As an Agricultural Marketing Specialist (Regulatory) within the assigned region, you will be responsible for carrying out the enforcement of jurisdictional, competition, financial, and trade practice provisions of the Act. This is done primarily by conducting investigative work, direct surveillance and related work pertaining to the Packers and Stockyards Division (PSD) within the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).

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: Observes to determine whether conditions detrimental to the interests of livestock producers and poultry growers exist and obtains evidence and compiles related data for formal actions. Documents investigative findings in an agency approved format and prepare detailed investigative reports documenting violations found when corrective administrative action is warranted. Independently performs on-site trade practice, payment and custodial account investigations of registrants, packers and live poultry dealers that are subject to the Act Advises registrants, live poultry dealers and packers of the records they must maintain and when inadequacies are found, specifies the necessary adjustments to affect compliance. Prepares confidential reports or segments of reports and recommends practical methods for improving conditions found to be questionable or unsatisfactory. Conducts investigations with lower grade investigators to inform and instruct in the policy and procedures used by the Division. The incumbent serves as a mentor to less experienced investigators. Recommends the development of appropriate measures for handling on day-to-day basis complaints received from livestock and poultry producers and other members . Maintaining a constant flow of information to their supervisor and the regional office on the state-of-the-art advances and marketing conditions in the industry. Works with other government agencies in designing and conducting surveillance and investigations.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/

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. FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors, which demonstrates: With supervision, performed examination and analysis of financial records and recordkeeping systems by utilizing accounting, auditing, and investigative skills. Utilizing comprehensive verbal and written communications to obtain additional information from trade entities. Using computer programs and databases to determine the accuracy of documentation received and resolve discrepancies. Creating work plans and conducting investigations and technical research with moderate supervision to research, interpret, and apply Local, State, and Federal regulations and standard operating procedures. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree or two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a degree in accounting, animal science, agricultural business, agricultural economics, food processing, commerce, transportation, marketing, or a closely related field. OR LL.M., if related. Note: Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. 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 reviewing documentation within the livestock, meat, or poultry industries to identify, prevent, or correct deceptive and unfair practices. Negotiating and interviewing to conduct complex or controversial investigations of financial and trade practices. Developing investigative work plans and techniques to conduct investigations of firms in complex industry segments. Utilizing comprehensive verbal and written communications to conduct investigations, prepare and present findings and recommendations. Using computer programs to create and use spreadsheets, databases, graphs, and charts and perform word processing functions. OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in accounting, animal science, agricultural business, agricultural economics, food processing, commerce, transportation, marketing, or a closely related field. OR 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree. OR LL.M., if related. Note: Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: 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-09/11 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.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Marketing Service USDA APHIS MRPBS 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401 US
• Name: APHIS Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]