The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Specialty Crops Inspection (SCI) Division is responsible for developing U.S. grade standards and providing inspection, grading, certification, and audit-based services nation-wide on a user-fee basis for fresh and processed fruits and vegetables and related products.

Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to: Makes observations to determine if plant facilities, processing equipment, and personnel are in compliance with Division sanitation requirements and FDA regulations. Applies prescribed laboratory procedures to measure the quantifiable grading factors, and preparing worksheets and summary reports of gradings and inspections. Reviews rough draft of various types of inspection certificates to verify completeness of information Performs a variety of general office clerical support functions including receiving Reviewing Time and Attendance reports to determine if entries are appropriate and complete, and inputs data into data base system Composes routine correspondence including memos to inspectors and replies to inquiries from the general public. Utilizes a computer for word processing, program-specific software and related functions, correspondence, and written reports.

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/
• Selectee will be subject to a pre-employment medical statement and/or exam.
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• Prior to an official offer, selectee will be required to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) acknowledging/accepting that geographic mobility is a condition of employment. Failure to sign the MOU will result in withdrawal of the job offer.
• Mixed Tour Work Schedule: Combination of Full Time, Part Time and Intermittent (as needed) work schedules. No minimum amount of hours is guaranteed. Position will have a fluctuating work schedule.

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. FOR THE GS-05 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Assisting with inspections and mechanical measurements to define the kind and/or class and quality of fruit and/or vegetable related commodities. Supporting fruit and/or vegetable laboratory analytical and physical tests, which include sampling, testing, and solutions. Defining if plant facilities, processing equipment, and personnel are following division sanitation requirements and FDA regulations. Utilizing a computer for word processing, program-specific software and related functions, correspondence, and various reports. OR Four (4) years of successfully completed education above high school leading to a bachelor's degree for the required specialized experience. NOTE: Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying 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-05 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]