This position is located within the Poultry Research Unit for USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Mississippi State, MS. In this position, you will perform a wide range of manual tasks involved in providing the basic needs (feeding, care, handling, and sanitation) of poultry used in connection with research programs.

Duties

Observes the appearance and activity of animals for obvious signs of illness, disease, discontent, and their general physical condition. Provides feed and liquids to animals according to such factors as age, activity, and state of health, or according to specific instructions for special diets as directed by the supervisor or scientists. Conducts routine cleaning and maintenance in research facilities for animal housing and feed manufacturing. Tows trailers, including bumper pull and fifth-wheel/gooseneck, over public roads and streets and on Unit and University property. Operates utility vehicles (UTV), tractor with front-end loader, and forklift truck to lift loads of less than 10,000 lbs. and to no higher than 14 feet. Applies knowledge of the temperament of individual animals and skill to handle them or to perform such work as shearing or force feeding. Assists scientists in collection of production data such as body weight data, feed consumption data, and egg production data.

Requirements

• 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.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• 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 E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Motor Vehicle or Commercial Driver's License required.
• Rotating weekend and holiday duty. Rotating on-call responsibilities in the unlikely event of animal emergency. Must respond on site within 30 minutes.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: 04/08/2024. 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 a, Animal Caretaker without more than normal supervision (Screen Out)). Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration. Physical Effort Stands, walks, or stoops for extended periods and may be required to lift and carry materials weighing up to 100 pounds. Working Conditions Work is performed inside and outside. Outside work involves discomfort having to spend long periods of time in the sun, occasionally bad weather, and exposure to bites, scratches, and animal wastes. May be exposed to contagious poultry diseases not transmissible to humans. Inside work may be performed in hot, humid, and dusty environments such as a poultry house or poultry feed mill, or in wet conditions such as a poultry processing plant which requires standing on damp concrete floors for long periods.

Education

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 141 Experimental Station Road Stoneville, MS 38776 US
• Name: Robert Green
• Phone: (703) 259-9392
• Email: [email protected]