The incumbent works with scientists and technical personnel in APHIS, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), universities, the private sector, and foreign organizations to develop, evaluate, enhance, and maintain the quality of PPQ's exclusion, detection, quarantine, eradication, treatment, inspection, and response programs.

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: Provides scientific leadership in qualitative and quantitative analyses in support of the management of invasive species, including arthropods, diseases and other plant pests. Determines from a scientific standpoint the likelihood of invasion, establishment, and movement of quarantine-significant exotic pests in the United States. Obtains, validates, and analyzes data related to pest identification and diagnostics. Develops methods of detection and inspection, including scientific and statistically sound sampling procedures for survey of quarantine-significant pests. Estimates spatially dependent probabilities of presence or absence of pests using multivariate statistical analysis of sampling data and factors associated with infestation.

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/
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• A pesticide applicator's license or certification in use of SCBA may be required to perform duties.
• Work may occur at areas of quarantine or insect rearing facilities that are warm, chilled, humid, wet, noisy, and/or contain airborne insect scales or other potential allergens.
• Domestic and international travel may be required.
• Will often be required to move moderate-weight scientific equipment and operate 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-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: Coordinating scientific investigations that support the development and/or evaluation of new methods, protocols, statistics, or practices used for plant pest detection, diagnosis, biocontrol, and management. Experience using the scientific principles of entomology, incorporating a wide range of disciplines (particularly biological control, ecology, forest entomology, and population or molecular genetics). Utilizing scientific principles of molecular biology, microbiology, population genetics, and entomology to support studies on microbes that are associated with insects. Communicating scientific information orally and in writing to professional scientific organizations and to industry representatives, other state/Federal government agencies or cooperators. Leading and coordinating the efforts of technicians, cooperators, and other support staff in conducting scientific investigation related to biological systems, arthropods, plant protection or plant pests. Note: There is no education substitution for specialized experience at this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. 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]