PDF versionJob Summary
As an Interdisciplinary Scientist, you serve as an expert that supports programs that regulate agricultural pests; risks of the introduction of exotic pests; pest movement; and damage potential to ensure safe trade, protect natural resources and U.S. agriculture. If selected, you will serve within a laboratory or work unit within Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), Science and Technology (S&T).
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:
- Provides qualitative and quantitative analyses for management of invasive species, diseases and other plants.
- Obtains, validates, and analyzes data related to pest identification and diagnostics.
- Develops methods of detection and inspection of pest and diseases.
- Develops, adapts, and/or evaluate tools, methods, and technologies to mitigate effects of populations of introduced plant pests.
- Designs, evaluates, and optimizes strategies for detecting incipient populations of exotic pests of plants.
- Develops, adapts, and/or evaluates methods and equipment for phytosanitary treatment of commodities, packaging materials, and meas of conveyance.
- Serve as an authorized representative on cooperative and interagency agreements.
- Manages projects, resources and budgets.
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: Biologist (0401) 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-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience in entomological sampling methods used to identify insect life stages, quantify abundance, distribution, and insect trapping methods used in pest management. Experience in conducting a range of experiments, tests, bio-assays to determine efficacy of treatments on the development of insects from egg to adult stages, and similar studies to document the impacts of microorganisms on development success of insects reared in artificial diets. Experience in data collect, data handling, quality control, summary analysis, and reporting of experimental results using written, verbal, and visual presentation tools. OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Entomology, Insect Physiology, Insect Pathology, Biological Sciences, or closely related. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. 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 in using entomological sampling methods, testing insect control methods including: lures, pheromones, and chemical attractants used in various trapping programs to determine and identify the most effective method to use in pest management programs. Experience in formulating artificial diets used in mass rearing of insects, diet components, and experience in alternatives that can be substituted to provide optimal insect development and optimize numbers of insects produced. Experience in developing new strains of insects for use in mass rearing facilities, and conducting the full range of tests to meet program standards for implementation into existing programs. 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 COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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
$64,009.00 - $99,741.00