PDF versionJob Summary
The primary purpose of the position is to provide scientific leadership and program management expertise on issues of major importance nation-wide to PPQ programs. This includes the provision of staff advisory services to the Director of PM; leading projects, programs, or major segments thereof; and extensive collaboration with the highest levels of PPQ management to effectively integrate national endeavors into the long-range management of PPQ's policies and operations.
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:
- Serves on teams of plant health and quarantine experts in major long-term field projects to study and/or respond to new, emerging, and established plant health risk.
- Assess the cost and effectiveness of current PPQ program activities; and evaluate new ways to integrate PPQ endeavors with efforts of other federal agencies, foreign governments, state government, and industry.
- Provides leadership in assigned domestic and emergency programs.
- Leadership responsibilities include the development, implementation and maintenance of budgets, operational plans, strategic plans, action plans, regulations, and guidelines for each of the assigned programs.
- Performs in-depth analyses of policy and program management issues of central importance to APHIS? mission to protect and serve U.S.
- Provides advice and assistance in developing, directing, analyzing, and monitoring field operations and cooperative programs to detect, control, and eradicate plant pests.
- Represents PPQ in meetings with industry and government entities at all levels.
- Keeps PPQ officials fully informed of program activities and results that may have a significant bearing on the planning, development and administration of other APHIS programs.
- Prepares written correspondence, which includes operational plans, performance reports, pest survey reports, briefing papers, decision memoranda, position papers, and other administrative documents.
- Manages financial accounts for conduct of the assigned emergency or domestic program(s) which may or may not involve special appropriations to combat an emergency outbreak.
- Cooperates with officials in enforcing Federal and State quarantines regulating the movement of crops, products, equipment, and other materials that may cause the spread of animal and plant pests.
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 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. 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: Experience in plant diseases and pests, and the biological principles of pest management, as evidenced by academic training and experience in one or more of the biological sciences Knowledge of APHIS policies and regulatory requirements to prevent the entry and domestic movement of plant pests and diseases into the United States Experience in leading projects and managing tasks as a project coordinator Experience in effectively communicating orally and in writing to a diverse audience Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. FOR THE GS-14 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-13 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Recognized expert in plant diseases and pests, and the biological principles of pest management, as evidenced by academic training and experience in one or more of the biological sciences Experience with APHIS policies and regulatory requirements to prevent the entry and domestic movement of plant pests and diseases into the United States Experience in effectively managing agricultural quarantine programs (domestic or foreign pests) or plant health policies and operations with demonstrable results in plant health and pest management activities Experience in planning and leading projects, and developing strategies to resolve complex problems Experience in effectively communicating orally and in writing to a diverse audience including senior level managers, federal and industry partners, stakeholders, and/or customers, including negotiation and consensus-building skills Aligns organizational priorities with agency strategic 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
$99,172.00 - $152,352.00