This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Southeastern Fruit and Tree Nut Research Laboratory, located in Byron, GA. In this position, the incumbent is responsible for the management of the research farm, consisting of 1,200 acres and associated research plots, overall care of the grounds and orchards, the harvest of the nut and fruit crops, and the operation of the farm crew.

Duties

Supervise farm center employees including tractor operators and other employees assigned to farm management duties and develop plans and schedule work for this farm crew. Planting and care of established fruit and nut crops, i.e., cultivating, cultural practices, fertilizing, pruning, and other practices used to reproduce commercial growing practices. Manage operation of farm and construction-type machinery as required to ensure that the requirements of the farm or research plot operations are satisfied. Ensure that the compounds perimeter fence is in a good state of repair and is maintained free of vegetation or tears/breaks. Maintain tools and instruments required for farm operations and plot activities, including an effective preventative maintenance/repair program so as to minimize equipment failures and to ensure that all equipment is functional and safe. Responsible for adherence to OSHA regulations concerning a safe working environment for all farm associated employees.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• 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/
• Possession, or intent to secure, a commercial pesticide applicators license and a Class-C drivers license.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: 01/17/2024 Qualifications will be determined under the Job Element Rating System X-118C, Qualifications Standard Handbook. While a specific length of time and experience is not required for most Wage Grade positions, you must show through experience and training that you possess the best qualified level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of this position. Qualification requirements emphasize the quality of experience, not necessarily the length. The responses to the questionnaire and your resume should be in significant detail to provide the person rating your application with a good understanding of your ability to do the job, technical knowledge, work, and training experience, etc. (For example You must have the ability to perform the duties of a, Farmer Supervisor without more than normal supervision (Screen Out)). Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration. 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

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 141 Experimental Station Road Stoneville, MS 38776 US
• Name: Sydney Teague
• Phone: 703-259-9455
• Email: [email protected]