Agriculturist

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Department of Agriculture

Job Summary

The incumbent is responsible for supporting the U.S. government's contribution for the technical operation and management of the New World Screwworm mass rearing facility, dispersal operations, and field surveillance program in Panama and in the United States or any other location where the program operates or will be established in the future. These facilities operate either directly by APHIS or through cooperative bilateral agreements with foreign governments.

Major Duties

  • The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.
  • The duties may include, but are not limited to:
  • Works directly programs to identify and resolve fly production and field operation issues related to Sterile Insect Technique, Biological Operations, Dispersal Operations and Surveillance Operations.
  • Works with foreign counterparts and provides U.S. Commission and Technical Directors with timely required and ad-hoc reporting, and as required, recommendations for action, when posted at facilities.
  • Assists in the Development of protocols, procedures, and guidelines to be implemented during regular operations and emergency response activities.
  • Ensures that all Production and Field Operation personnel are properly trained and informed about procedures and safety standards.
  • Ensures production and field operation safety standards meet the host country requirements.
  • Assists the Technical Director overseeing the work of locally employed personnel including supervisors and workers in the Production Facility, Dispersal Center and Field Operations where applicable.
  • Works to ensure high quality production and dispersal of sterile insects, works to ensure that field surveillance, control posts and epidemiological operations function effectively and efficiently.
  • Leads, motivates and guides staff to meet IS goals and objectives by utilizing and developing them appropriately, and adapting leadership style to various situations.
  • Responsible for the timely delivery of sterile insect shipments to preventive release programs in the United States and other screwworm-free countries or for regional eradication efforts.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

OR

Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Demonstrated experience working as a team member to accomplish program goals. Prepare and present scientific and technical reports. Perform complex tests and/or procedures that require using highly specialized methods or techniques. Ability to collect and analyze data and apply to laboratory and field operations. FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Perform assignments that involve initiating, formulating, and planning, as well as executing major studies, or continuing specialized projects. Demonstrated experience leading team members to accomplish goals. Use findings of specialized studies, new analytical developments, and modified processes to increase program efficiencies and decrease costs. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university 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.

Pay Range

$83,398.00 - $128,920.00

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End Date: 

Friday, December 6, 2019