Research Technician 

ID: ARS-MWA-030

Location: East Lansing, MI

Agency: ARS

Wage/Hr: $60.00

Hours/Week: 20

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.

Duties:

Agricultural field research support including planting, harvesting, and managing dry beans crops, farm equipment use and maintenance, training entry level field technician. 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.

• Provide training to one-entry level field technician on farm equipment use and maintenance and crop management. 30%
• Maintain field plot equipment, including plot combine and planter. 25%
• Dry bean field management includes plowing, spraying pesticides, and applying fertilizer. 25%
• Plant and harvest dry beans. 20%

Qualifications:

Minimum of 5 year(s) of experience in agronomy, field research or farming. OR BA/BS Degree in Agronomy

• Experience driving and repairing farm equipment, experience farming and/or conducting agronomy field research, pesticide applicators license and commercial driver's license beneficial but not required.
• Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel

Other:

• Training provided as needed.
• Health and Safety Considerations: Either worker protection standard training or pesticide applicators license, farm and equipment safety training modules through USDA AgLearn and Michigan State University.
• 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: Be able to lift 50 lbs., ability to work outdoors in adverse conditions including heat and cold. 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's policy to comply with all applicable laws that provide equal opportunity and to prohibit unlawful discrimination in enrolling participants in the federal programs.