Agriculture Commodity Technician Cotton (HVI Operator)

Applications will be accepted beginning August 7, 2023 for seasonal Instrument Mechanic Helper (High Volume Instrument Technician, WG-3359-5, $19.47 per hour). Completed applications may be delivered to the Florence Classing Office at 1725 Otis Way, Florence, SC 29501, or emailed to FlorenceCO@usda.gov. Selected individuals will be trained to repair and calibrate HVI machines. HVI Technicians must pass the 80 hour Cotton Program HVI Technical School. Current USDA employees will be promoted to WG-5 after successful completion of HVI Technical School. Selected personnel passing the training course will be employed as seasonal HVI Technicians.  

Minimum qualifications are: successful completion of 1yr. of training or experience above high school in electronics or electro-mechanical repair or instruction (proof of education or training required), or high school diploma/GED and experience as a GS-3 HVI Operator or a GS-4 HVI Operator Leader. Additional rating points will be given for education and/or work experience. Background checks will be made on all applicants selected.

Applicants must be U.S. Citizens and be prepared to show picture ID, proof of high school diploma and/or GED and Social Security Card. Veteran’s preference will be applied as appropriate. DD-214 “member 4 copy” must be provided to qualify for veteran’s preference. If you are a male born after Dec. 31, 1959 and are at least 18 years of age, civil service employment law (5 U.S.C.3328) requires that you must be registered with the Selective Service System, unless you meet certain exemptions (proof of registration and/ or exemption required). Weekend and holiday work is mandatory and must be able to work any shift. 

Application forms OF-612 and OF-306 can be obtained from the address or by email request to FlorenceCO@usda.gov.  For questions, call (843) 667-4381.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.