The Specialty Crops Inspection (SCI) Division is responsible for developing U.S. grade standards and providing inspection, grading, certification, and audit-based services nationwide on a user fee basis for fresh and processed fruits and vegetables and related products. SCI Division coordinates Federal and Federal-State terminal market and shipping point inspections for fresh fruits and vegetables and maintains cooperative agreements with States and Puerto Rico to meet the needs of the 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: Supports the SCI Division training programs including, the planning, development, revision and updating of the full range of technical training program activities. Participates in on-site reviews and analyses of various types of agriculture related audits and field grading and inspection activities to determine weaknesses, and potential problem areas in the conduct of field grading and inspection activities. Formulates conclusions and recommendations on areas requiring improvement to strengthen and assure uniformity and consistency in the interpretation and application of grading standards nationwide. Collaborates with the Inspection Branch in developing procedures and instructions related to the auditing and grading of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other related specialty crops. Observes audits/grading/inspection of commodities to obtain ideas and collect data for use in developing training modules. Give presentations on Division’s programs to grower groups, trade associations, and other local, state and federal and international agencies.

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 https://www.e-verify.gov/.
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience applying grading and certification procedures for inspections to U.S. standards, regulations, and USDA commodity purchase specifications for items such as fresh and or processed fruit, vegetables, and specialty crops. Experience inspecting fresh and processed products, including sampling, grading, laboratory analyses, certification, and proper completion of various agency forms and reports. Experience reviewing grade standards for fresh and processed fruit and vegetables, commercial item descriptions, USDA purchase specifications. OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Marketing, Agriculture, Horticulture, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Business or related fields. Note: Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. 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: Independent experience providing general and/or technical information on fresh and/or processed grade standards or inspection services. Independent experience providing instruction/training on inspection procedures, policies and grade standards of fresh and/or processed fruit and vegetable products and documenting same. Independent experience evaluating procedures and instructions to determine training needs, coordinate technical development and maintenance of instruction programs and materials. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-11 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 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.

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]