PDF versionJob Summary
Agriculturist, Foreign Program Specialist, assigned to the Preclearance and Offshore Program (POP), detect and mitigate the risk of invasive pests or diseases associated with foreign based preclearance program commodities (fruits, vegetables, and plant material) to facilitate safe trade and result in an expedited clearance upon arrival at the U.S. ports of entry. It includes temporary assignments that may last up to 180 days to locations throughout the world.
Major Duties
- The duties may include, but are not limited to:
- When assigned to temporary duty foreign locations, conducts commodity inspections, monitors and evaluates treatments, and certifies consignments of agricultural commodities for shipment to the U.S.
- Interprets risk factors, derives action plans to mitigate pest risk, and assists in developing new policy on existing and emerging preclearance programs
- Collects, analyzes, and interprets program data and associated information to recommend operational changes to a preclearance program
- Represents the Agency in international meetings with foreign National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) officials and managers in technical and operational program components
- Plans and oversees the work of foreign employees, host country plant quarantine inspectors, and/or cooperator personnel assigned to the preclearance program
- Contributes to the development of standard operating procedures, operational work plans, and job aids pertaining to inspection, sampling, phytosanitary equipment, phytosanitary treatments, and system
- Serves on teams of plant health and quarantine experts that study and/or respond to new, emerging, and established plant health threats and assess the cost and effectiveness of programs
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-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 the ability to: Inspect agricultural commodities, monitor and evaluate treatments, and certify consignments of agricultural commodities Manage and coordinate multiple programs, projects, and initiatives while meeting assigned deadlines Consult with senior staff and management to formulate quality improvements for programs, develop implementation plans, and execute modifications Represent the agency in international meetings with senior staff and foreign government officials regarding program topics 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
$83,398.00 - $108,422.00