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Submitted to: Proceedings of Southern Weed Science Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 11/8/2003 Publication Date: 1/26/2004 Citation: Johnson, III, W.C. 2004. Weed science research opportunities with USDA-ARS [abstract]. Proceedings of the Southern Weed Science Society. 57:381. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the in-house research agency for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The ARS employs 2,100 scientists and 6,000 other employees to conduct agricultural research at 100 locations throughout the U. S. Weed science research is one of the areas of science serviced by the ARS. Long-term, high-risk research is the primary objective of ARS, with technology transfer being an important service as well. ARS research projects on weed science topics can be an individual scientist or several scientists comprising a team. Depending on the local administrative structure, an ARS weed scientist may be assigned to a project with other weed scientists or part of a multidisciplinary team that includes several disciplines. ARS scientists have two levels of supervision; an administrative leader and disciplinary leader. The administrative leader is usually a Research Leader or Laboratory Director, analogous to an academic department head. The administrative leader is responsible for managing the research unit and evaluates annual performance of research scientists in the unit. The discipline leader is the ARS National Program Leader (NPL) for Weed Science. The NPL coordinates and facilitates all weed science research programs in ARS and represents the research programs to Congress and customer groups. ARS compensates research scientists commensurate with their training, experience, and level of responsibility. Employee benefits reflect the Agency's commitment to the well-being of all employees and their families. Performance is evaluated annually, based on the quality of the research program, publications, resource management, and agency representation. In-depth evaluation of a scientist's research program is done on a cyclical basis through the Research Position Evaluation System (RPES). This evaluation is through an anonymous review panel chosen with nationwide representation. Results from this review determine if an employee is promoted within the GS/GM system. Graduate students interested in a weed science research career with ARS are encouraged to monitor the ARS website at www.ars.usda.gov for position announcements. All applications are submitted to ARS Headquarters in Beltsville, MD for initial screening. A list of qualified applicants is sent to the Research Leader for evaluation by an appointed screening committee. Applicants must clearly document their knowledge, skills, and abilities to fulfill specific research tasks when submitting their application. ARS weed scientists have considerable freedom to tailor their research program according to current research needs, with full Agency support. The ARS also provides many opportunities for continuing education through high-quality training. ARS has a legacy of quality weed science research accomplishments and graduate students are encouraged to consider ARS for their career. |
