Biologist

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Department of Agriculture

Job Summary

As a Biologist-Project Manager you will serve as the Transition Program Manager, to support transition activities on behalf of USDA APHIS and USDA ARS utilizing their expertise in biological sciences to plan and execute transition of a long-range program of significant national interest for the USDA Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC)/National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF). Recruitment/Relocation incentive may be authorized but is not guaranteed.

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:
  • Leads strategic discussions to identify and address existing challenges, and redirect efforts as needed.
  • Identifies priorities for transition activities and to develop strategic plans to meet the anticipated timelines for transition.
  • Develops and executes a Portfolio Management process on behalf of USDA at PIADC.
  • Works with existing staff to identify opportunities for coordination and to support end-stage transition needs.
  • Evaluates existing and developing transition plans to maintain alignment with strategic priorities and anticipated timelines.
  • Leads/co-leads cross-functional teams responsible for planning, delivering, and assessing products/services/capabilities across APHIS and ARS.
  • Directs and assists with the development of detailed materials addressing all aspects of transition planning.
  • Directs and assists in the development of comprehensive implementation plans to translate transition plans into operations.
  • Provides regular written and verbal reports and updates on status of transition activities to USDA leadership.

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: bachelor's degree or higher with a major in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

OR Combination of education and experience: post high school education with courses equivalent to a major, which is defined as 24 semester/36 quarter hours, in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources management, chemistry or related disciplines appropriate to the position, PLUS appropriate experience or additional course work.

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: Perform assignments that involve initiating, formulating, and planning, as well as executing major projects, or continuing specialized projects. Use findings of specialized studies, new analytical developments, and modified processes to resolve novel, obscure, or highly controversial problems that affect the program area. Advising supervisors and managers on a variety of complex scientific issues related to research laboratory functions and practices. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. FOR THE GS-15 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-14 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Deciding courses of action regarding workflow processes and lab practices in a research laboratory. Design projects that coordinate a major segment of the agency's operational and scientific programs. Use findings of specialized studies, new analytical developments, and modified processes to resolve novel, obscure, or highly controversial problems that affect the program area. 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

$124,571.00 - $170,800.00

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End Date: 

Thursday, April 9, 2020