The selectee helps ensure that PPQ programs are scientifically sound and that data and information on regulated agricultural pests is produced, collected, analyzed and interpreted accurately and fully. The work is with scientists and technical personnel in the USDA, universities, the private sector, and foreign organizations to develop, evaluate, enhance, and maintain the quality of PPQ's exclusion, detection, quarantine, eradication, treatment, inspection and response programs.

Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to: Develops, adapts, and/or evaluates tools, methods, and technologies for use by PPQ programs for mitigating effects of populations of introduced plant pests. Incumbent assists PPQ personnel with the transfer of technology of research products into policy and operational programs. When appropriate, actively seeks cooperation and expertise of scientists and other technical experts from government agencies, universities, private industry, and/or foreign organizations to help achieve mission-related goals. Acts as Authorized Departmental Officer’s Designated Representative (ADODR) on cooperative and interagency agreements. The selectee assigns and reviews the work of staff to ensure timely performance, soundness, and value.

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/
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• Selectee will often be required to move moderate-weight scientific equipment and operate a computer.
• The selectee may be required to do field work on a daily basis or for extended periods of time.
• Work may occur at areas of quarantine or insect rearing facilities that are warm, chilled, humid, wet, noisy, and/or contain airborne insect scales or other potential allergens.
• Domestic and international travel may be required.

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-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: Utilizing scientific methodology, experimental design, statistics, data analysis, and principles of food science to develop, conduct, and evaluate studies on insect rearing. Experience working as science leader coordinating efforts of technicians, cooperators, or other support staff in conducting scientific investigation related to biological systems, arthropods, plant protection or plant pests. Drafting reports, work plans, internal protocols, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations to communicate science and technical results to Agency officials, stakeholders, staff, or cooperators. Note: There is no education substitution for 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]