The Supervisory Entomologist directs the functions and staff at the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) parasitoid rearing facility, whose mission is the production and shipment of EAB parasitoids in numbers sufficient to assist in the management of EAB. Responsibilities include planning, directing, organizing, and coordinating the multitude of activities and equipment essential to the mass production of insects.

Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Responsible for scheduling day -to-day and long term program activities for the rearing facility. Has final decision-making authority on the following aspects of work: plans and organizes the work of subordinate employees. Responsible for the following administrative personnel functions: enforcing and administering EEO/CR programs and work force diversity initiatives. Cooperates and collaborates with PPQ Operations, PPQ Science and Technology (ST), USDA Forest Service, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) personnel, recognized EAB researchers, and others. Develops a continuous appraisal of operations (via quality control systems) to detect and correct problems, measures current production levels for comparison with projected levels. Provides information to SPHD and appropriate members of the Core Functional Area (CFA) working group to assist in preparation of budget request data and facility remodeling as needed. Serves as technical advisor or consultant on all aspects of EAB parasitoid mass production for industry representatives, other government agencies, and representatives of foreign governments. Works with field personnel, cooperating agencies, and industry on matters of production needs and distribution as well as periodic reporting.

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.
• Work performed involves walking, standing, on-site inspections of premises or field locations (usually involves travel), and sometimes carrying equipment or other types of production materials requiring the lifting of up to 40 pounds.
• May be exposed to mildly irritating chemicals, such as potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium hypochloride, ethyl alcohol, Essig’s Solution and Hoyer’s Solution, etc.
• Work performed outdoors often requires movement through uneven or rugged terrain.
• In some cases, the incumbent may perform sedentary work on a computer for several hours at a time.
• Use of protective equipment or clothing is required for some tasks and may create some discomfort.
• Use of, or work near, dangerous equipment such as chain saws, wood chippers, lift truck, etc. is 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: entomology; or a related discipline of the biological or physical sciences that included at least 16 semester hours in entomology. OR Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major that included course work as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience rearing insects and applying principles of experimental design, scientific methods, data collection and concepts to serve as the technical authority for the full range of activities associated with the rearing of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and its parasitoids or other equivalent insect type. Collaborate with people of widely divergent skill levels within the organization and the scientific community on matters related to rearing EAB parasitoids or an equivalent insect type and managing the facility operations. Train staff on the use and maintenance of equipment used in laboratory and field settings. OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in entomology or closely related field. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying 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. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that 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

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]