In this position you will be responsible for providing oversight over trade, helping resolve phytosanitary issues that impede trade, conducting public outreach on program issues and activities, and providing strategic advice to Trade Directors. This is a remote position with geographic restrictions: selectee must reside in one of the listed counties in the vacancy announcement.

Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to: Supervises and provides guidance to Trade Directors on trade and negotiation strategy. Develops and/or edits reports for the program Director relating to program activities, weekly reports, accomplishments, and strategic planning. Serves as central information point for assigned short-term critical issues within APHIS, USDA, inter-agency, and the public. Oversees the development of training materials delivered by staff for international visitors. Serves as liaison with industry and states to identify potential export trade issues. Oversees and participates in outreach efforts such as presentations at trade shows.

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.
• Subject to one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary 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 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.
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• The incumbent must be able to withstand the physical rigors associated with international travel.
• During trade negotiations and site visits, occasional risks and discomforts may be experienced in working around pesticides and various types of industrial/agricultural equipment outside in adverse weather conditions.

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: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. FOR THE GS-14 LEVEL: In addition to the Basic Requirement, applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-13 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience in the Federal or State-level rule making process or experience communicating or enforcing the Plant Protection Act or other plant-related statutory and regulatory authorities. Leading public meetings, seminars, consultations and/or negotiations with domestic and international stakeholders, industry groups, or non-governmental organizations, where the subject matter was controversial or complex, and/or experience in preparing for bilateral/international negotiations. Performing multiple U. S. agricultural industry commodity handling practices and strategies related to safe agricultural trade for the import and/or export of plants and plant products, for example, field/orchard/greenhouse production processes; harvest, storage, treatment/pest exclusion, or packing procedures; phytosanitary inspections and certificates; port of entry inspections; and/or insect and disease specimen collection and identification. Skill/tact in oral and written communications to provide advice, consult, and negotiate with other U.S. and foreign government officials, using, for example, letters, publications, oral presentations. Ability to prepare original draft documents that are clear and grammatically correct or require minimal editing and revision. Experience in presenting to domestic or international audiences, industry associations, other government organizations, demonstrating an awareness of the cultural intricacies and customs that are an inherent part of high level international negotiations. Gathering, organizing, and maintaining scientific or technical information in a goal-oriented project management environment, and, tracking and reporting on established milestones/goals. Ability to manage multiple technical projects as well as lead direct reports. Note: There is no education substitution for specialized experience at this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required: 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]