Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. GS-7 Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for the GS-07 grade level includes one year of specialized experience comparable to the GS-06 grade level which is directly related to the work of this position, and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is: Experience participating in one or more phases of the animal research process, AND Working with animals in an agricultural, commercial, or research setting, AND Operating laboratory or field equipment in support of a research project. Education: Successful completion of one full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Animal Science, Poultry Science, or Microbiology, and related fields. OR An appropriate combination of specialized experience and graduate level education directly related to the work of the position as stated above. GS-8 Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for the GS-08 grade level includes one year of specialized experience comparable to the GS-07 grade level which is directly related to the work of this position, and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is: Experience planning and conducting an agricultural animal research project to include collecting or maintaining biological samples related to agricultural animals, AND Working with animals in an agricultural, commercial, or research setting, AND Operating equipment in support of an animal research project, AND Recording and compiling research results and data using automated software or equipment. OR Education: Successful completion of two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Animal Science, Poultry Science, or Microbiology, and related fields. OR An appropriate combination of specialized experience and graduate level education directly related to the work of the position as stated above. 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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.