If selected you work in Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS), Biotechnology Risk Analysis Programs (BRAP) to support initiatives in diverse areas of plant biology, and constantly developing and applying professional and practical expertise in the scientific regulatory specialty area of plant ecology as it relates to agricultural biotechnology.

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: Perform Regulatory Status Review (RSR) on genetically modified plants. Prepare Plant Reference Documents (PRD) on comparator plants, Mechanism of Action Documents (MOAD) for modified traits and Plant Pest Risk Assessment (PPRA) documents for modified plants. Complete projects in diverse areas of plant biology, including but not limited to, botany, tree biology, weed science, agronomy, plant breeding, plant physiology, plant pathology, entomology. Develop talking points and briefing materials, as well as timely updates on projects and assignments. Provide effective and reliable scientific support in the development or revision of BRS policy, guidelines, standards, information requirements, and strategic goals. Serve as a technical consultant and advisor to other Federal agencies, State agencies, industry, academia, biotechnology organizations concerning the Agency's biotechnology process. Represents BRS at professional society conferences, committees, and meetings at the national and international levels. Analyzes and assists with the response to public comments regarding plant risk assessments.

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.
• 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/
• Successful completion of one-year trial period.

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: biology, or a related field of science underlying ecological research that included at least 30 semester hours in basic and applied biological sciences. These hours must have included at least 9 semester hours in ecology, and 12 semester hours in physical and mathematical sciences. In addition to the basic requirement applicants must also possess: 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: Relevant ecological sciences disciplines include: plant ecology, invasive biology, weed science/ ecology, community ecology, agroecology, including plant breeding, horticulture, agronomy, and other closely aligned scientific disciplines. Work or serve as a source of information in ecological sciences. Collect, analyze, and prepare reports using ecology-related literature, data, and/or information. Assist and recommending plans, procedures, methods, or guidance to implement and complete projects in ecological sciences. Communicate guidance, procedures, and/or reports in writing or orally on ecology-related subjects. OR 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in Ecology or related. 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.

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: MRP Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]