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Conditions of Employment
- Satisfactory background investigation and/or fingerprint check
- Respirator fit test is required
- Valid state motor vehicle license required
- US Citizenship is required
- Pre-employment Physical is required
- A 1-year probationary period is required
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
Working Conditions: Position is in a location that includes Biological Safety Level 2 and 3 biocontainment facilities. Works with animals infected with zoonotic diseases (human pathogens) such as but not limited to, Avian Influenza, Exotic Newcastle Disease, Tuberculosis, Brucella and Rabies.
Because this is an exigency position, the incumbent is expected to report for duty when the lab is closed due to hazardous weather, heightened threat levels or natural disasters and budget shutdowns. Work may involve discomforts such as having to spend long periods of time on concrete or slippery floors, exposure to bites, scratches, kicks, disagreeable odors, allergens and animal wastes from diseased or distressed animals.
The incumbent may be required to frequently wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks or respirators, eye and ear protection, boots, gloves and coveralls when providing care to animals that represent a potential source of zoonotic disease or other biohazard. Various forms of respiratory protection equipment must be worn when working with certain infections agents, chemicals and allergens. PPE provides necessary protection against biological and chemical hazards but may increase the risk of accidents due to decreased vision, hampered communication, limited mobility and dexterity. Physical well-being may be compromised by the prolonged usage of the PPE and may lead to labored respiration, heat stress and dehydration. Work may be performed daily in the presence of hazardous chemicals such as formaldehyde, virucidal and bactericidal disinfectants and detergents.
Physical Effort: The incumbent performs activities involved in the care, treatment and observation of animals and collection of biological specimens. Moderate to heavy physical exertion is required daily for restraining large animals and moving feed, hay, bedding and equipment (up to 75 pounds). May be required to move large animal carcasses and/or portions of carcasses in carts weighing up to 300 pounds, with the assistance of handling equipment.
Qualifications
In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement.
Qualifications will be determined under the Job Element Rating System X-118C, Qualifications Standard Handbook. While a specific length of time and experience is not required for most Wage Grade positions, you must show through experience and training that you possess the best qualified level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of this position. Qualification requirements emphasize the quality of experience, not necessarily the length. The responses to the questionnaire and your resume should be in significant detail to provide the person rating your application with a good understanding of your ability to do the job, technical knowledge, work, and training experience, etc. (For example, you must have the ability to perform the duties of an Animal Caretaker, WG-5048-06 without more than normal supervision (Screen Out)). Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Applications will be evaluated in accordance with Office of Personnel Managements (OPM) Delegated Examining Procedures using category rating. Applicants who meet basic minimum qualifications will be placed in one of two or three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. Category placement will be determined based on applicants quality of experience and the extent they possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) or competencies:
- Ability to do the work of an Animal Caretaker without more than normal supervision.
- Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
- Ability to interpret instructions, specifications, etc. (other than blueprints)
- Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment
- Knowledge of materials
- Dexterity and Safety
Your application, including the online Assessment Questionnaire, will be reviewed to determine if you meet (a) minimum qualification requirements and (b) the resume supports the answers provided to the job-specific questions. Your resume must clearly support your responses to all the questions addressing experience and education relevant to this position. Those determined to be in the best qualified category will be referred to the selecting official for consideration.
Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating may be lowered to more accurately reflect the submitted documentation. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.
Clicking the link below will present a preview of the application form; i.e. the online questionnaire. The application form link below will only provide a preview and does not initiate the application process. To initiate the online application process, click the "Apply Online" button to the right.
To view the application form, visit:
https://ars.usda.ntis.gov/cp/?event=jobs.previewApplication&jobid=870FAE4B-7B23-4764-8A17-A90000EC70FE
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