We will be collecting applications for this position at an on-site event. Please see "How to Apply". As an Agricultural Marketing Specialist (Regulatory) you will be responsible for carrying out the enforcement of jurisdictional, competition, financial, and trade practice provisions of the Act. This is done primarily by conducting investigative work, direct surveillance and related work pertaining to the Packers and Stockyards Division (PSD) within the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).

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. Observes to determine whether conditions detrimental to the interests of livestock producers and poultry growers exist and obtains evidence and compiles related data for formal actions. Documents investigative findings in an agency approved format and prepare detailed investigative reports documenting violations found when corrective administrative action is warranted. Independently performs on-site trade practice, payment and custodial account investigations of registrants, packers and live poultry dealers that are subject to the Act Advises registrants, live poultry dealers and packers of the records they must maintain and when inadequacies are found, specifies the necessary adjustments to affect compliance. Prepares confidential reports or segments of reports and recommends practical methods for improving conditions found to be questionable or unsatisfactory. Conducts investigations with lower grade investigators to inform and instruct in the policy and procedures used by the Division. The incumbent serves as a mentor to less experienced investigators. Recommends the development of appropriate measures for handling on day-to-day basis complaints received from livestock and poultry producers and other members . Maintaining a constant flow of information to their supervisor and the regional office on the state-of-the-art advances and marketing conditions in the industry. Works with other government agencies in designing and conducting surveillance and investigations.

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/
• A valid driver's license.
• There is some carrying of equipment, walking over rough terrain, working with livestock, lifting of 50 pounds or less, and some night observations.
• Considerable driving is required on mostly paved 2 and 4 lane roads. Local and overnight travel 25-50% of the time is required.

Qualifications

To qualify, you MUST meet all program and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. Candidates that are graduating by June 15, 2024 and qualify on the basis of their education will be given consideration. Human Resource will be required to confirm program and qualification requirements as listed in this announcement during the onboarding process and prior to establishing a start date. 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. Current students who will complete their degree requirements by 6/15/2023 will be considered. or 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. IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE:Applicants must meet the following specialized experience and/or education requirements listed below: 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: Knowledge of the livestock, meat or poultry industries operations and practices. Utilizing verbal communications for presenting facts, findings, and recommendations on technical information. 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. GPA requirements: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on official transcripts or as computed based on 4 years of education, or courses completed during the final 2 year of the curriculum; OR 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required course completed in the major field or courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum (GPA will be rounded to one decimal place, e.g., 2.95 rounds to 3.0 and 2.94 rounds to 2.9). 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: Experience in financial or trade practices in livestock, meat, or poultry industries. Collecting evidence and developing findings of investigations and technical research. Experience researching, interpreting, and applying Local, State, and Federal regulations and standard operating procedures. 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-7/9 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 are required. Applications will not be considered without this documentation. For those graduating this semester or prior to 6/15/2024 you will have to provide proof of conferment prior to entrance on duty.

Applicants confirm that they will meet all qualifications as listed in the job opportunity announcement prior to Entrance on Duty. If not able to meet qualifications, the applicant will be removed from consideration.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Marketing Service USDA APHIS MRPBS 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401 US
• Name: MRP Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]