This position is located in USDA, ARS, Field Organization, Northeast Area, Office of the Area Director, in Beltsville, MD. In this position, you will provide direct and immediate operational biosafety, animal care, and emergency response services for the Northeast Area research projects.

Duties

Assists with the planning and development of collaborative programs leading to solutions of complex biological safety problems and provides guidance in project development and conduct. Reviews location animal care programs and emergency response plans as assigned. Provides expert guidance to laboratories engaged in work with infectious and chemical agents that are potentially hazardous and may pose a threat to employees, visitors, the environment, and the food, animals, and crops of the United States. Reviews research project plan documentation for accuracy and compliance with national biosafety and recombinant DNA guidelines. Provides technical leadership in risk assessment and biosafety principles for biosafety committees and principal investigators.

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.
• 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
• Special Agency Check (SAC) and limited background investigation required for Research Leader positions.
• Position could require vaccination with Food and Drug Administration-approved licensed and investigational vaccines against certain diseases present in ARS containment facilities.

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 Requirements A. Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR B. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. AND In addition to meeting the basic education requirement above, you must also meet the following minimum qualification requirements: GS-13 Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-13 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-12 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience in planning or developing biocontainment, biosafety, or biosecurity procedures; providing guidance regarding biosafety risk assessment, principles, or regulations; and reviewing and ensuring animal care programs and emergency response plans comply with safety regulations. GS-14 Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-14 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-13 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience leading a biosafety team or committee; planning and developing biocontainment, biosafety, or biosecurity procedures; providing guidance regarding biosafety risk assessment, principles, and regulations; and reviewing and ensuring animal care programs and emergency response plans comply with safety regulations. Physical Demands: Professional work requires some physical exertion during laboratory site visits, including construction sites, such as prolonged standing and substantial walking, stooping, and bending. Work Environment: Travel to Plains Area laboratories is expected to conduct inspections, training, etc. During inspection of laboratories, the incumbent may be exposed to highly distressed animals, as well as to contagious diseases of livestock and poultry which require the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, gowns, etc. Position could require vaccination with Food and Drug Administration approved licensed and investigational vaccines against certain diseases present in ARS containment facilities. 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 Research Service 10300 Baltimore Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 US
• Name: Nelly Wilson
• Phone: (703) 259-9360
• Email: [email protected]