The Plant Variety Protection Office is responsible for the administration of the Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA). The incumbent performs plant variety examinations to determine if a variety is new, distinct, uniform and stable from other similar and competing varieties. The incumbent performs a complete and thorough review, search and analysis of new and existing varieties and makes recommendations on the disposition of applications for certificates of Plant Variety Protection.

Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to: Performs the classification, examination, searches, and analyses and makes recommendations on disposition of applications assigned that are in "difficult" range of complexity. Examine and determine the eligibility of applications under the Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA). Extensive search of all relevant original literature and compiled descriptions in the classification system descriptions to identify differences which make the application variety distinct. Evaluate variable information including numerical data to determine what constitutes a clear difference between varieties. Participates with other examiners in determining the characters which should be considered in classifying varieties and determining their distinctness.

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/

Qualifications

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 in 1 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: Performing literature searches and analysis of new plant varieties and determined if a variety is new, distinct, uniform, and stable compared to similar varieties. Familiar with biological terms, plant parts, and other duties that are related to the understanding of standard and advanced plant breeding and plant breeding methods. Using modern databases and Internet-based search tools such as Google Scholar, the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), and the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) Plant Variety Database, and other resources. Has experience with word processing, spreadsheet, graphic design, presentation, relational database, and data analytics software packages. Has written Structured Query Language (SQL) searches and is experienced using Microsoft (MS) Dynamics Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. Communicating verbally and by written methods that are clear, concise, and effective both scientifically and in plain language to convey thoughts and concepts that are understood by a range of audiences. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. 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 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]