This position is designed as a Senior Level. USDA structures its Senior Position levels with a salary range of $141,022 - $212,100 per year. Exceptions to the salary cap may be considered in certain circumstances. SL employees are also eligible to receive bonuses and performance-based awards. Visit https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/scientific-senior-level-positions/ for additional information and benefits for SL employees.

Duties

The Chief Scientist supports Agency goals by advancing a common understanding of complex food safety concerns, developing solutions and suitable alternatives, and conveying scientific information to stakeholders. S/he coordinates all OPHS scientific program efforts, especially those that cross program lines; serves as primary contact for all activities; and is the recognized spokesperson on key food safety and public health initiatives. Collaborates with other Agency officials to ensure that decisions made, and actions taken fully consider and respond to the interests and needs of other programs and organizations. The incumbent performs critical analyses of key technical programs and program components to ensure conformance with major program policies and to identify options available for attaining optimum scientific effectiveness. Critically reviews and evaluates new and proposed policies, procedures, regulations and legislation that impact OPHS programs. Assesses the nature and degree of potential impact and frames options for review by the Assistant Administrator. Prepare the Assistant Administrator, Administrator or Deputy Administrator for important meetings and conferences. Researches and analyzes issues to be addressed, becomes thoroughly familiar with the interests of and positions taken by attendees. Develops, presents, and negotiates for acceptance of OPHS strategy on critical food safety and public health issues. Interfaces with officials from Federal, State and local public health and agricultural offices, providing information on and insight into matters of meat, poultry and egg product safety and public health. Maintains effective relations with food producers and manufacturers, academic scientists, consumers, public health professionals, veterinary medical professionals, and representatives of the food service sector. The incumbent of the position serves as Chief Scientist for the Agency, the key scientific advisor on matters of public health and food safety that affect the mission of OPHS, and contributes scientific expertise.

Requirements

• Initial appointments are required to serve a 1-year probationary period.
• Narrative Statements for the TQs must not exceed 2 pages per response.
• Background Investigation required.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Subject to one-year managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable.

Qualifications

YOU MUST UPLOAD YOUR RESPONSES TO THE TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs). You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement. As a basic requirement, applicants must demonstrate progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior level capability and directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under Mandatory Qualifications. Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at or above the GS-14/15 grade level in the Federal service or its equivalent with state or local government, the private sector, or nongovernmental organizations. Failure to meet basic qualification requirements and all mandatory qualifications listed automatically disqualifies an applicant. Applicants must submit a resume. In addition, applicants are required to submit written narratives addressing each of the mandatory technical qualifications (TQs). Narratives should not exceed (2) pages for each TQ. Responses must demonstrate mastery of the TQs and be supported by your resume. Please provide examples that are clear and concise, emphasize your level of responsibility, scope and complexity of programs managed, accomplishments, sensitivity of issues handled, policy initiatives and level of contacts. Failure to submit a resume and written narratives addressing each TQ separately, will result in elimination from further consideration. 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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. YOU MUST UPLOAD YOUR RESPONSES TO THE TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): All applicants must submit a written narrative response to the following TQs. You must address each TQ separately. Each TQ narratives must not exceed two (2) pages. Please give examples and explain the complexity of the knowledge possessed and the sensitivity of the issued you handled. 1.) Provide an example of when you had to communicate a complex scientific topic both orally and in writing to a diverse audience (e.g. high-level agency officials, representatives of external and interagency committees, the public, Congress, industry, etc.) 2.) Provide an example of a successful cooperative relationship you developed with both internal and external stakeholders or partners that allowed you to meet a strategic goal or outcome related to food safety, despite competing interests among various parties.

Education

Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree: major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. This degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.

Contacts

• Address Food Safety and Inspection Service 1400 Independence Ave SW Washington, DC 20250 US
• Name: Michelle Williams
• Phone: 202-791-8477
• Email: [email protected]