Lab Manager Mentor (Remote)

Job Description

Lab Manager Mentor (Remote) ID: ARS-PA-134 Location: Fort Collins Program: ARS

Wage/Hr: $50.00 Hours/Week: 15 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. NOTE: This position has the option to work remotely.

Qualifications Minimum of 15 year(s) of experience in agricultural research and the capability to conduct field and laboratory studies. Knowledge of and experience with current methods of statistically analyzing and presenting data from microbiological field and laboratory procedures. OR BA/BS Degree in Biological Sciences/Zoology/Chemistry/Agriculture/Natural Resource Management/Soil Science/Ecology/Agronomy. OR BA/BS Degree in any field

• 1. Assisting in the planning and conducting of research projects and experiments related to Soil Science, Agronomy, & Agricultural Systems with field and lab components.
• 2. Experience in plant and nutrient cycling, biological transformation, plant and soil testing, composition, stable isotopic theory, and soil formation sufficient to effectively manage soil, fertilizer, and plant nutrients to maximize farm profitability, maintain environmental quality, and sustain long-term productivity.
• Knowledge of laboratory (i.e., radiation and chemical hygiene) and field safety rules, regulations, precautions, and procedures sufficient to ensure safety and train others.
• Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, MS PowerPoint
• SigmaPlot

Duties The enrollee would serve as a Lab Manager Mentor within an interdisciplinary team. The primary purpose of the position is to provide mission continuity in investigating alternative strategies for balancing the production and environmental effects of soil, fertilizer, and nutrient management. 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.

• Assists in one or more phases of the research process. Performs tests and analyses to determine isotopic turnover by applying established analytical methods and procedures or by operating an automated analytical system according to established operating procedures. 45%
• Collects, prepares, evaluates, and verifies the analysis of soil and plant samples for nitrogen, phosphorus, inorganic and organic carbon, and other nutrient elements as needed, along with selected biological, chemical, and physical soil properties. Keeps exact, detailed records of experimental data according to guidelines. 25%
• Assists in providing expert advice on the planning and design of studies with appropriate input from the research scientist or other group scientists to set up and make preparations on purchasing and modifying equipment and facilities through completion. Participates in developing new techniques to solve specific problems associated with managing soil, fertilizer, and plant nutrients. 15%
• Maintains and trouble-shoots existing stable isotope equipment to facilitate a smooth research environment. Resolves complex problems, such as developing and implementing multiple-use resource management plans or covering diverse resource management issues. 15%

Other

• IT Security and Safety Training
• Training will be provided as necessary by the agency.
• Health and Safety Considerations: Knowledge of laboratory (i.e., radiation and chemical hygiene) and field safety rules, regulations, precautions, and procedures sufficient to ensure safety and train others. Applicable safety training is available in AgLearn.
• Physical requirements: 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' policy to comply with all applicable laws that provide equal opportunity and to prohibit unlawful discrimination in enrolling participants in the federal programs.