Agricultural Science Research Technician

This position is located in the Agricultural Research Service, Plant Science Research Office, Sugarcane Research Unit in Houma, Louisiana. In this position, you will work with scientists to develop improved varieties and environmentally friendly production strategies that will expand the cropping range, and combat a constantly evolving pest complex that includes diseases, insects, and weeds.

Perform all field tasks involved in agronomic crop production through land preparation, planting, management, harvest, and post-harvest operations.

Maintain an inventory of chemicals.

Safely disposes of waste material (both chemical and biological).

Search for literature or attend training or lectures pertinent to area of research for new procedures or techniques to use in the laboratory or field.

Adapt, modify or develop new techniques and/or procedures to satisfy the needs of the research project.

Participate in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of complex technical duties in a laboratory or field.

Operate and maintain a variety of specialized equipment (i.e. tractors, sprayers, corn and soybean combine, cotton picker, cotton module builder, ATVs).

Operate GPS, RTK, yield monitoring, and computer controlled farm equipment.

You must be a US Citizen or US National. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period unless previous federal service is creditable. During this time your employment will be evaluated, and we may consider: your performance and conduct, the needs and interests of the agency, whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government, and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.