PDF versionJob Summary
Serves as a senior agricultural Biological Scientist for the Biotechnology Risk Analysis Programs of BRS, who independently is responsible for providing authoritative expertise in diverse areas of biotechnology and the biological sciences.
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:
- Responsible for technical support and analysis of pest risk and weed risk.
- Coordinates, prepares and reviews appropriate plant pest and weed risk assessments with minimal oversight or revisions required within the mandated time period.
- Advises on the development of multinational standards, risk assessment frameworks, agreements or policy regarding the release of certain genetically engineered organisms into the environment.
- Provides timely updates on current projects and assignments, and develop talking points and briefing materials on assignments of interest to the BRS Administrator, APHIS, USDA, and congress.
- Represents BRS at professional society conferences, committees, and meetings at the national and especially international levels.
- Responsible for maintaining familiarity with the world's biotechnology literature on plants.
- Coordinates, prepares, and reviews a variety of authorization documents, risk assessments, reports, and technical analyses on different aspects of biotechnology related.
- Collaborates with and supports other BRS and APHIS program units and other agency initiatives, including NEPA compliance, Plant Health Programs, and international efforts, as appropriate/upon request.
- Mentors or assists in the training of more junior biological scientists in these processes as requested by the Team Lead.
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. In addition to the basic requirements applicants must also: 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: Authorship of two or more peer reviewed scientific publications or unpublished government, industry, or other documents related to activities in biological science; especially in biotechnology, plant pests, diseases, or weeds. Planned, organized, and provided support and subject matter advice on time sensitive projects related to biotechnology regulations, including solutions to complex and/or highly controversial issues that advance program decisions or functionality. Researching, interpreting, and applying laws and policies regarding agricultural biotechnology. Participated on a team that was responsible for planning, organizing, and executing team projects to accomplish group goals. Communicating biotechnology policies and procedures to internal and external stakeholders. 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
$117,191.00 - $152,352.00