The incumbent serves as a Fruit and Vegetable Marketing Specialist responsible for handling complaint, license and trust matters originating under Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) and complaint matters originating under the Produce Agency Act (PAA).

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: Handles complex contractual disputes involved in reparation complaints through correspondence or personal contact with the parties involved Conducts complex personal investigations and audits of business records. Prepares written analyses of results of audits and findings of investigations. Determines geographic areas to conduct prospecting based on industry contacts/activities and on data and information found in trade journals and other publications. Updates the Division database with information and activities related to complaint, license, violator, and administrative matters. Provides counseling services and advice on the range of program operations/activities to industry members. Appears as official government witness at administrative hearings and court proceedings involving actions brought under the PACA. Adheres to Equal Employment and Civil Rights policies, goals, and objectives in performing the duties of this position Gathers pertinent data and information pertaining to the complaint; conducts investigations, as required; and prepares detailed analysis of results and findings.

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.
• Satisfactory Background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year trial period.
• 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 https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Prior to an official offer, selectee will be required to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) acknowledging/accepting that geographic mobility is a condition of employment. Failure to sign the MOU will result in withdrawal of the job offer.
• You may be expected to travel for this position.

Qualifications

To qualify, you MUST meet all program and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following requirements; Completed all requirements for an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two (2) years. Individuals who, due to military service obligation, were precluded from applying to the Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period described above shall have a full 2-year period of eligibility upon release or discharge from active duty. This eligibility period cannot extend more than 6 years from the date on which the requirements for the academic course of study were met FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the GS-05. This experience may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors. Examples of qualifying experience include, but are not limited to: Experience utilizing grading procedures and U.S. grade standards for a commodity. Reviewing technical documents against program standards. Utilizing written documentation and computer databases to prepare reports and case file information. OR 1 full year of graduate level education in the fields of: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management; OR Superior Academic Achievement: To qualify based on superior academic achievement, you must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution AND 1) have a class standing in the upper third of the graduating class, 2) membership in a national scholastic honor society (excluding Freshman honor societies), or 3) must meet certain GPA requirements. FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the GS-07. This experience may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors. Examples of qualifying experience include, but are not limited to: Researching laws relating to business structures, bankruptcy, and state regulatory functions. Collecting evidence and develop findings of investigations under license, complaint, disciplinary, and trust provisions of the PACA. Experience utilizing grading procedures and U.S. grade standards for fruits and vegetables. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.B. or J.D., if related TRANSCRIPTS are required. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-07/09 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 an applicant for that grade level. Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed graduate education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant 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.

Transcripts including the date your degree was conferred are required. Applications will not be considered without this documentation

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]