcement, including a copy of your RIF or Expected Separation Notice; and, (3) Be rated well qualified for the position. INTERAGENCY CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (ICTAP): If you are a displaced employee, you may be entitled to receive special priority selection under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). Displaced
employees include current or former employees who are: (1) Are in receipt of a
RIF Notice or Certificate of Expected Separation; or have been designated as a
Surplus Employee; (2) Separated because of a compensable disability, and whose
compensation has terminated; (3) Retired with a disability and whose disability annuity is being terminated; (4) Retired in lieu of RIF; (5) Retired under a Discontinued Service Retirement; or, (6) Separated because you
declined a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area. Former Military Reserve or National Guard Technicians who are receiving
a special OPM disability retirement annuity are also eligible for this program. ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR BOTH ACTAP and ICTAP: (1) This position must be at or below the grade level of the position from which you are being or were separated; (2) This position must not have a greater promotion potential than the position from which you are being or were separated; and, (3) Your last performance rating must be at least fully successful (or the equivalent). This requirement does not apply to candidates eligible due to compensable injury or disability retirement. Required documentation includes either a RIF notice, Certificate of Expected Separation; a letter/form designating you a Surplus Employee; or, an SF-50 indicating you meet one of the criteria described above; and, a copy of your last performance rating, if applicable. OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION: An incomplete, illegible, inaccurate, or unsigned application package may result in your not being considered for this position. Electronic transmittal (Computer/FAX) and use of internal mail systems are permitted to respond to this vacancy announcement. HOWEVER, the Forest Service WILL NOT PAY for certified mail, express mail, or postage-due on any application. The agency WILL NOT accept applications received in franked government envelopes. Use of postage-paid government agency envelopes
to file job applications is a violation of federal laws and regulations. Applications submitted in postage-paid government envelopes WILL NOT be considered. Applications MUST BE RECEIVED by the Closing Date, shown at the top of this announcement. It is the SOLE RESPONSIBILITY of the applicant to ensure the timely receipt of their application; regardless of submission used.
The Forest Service assumes NO RESPONSIBILITY for the late delivery of applications; either in paper form, or via electOTHER IMPORTAN You may verify receipt of your paper application by enclosing a self-addressed, stamped postcard. Please allow 10-working days after the closing date of this announcement before you inquire as to the status of your application. Applications will only be uses for consideration for this position. You MUST SUBMIT separate applications FOR EACH position (vacancy announcement) you are applying for. NO applications will be returned. HOW TO APPLY - TRANSMITTAL OF APPLICATIONS: Forest Service applicants are encouraged to submit electronic applications. INSTRUCTIONS: File this announcement as an IBM/WORD document, and delete all the contents of the announcement, except the Applicant Profile/Biographical Sketch. Complete this portion and your response to the Knowledge, Skills or Abilities. (Indicate your name and the vacancy announcement at the top of each
page.) Forest Service applicants with electronic application capability may provide a hardcopy application. (See address below.) Send application materials to: Send to: gfjones@... Subject: EAZ-144-2001 SEND HARDCOPY APPLICATIONS TO: USDA Forest Service Attn: Gina Jones (EAZ-144-2001) 4931 Broad River Road Columbia, SC 29212-3530 CONTACT Phone: 803-561-4024; FAX: 803-561-4016 CHILD-CARE AVAILABILITY: There are no Forest Service-affiliated day care facilities available at the Lyndon B. Johnson or Schenck Job Corps Centers, Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests in South Carolina, Forest Health Protection-Asheville Field Office, Savannah River, or Southern Research Station offices or labs. EMPLOYEE UNION STATUS: Eligible employees at either the Lyndon B. Johnson or Schenck Job Corps Centers are covered/represented by the American Federal of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 446; eligible employees of the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forest in South Carolina and National Forests in North Carolina, and Forest Health Protection-Asheville Field Office are covered/represented by the National Federation o federal Employees-Forest Service Council (NFFE-FSC). Employees of Savannah and Southern Research Station ARE NOT covered/represented by any bargaining unit. THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) PROHIBITS DISCRIMINATION IN ALL ITS PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIAN, GENDER,
RELIGION, AGE, DISABILITY, POLITICAL BELIEFS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AND MARITAL OR FAMILY STATUS. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information; Braille, large print, audiotape, etc., should contact USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600, voice or TDD. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington DC 20250-9410; or, call 202-720-5664, voice or TDD. USDA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER. AD-779 CASE FILE NUMBER: EAZ-144-2001 AD-1086 Form Approved OMB NO. 0505-0099 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE APPLICANT SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET Applicants for positions with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are requested to provide the following information for statistical purposes only. The information will be used to evaluate USDA's recruitment and hiring activities. Public Law 93-579 (Privacy Act of 1974) permits solicitation of personal information. SUBMISSION OF THIS INFORMATION IS VOLUNTARY. Your failure to do so will not affect the processing of your application. Your cooperation is appreciated. 1. Which of the following best describes your current employment status? (Check no more than two.) ___ 01 College/university teaching or research ___ 02 Private Industry ___ 03 State/local government ___ 04 Federal government ___ 05 Member of the military ___ 06 Unemployed ___ 07 Current USDA employee ___ 08 Other: 2. Which of the following describes your veteran preference status? (Check one.) ___ 01 None ___ 04 10 point compensable ___ 02 5 point ___ 05 10 point other ___ 03 10 point disability ___ 06 10 point/30% compensable 3. Which of the following describes your race/national origin? (Check one.) ___ A American Indian/Alaskan Native ___ B Asian or Pacific Islander ___ C Black, not of Hispanic Origin ___ D Hispanic ___ E White, not of Hispanic Origin ___ Y Not Hispanic, Puerto Rico ___ Q All Other Asian or Pacific Islander in Hawaii 4. Which of the following best describes your physical disability status?
(Check all that apply.) ___ 01 No disability ___ 06 Complete paralysis ___ 02 Hearing impairment ___ 07 Convulsive disorder ___ 03 Vision impairment ___ 08 Mental retardation ___ 04 Missing extremities ___ 09 Mental or emotional illness ___ 05 Partial paralysis ___ 10 Severe distortion of limbs and/or spine ___ 11 I have a disability not listed. 5. Are you: (Check one.) ___ Male ___ Female THANK YOU FOR FILLING OUT THIS FORM