The selectee serves as an authority in molecular and biochemical diagnosis of plant pests and provides final identification of plant pathogens and other plant pests based on sophisticated state-of-the-art molecular and biochemical techniques for detecting, identifying, and differentiating plant pests, especially plant pathogens that threaten U.S. agriculture.

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: The duties may include, but are not limited to: Responsible for making final, authoritative molecular taxonomic determinations of plant pathogens and other plant pests intercepted at ports of entry from all parts of the world. Confers with national and international taxonomic and/or molecular scientists to apply collective data in determining the identity of samples. Recommends to management, quarantine actions for perishable and other commodities held at ports of entry, post quarantine facilities, etc., based on risk analysis of the identified pest. Searches, reviews, and evaluates current foreign and domestic scientific literature and contacts colleagues for information on new diagnostic testing techniques. Evaluates benefit and feasibility of adopting or adapting the new technology for Agency use and makes recommendations to appropriate Agency managers.

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/
• Testing Designated Position: Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• The selectee may work at times in a Bio-safety Level 3 agriculture facility that will require changing clothes into work-suits.
• APHIS and State policy requires changing clothing upon entry and showering prior to exit of the facility.
• The selectee may travel domestically and internationally and must be capable of handling personal luggage.
• The work requires the extensive reading of numerous scientific documents, prolonged use of highly specialized serological and molecular biological instruments, and frequent use of a computer.

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: 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. In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must meet the following qualification requirement: 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: Utilizing scientific principles of plant pathology, virology, microbiology, molecular biology, or other related sciences to support plant health research for the characterization, detection, and identification of plant pathogens. Executing scientific research aimed at development, evaluation, optimization and/or validation of molecular and serological methods for diagnosis and identification of plant pathogens. Communicating technical information orally and in writing to scientific and non-scientific audiences. Coordinating efforts with team members and other support staff to achieve project deliverables on time. OR 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. 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: Applying scientific principles of plant pathology, virology, microbiology, molecular biology, or other related sciences to develop, evaluate and validate diagnostic methods in support of plant pathogen programs for disease control, management, exclusion, or eradication. Initiating, planning, and managing scientific projects while meeting assigned deadlines. Analyzing, summarizing, and communicating scientific results to federal, academic, and external stakeholder audiences both written and orally. Collaborating with other scientists to address scientific needs that have an impact on plant health programs. Leading technical support staff in developing and applying molecular methods for plant pathogen detection and identification. NOTE: No education substitution at this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: 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-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 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service USDA APHIS MRPBS 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401 US
• Name: APHIS Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]