Physical Scientist Technician (GS-1311) | Agricultural Marketing Service

Physical Scientist Technicians assist AMS’s scientists in the collection, preparation, and analysis of data. They assist in the development and evaluation of new testing procedures and recommend modifications to existing techniques to improve efficiency and accuracy of operations. These duties may involve:

Grading agricultural commodity samples to include inspecting the samples noting their general appearance, odor, and damage, and recording any factors that may influence the analyses.
Identifying significant deviations or unusual developments during processing and/or results of tests.
Investigating probable causes for wide differences in test results which includes decisions to make technically sound variations in testing procedures.
Develops detailed laboratory data records to ensure precision and quality of the test results.
Prepares formal reports on results of test data to the immediate supervisor.

This Position is Represented in the Following AMS Programs:

Work Environment

Physical Scientist Technicians primarily work in a laboratory setting that may involve occasional exposure to irritant chemicals requiring special safety precautions and protective clothing.

Minimum Applicant Requirements

For GS-09 Level	For GS-11 Level and Above
Applicants must have either: Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level that demonstrates: Experience conducting background research and analysis on agricultural production or food handling/processing. Evaluating substances (materials) and/or agricultural inputs in food processing and handling. Experience in taking meeting minutes and notes; participating in meeting with stakeholders; writing correspondence and meeting summaries; reviewing and assessing inquiries; experience writing various documents, including policy papers, briefings, and memoranda. Demonstrated experience in conducting these activities in the context of scientific, agricultural, or food technology information Experience using databases or electronic management systems to track, manage, and report data, workflows, and correspondence. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). OR Education: 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or a master's or equivalent graduate degree in the fields of food technology, or dairy technology, microbiology, biology, chemistry, physics, or a related discipline or field of biological or physical science.	Applicants must have either: Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level that demonstrates: Conducting background research and analysis for policy issues related to agricultural production or food handling/processing Evaluating substances (materials) and/or agricultural inputs in food processing and handling to assess compliance with the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 and the USDA organic regulations. Experience in taking meeting minutes and notes; participating in meeting with stakeholders; writing correspondence and meeting summaries; reviewing and assessing inquiries, complaints, and evidence or other data to evaluate whether incoming information is relevant to a specific Federal or State law or regulation. Experience writing complex documents, including policy papers, briefings, public policy documents, memoranda, and/or position papers. Experience translating technical and scientific information into plain language for a non-scientific audience. Experience using databases or electronic management systems to track, manage, and report data, workflows, and correspondence. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). OR Education: 3-years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in the fields of food technology, or dairy technology, microbiology, biology, chemistry, physics, or a related discipline or field of biological or physical science. OR Combination of Education and Experience: Possess a combination of specialized experience and education to meet total experience requirements for the GS-11 level.

For GS-09 Level

For GS-11 Level and Above

Applicants must have either:

Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level that demonstrates:

Experience conducting background research and analysis on agricultural production or food handling/processing.
Evaluating substances (materials) and/or agricultural inputs in food processing and handling.
Experience in taking meeting minutes and notes; participating in meeting with stakeholders; writing correspondence and meeting summaries; reviewing and assessing inquiries; experience writing various documents, including policy papers, briefings, and memoranda. Demonstrated experience in conducting these activities in the context of scientific, agricultural, or food technology information
Experience using databases or electronic management systems to track, manage, and report data, workflows, and correspondence.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).

Education: 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or a master's or equivalent graduate degree in the fields of food technology, or dairy technology, microbiology, biology, chemistry, physics, or a related discipline or field of biological or physical science.

Applicants must have either:

Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level that demonstrates:

Conducting background research and analysis for policy issues related to agricultural production or food handling/processing
Evaluating substances (materials) and/or agricultural inputs in food processing and handling to assess compliance with the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 and the USDA organic regulations.
Experience in taking meeting minutes and notes; participating in meeting with stakeholders; writing correspondence and meeting summaries; reviewing and assessing inquiries, complaints, and evidence or other data to evaluate whether incoming information is relevant to a specific Federal or State law or regulation.
Experience writing complex documents, including policy papers, briefings, public policy documents, memoranda, and/or position papers. Experience translating technical and scientific information into plain language for a non-scientific audience.
Experience using databases or electronic management systems to track, manage, and report data, workflows, and correspondence.

Education: 3-years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in the fields of food technology, or dairy technology, microbiology, biology, chemistry, physics, or a related discipline or field of biological or physical science.

Combination of Education and Experience: Possess a combination of specialized experience and education to meet total experience requirements for the GS-11 level.

Common Career Paths

Agricultural Marketing Specialist

Physical Scientist