PDF versionJob Summary
If selected you will serve as primary liaison for the Agency on operational activities and work with state officials, and others interested in activities affected by Agency plant quarantine programs. You will perform specialized duties that provide 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 for overall plant health activities.
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:
- Manages multiple program areas and/or a multi-faceted program, anticipating and providing solutions for problems in program areas without the direction of the supervisor.
- Provides recommendations to the supervisor and staff on design and development of guidelines, operational standards and procedures.
- Plans, coordinates, and conducts all aspects of operational activities, including special programs, newly emerging programs, or operational functions, including pest survey programs and treatments.
- Interprets and enforces Federal and parallel State domestic quarantines and regulatory orders restricting the interstate and intrastate movement or shipment of plants, plant products, animal byproduct.
- Identifies or verifies identification of noxious weeds and plant pests, such as plant pathogens, insects and nematodes, and plant pest hosts and geographical distribution.
- Provides technical assistance in program operations by tracking program progress and providing reports.
- Participates in public awareness activities, and information-sharing meetings, as well as training and technology transfers to public and private stakeholders.
- Serves as accredited certifying official regarding export certification which includes interpreting foreign quarantine regulations to facilitate international trade.
- Provides specialized inspection, regulation, and clearance of high-risk propagative plant material, plant products, and pest diagnostic identification services.
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 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-9 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-7 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience assessing the potential economic impact of plant pests and/or diseases on the U.S. agriculture industry through the use of pest life cycles and pest dissemination risk factors. Knowledge of port procedures, broker interface, and shipping and distribution practices related to imported commodities. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with industry representatives and stakeholders. Conducting outreach activities and representing the program at meetings internally or with the industry concerning smuggling interdiction and trade compliance. Planning, coordinating and conducting plant pest surveys and anticipating and providing solutions for problems in program areas. Planning, conducting and/or supervising various treatments and remedial measures such as disinfection, sterilization, fumigation, cold treatment, hot water treatment, etc., for plant and animal pests and disease. OR Two full years of graduate education or a master's degree in 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. 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-09 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
$61,131.00 - $79,472.00