The 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. The Assistant Branch Chief helps oversee federal inspection management operations of the corresponding region along with the Branch Chief.

Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to: Facilitates the development and execution of the region-wide inspection and certification service for fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, specialty crops, and related products. Facilitates planning, formulating, organizing, directing, coordinating and controlling the Division’s region-wide inspection program. Facilitates the promotion and direction of program operations within the region to ensure expeditious inspection service, uniform program operations. Oversees along with the Branch Chief the development of policies, procedures, and instructions for performing inspection and certification. Notifies field personnel of revised policies and procedures; advises stakeholders on specific problems or new developments. Stays current on crop conditions, transportation facilities, shipping, packing, and processing methods, marketing practices, general economic conditions and other related information. Responsible for funds obligated and expended in the execution of regional programs, maintenance of financial records and reports to justify expenditures. Responsible for application of established policies with respect to personnel, fiscal and administrative matters. Determines the immediate and long-range staffing requirements for carrying out inspection programs.

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 https://www.e-verify.gov/.
• In accordance with Office of Government Ethics regulations concerning conflict of interest, the incumbent will be required to submit a financial disclosure report within 30 days of their effective date of appointment and annually thereafter.
• Some physical exertion (e.g., to select samples during the course of an inspection).
• Travel to field locations is required.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Applying policies and procedures of a complex national program related to agricultural products. Applying grade standards, certification practices, and pertinent regulations of the fruit and vegetable industry. Assisting in providing leadership, coordination, and direction of an agricultural focused program. Communicating logically and concisely in both oral and written form when rendering decisions and/or interacting with management, employees and industry. Developing new initiatives and processes when programs change. Note: There is no education substitution for this 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

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

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]