Dairy Scientist-Milk Market Administration

Read the ENTIRE posting. Failure to follow submission instructions will result in your application not being accepted. Anyone claiming Veteran Preference MUST submit the required documentation outlined in the announcement.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT # 26-01

Position Title, Series, & Grade: Dairy Scientist, MA-1321, MA 10-13 (This is not equivalent to GS pay schedule)

Salary Range : $46,286-$84,669 Base (includes locality adjustment); salary commensurate with qualifications

Promotion Potential: MA-18

Opening Date : February 13, 2026 Closing Date : February 27, 2026

Duty Location: Brunswick, OH

Area of Consideration : Open to the public

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The Federal Milk Market Administrator is an excepted service agency under the Schedule A, 213.3113 (f)(4) hiring process. The objective of a Federal Milk Market Administrator’s office is to administer the terms and provisions of regulations referred to as a federal milk order. Federal milk orders establish minimum prices that regulated dairy plants and milk handlers must pay Grade A dairy farmers for milk, based on how the milk is used. The milk order requires that these payments be pooled so that dairy farmers under an order are paid an average price for their milk, regardless of how it is used.

Primary Duties of the Position

· Perform laboratory analysis of milk for butterfat, protein, lactose, solids and somatic cell count of raw milk by infrared and wet chemical techniques.

· Using ether extraction, Kjeldahl analysis, enzymatic lactose assay, and direct microscopic counts to determine milk content.

· Analyze data using spreadsheet and graphical analysis to produce test reports.

· Interact with dairy industry representatives via telephone and written correspondence to coordinate dairy testing.

· Implement new dairy testing methods to improve processes.

· Maintain dairy laboratory equipment.

· Monitor dairy laboratory testing.

· The successful applicant must have computer skills in the use and creation of spreadsheets and in the use of pre-existing database files.

Qualification Requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in a physical or life science with at least 15 semester hours in chemistry, microbiology, or dairy and food related sciences AND at least 6 semester hours of mathematics or physics.

OR

Applicants who do not have a degree must have the appropriate semester or quarter hours as described above and experience that, when combined with the education, would equal a four-year course of study. The experience should have equipped the applicant with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform at the grade level to which appointed.

The required amount of experience and education will not in itself be accepted as proof of qualification for the position. The candidate’s record of experience must demonstrate that the candidate possesses the ability to perform the duties of the position. A copy of the applicant’s college transcript is required.

Evaluation Criteria

All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, to include any specialized experience, will be referred to the selecting official. Before a certificate is issued to the selecting official, applications will be reviewed to ensure that all the qualification requirements have been met. A rating will not be used. Applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. Note: If, after reviewing a resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that qualifications and/or experience have been inflated, the applicant may be found ineligible. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect qualification. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.

Special Requirements

· Must be a United States citizen.

· Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.

· Required to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.

· Daily local and occasional out-of-town travel may be required.

· Valid driver’s license.

· Subject to satisfactory completion of a one-year probationary period.

· Must be able to lift 60 pounds.

· May be required to pass a physical exam prior to the start of employment at the employer's expense.

Application Procedures

Please refer to the Job Announcement Number in the application documents. Complete applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February 27, 2026.

Applicants must submit copies of their unofficial college transcripts and detailed resume, which includes personal contact information, education history, work history, and military history. Please submit requested information via email on or before the deadline to [email protected]. Failure to submit all required documents will result in elimination from consideration. All application material must be emailed by the closing date.

To claim veterans’ preference, veterans are required to provide a copy of their DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Veterans with service-connected disability and others claiming 10-point preference are required to submit form SF-15, Application for 10-point Veterans’ Preference. (Standard forms may be downloaded at OPM’s website These documents are required and must be submitted when applying for the position in order to receive veterans’ preference consideration in the hiring process.

Additional Information:

Additional selections may be made from this announcement.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of appointment and work schedule. They include retirement plan, health and life insurance, Thrift Savings Plan (Government 401(k)) with matching contributions, paid holidays, vacation & sick leave. Optional programs include dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts (health and dependent care), and mass transit/van pool reimbursement.

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Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability

New employee probationary period

Privacy Act

Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service

Signature and false statements

Social security number request

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Pay: $47,049.39 - $84,669.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person