The Cotton Classing Office administers assigned programs on cotton and related commodities provided for in legislative and administrative requirements in connection with standards, marketing services, and allied regulatory responsibilities. As Assistant Area Director of a large, complex classing office, the incumbent shares fully with the Area Director in directing, administering, and carrying out programs and activities assigned to the office.

Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to: Participates in the formulation of programs within the assigned territory and in national policies by contributing ideas, suggestions, and recommendations with respect to the cotton classing services Responsibility for the classification of samples submitted in connection with the Program’s cotton classification program. Oversees the High Volume Instrument (HVI) operations to insure that readings are within tolerances, instruments are properly calibrated, and repairs are made on a timely basis. Represents the Program in assigned geographical area in contacting state and local officials on the Smith-Doxey Act, other applicable governing legislation, and other assigned functions. Shares responsibility with the Area Director for direct and indirect technical and administrative supervision of the personnel assigned to the classing office. Plans and assigns the work of the group with the assistance of subordinate supervisors so as to minimize the backlog of samples to be classed. Reviews the work of field representatives, including their market information 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Weekend and federal holiday work required during peak season. Peak season varies by office location.

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-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: Experience showing ability to lead, direct, and supervise a diverse work staff of permanent and seasonal employees working multiple shifts. Extensive knowledge of Cotton Classing standards, Quality Management Program, High Volume Instrument grading, data analysis, equipment and building maintenance. Experience showing ability to oversee operations and provide communication and facilitate the priorities, mission, and vision of the organization. Ability to provide written and oral communication on technical matters, operational, and personnel matters to large and small groups, and to individuals. 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]