PDF versionJob Summary
You will perform specialized duty that provides a comprehensive approach to biosecurity, minimizing the risk of biological and economic damage caused by exotic, non-native plant and animal organisms to agriculture, natural resources and U.S. trade initiatives involving overall plant health activities.
Major Duties
- The duties may include, but are not limited to:
- Utilizing a detector dog in conducting inspections of commodities and conveyances in traditional and non-traditional settings and environments
- Using the areas climatological, topographical and biological data and other information, predicts and plans canine operational activities to achieve the goals of PPQ programs
- Conducting/overseeing pre-pest identification responsibilities (e.g. screening) using specific knowledge of pest identification and control measures within the area of responsibility
- Conducts pest surveys that provide supporting data for international trade negotiations in order to export U.S. commodities
- Assists Smuggling Interdiction and Trade Compliance (SITC) Officers in conducting market blitzes or targeted inspections of known or suspected violators of agriculture statutes
- Interprets and applies regulatory measures used to eradicate foreign pest introductions
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-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 applying traditional or nontraditional canine training theories to establish canine behaviors or maintain or build canine detection proficiency. Experience recognizing hazards and challenges and formulate a strategy related to deployment of a detector dog in the working environment to conduct inspections. Experience establishing and maintaining working relations with program personnel when adding detector dog capacity to achieve programmatic goals. Experience planning, coordinating, and conducting all aspects of canine operations with respect to newly emerging programs or operational functions. Experience conducting inspections of commodities and conveyances for compliance with regulation and law. OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in the fields of biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying 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
$67,437.00 - $87,667.00