The incumbent will serve as the Biosafety Manager. The incumbent will independently perform the responsibilities related to programmatic bio-containment and bio-security practices, administrative oversight, and the plant pathology and horticultural work described within the Biosafety Level 3 Laboratory (BSL-3) Enhanced, agriculture containment facility and other locations within the Beltsville laboratory.

Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to: Conducts a full range of horticultural- and plant pathogen-related activities within the BSL-3 Enhanced facility. Periodically updates USDA, APHIS select agent facility registration information, coordinates select agent renewals, forms, records, and logs under 7 CFR, Part 331, and documents plant pathogens used. Oversees the facility’s select agent program and all facets of its operations. Develops new Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and updates location specific SOPs. Implements existing biological security and biological containment policies and procedures for the BSL-3 Enhanced containment facility. Maintains and performs annual updates of pertinent information required for location Bio-security/Bio-containment Plan, Physical Security Plan, and Incident Response Plan, and contributes to other plans. Resolves bio-security and bio-containment operationally related concerns and problems following consultation with the Laboratory Director, AROs and Facility Manager. Initiates FBI Risk Assessments for all staff requiring access to High Containment or needing to have direct access to select agent pathogens. Oversees and monitors personnel and visitor access and escort procedures in the containment laboratory and greenhouse facility. Coordinates with the Laboratory Director, program leaders, AROs, PPQ Permit Unit and Select Agent Program, and Facility Manager on projects in containment rooms and facilities and related operations.

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.
• Some exposure to moderate environmental discomfort may be encountered when conducting work.
• The incumbent may travel domestically and internationally and must be capable of handling personal luggage.

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: Experience in plant pathology, plant biology, and horticulture. Experience in developing regulatory guidelines, protocols, and orders related to biosafety, bio-security, and bio-containment. Coordinates or facilitates working groups or teams of senior managers to design, implement, monitor, improve and enhance objectives and operations, and uses operational metrics to inform process improvement and policy initiatives related to select agents or high consequence pathogen programs in a regulatory environment. Experience writing manuals, work instructions, documentation for lab accreditation or proficiency test program development, as well as flow diagrams of diagnostic test procedures for correct results interpretation by stakeholders. Experience operating within, or overseeing a select agent or high consequence pathogen program in that regulatory environment. Communicates effectively and tactfully, orally and in writing, using a diversity of strategies, tactics and means, to a diverse audience, including senior level managers, federal and industry partners, stakeholders, and customers. 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]