PDF versionJob Summary
If selected for this position you coordinate with Trade Director(s) and play a role concerning agricultural trade issues related to insects and diseases affecting plants and plant products.
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:
- Manage phytosanitary trade issues within Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) with USDA.
- Serve as a resource person to the Trade Directors and Deputy Director by identifying emerging scientific issues and modern technical capabilities to be applied to phytosanitary trade issues.
- Plan, coordinate, or conduct analyses relevant to trade issues, as well as design and develop solutions for the successful management of these issues.
- Participate in and contribute to intensive pre-negotiation preparation and strategy development, as well as negotiations.
- Represent organization at meetings and conferences with other U.S. agencies, State governments, industry and producer organizations.
- Assist in the maintenance of issue files of correspondence concerning PPQ trade issue management, monitor program development, and prepare administrative records.
- Serve as a contact point between the PPQ operational staff, International Services, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), other Federal and State Agencies, and industry on trade issue management matter.
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 in 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 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: Experience observing or assisting with U. S. agricultural industry commodity handling practices and strategies related to safe agricultural trade for the import and/or export of plants and plant products, for example, field/orchard/greenhouse production processes; harvest, storage, treatment/pest exclusion, or packing procedures; phytosanitary inspections and certificates; port of entry inspections; or insect and disease specimen collection and identification. Participation in the Federal or State-level rule making process or experience communicating or enforcing the Plant Protection Act or other plant-related statutory and regulatory authorities. Experience participating in public meetings, seminars, consultations and/or negotiations (as an observer or active participant) with domestic and international stakeholders, industry groups, or non-governmental organizations. Skill/tact in oral and written communications to provide advice, consult, and negotiate with other U.S. and foreign government officials or stakeholders, using, for example, letters, publications, oral presentations. Participation in and/or presenting to domestic or international audiences, industry associations, other government organizations. Experience with gathering, organizing, and maintaining scientific or technical information in a goal-oriented project management environment, and tracking and reporting on established milestones/goals. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required. 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 - $108,422.00