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 means 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 using the scientific principles of entomology, incorporating a wide range of disciplines (particularly biological control, ecology, forest entomology, and population or molecular genetics). Experience utilizing insect rearing to support scientific research. Experience initiating and conducting evaluations of biological control of plant pests via experimental design, statistics and analysis techniques. Experience working as science leader and as a member of a team(s) to conduct research on biological control or IPM of plant pests. Experience drafting reports, work plans, internal protocols, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations to communicate science and technical results to Agency officials, stakeholders, staff, and cooperators. OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Entomology, or related disciplines. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. 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
$69,016.00 - $89,726.00