The State Operations Coordinator shares the responsibility for formulating, organizing, distributing, and responding to information reports or requests relating to the overall management of the state(s) or the operation of major plant programs to protect the health, welfare, and agricultural economy of the United States.

Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to: Implements safeguarding risk management measures to mitigate identified pest associated with imported commodities. Assists management with identifying and organizing training as necessary for Smuggling Interdiction and Trade Compliance and Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) personnel at Ports of Entry. Contributes to effective communication to stakeholders on importation requirements to facilitate trade and prevent introduction of plant pests of regulatory significance. Helps provide oversight for domestic programs within state(s) of coverage, reviewing program activities to ensure alignment with PPQ priorities, resource utilization, and identifying deficiencies. Utilizes pest risk data and information provided from PPQ pest risk analysts to develop and implement timely detection surveys with PPQ management and personnel. Assists with the identification of plant pest pathways through analysis and utilization of risk data and assists with developing pest detection activities targeting the identified pathways. Evaluates existing as well as new work plans for export of plants, flowers, and commodities to facilitate trade. Assists the SPHD to coordinate, manage, and oversee emergency response using Incident Command System (ICS) protocols and procedures and may serve as Incident Commander for pest programs in the states.

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.
• Travel occurs on a routine basis and a visit to remote locations or isolated rural areas is required.
• Occasional field survey/investigations or collection trips require walking, bending, crouching, and climbing for prolonged periods in rough terrain subject to a variety of weather conditions.
• Must obtain and maintain valid pesticide certification.
• May be required to perform work while wearing a respirator to oversee fumigations, may be required to maintain certification to wear a respirator such as Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

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. 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: Interpreting plant pest and quarantine regulations and policies in order to provide guidance to colleagues and customers. Working with personnel from other Federal and State agencies to implement plant pest regulations. Conducting annual and ongoing planning of operations, including developing of appropriate budgets, forecasting future expenses, and remaining current with status of funds. Preparing and presenting to leadership about emerging issues or potential complications in implementation of program policy and operations. Following established protocols for implementation of pest activities related to survey, demolition, and/or eradication. Note: There is no education substitution for 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]