The Office of Public Health Science (OPHS) brings public health leadership to the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the USDA to assure the establishment and support of scientifically sound food safety programs. OPHS develops (i.e. collects, analyzes, and reports) scientific information from conception to consumption for meat, poultry, eggs, and related products and uses that information to assess potential for human health risks at different points throughout the farm-to-table continuum.

Duties

Administers the microbiology program in an FSIS Field Service Laboratory, in accordance with U.S. and international standards. Provides scientific expertise in microbiology to plan, develop, and update analytical and laboratory standards to meet the needs and priorities of the Agency's microbiology testing program. Applies scientific expertise in microbiology that enhances the reliability of data generated by the laboratories. Manages a microbiology staff that provides data, technical expertise and support to other FSIS programs, including field operations and other government agencies. Provides scientific expertise and consultations for FSIS and other government agencies regarding special investigations and evaluations of product safety and quality. Reviews submitted technical information and provides advice on its accuracy and validity. Formulates and recommends regulations, policies, programs, and procedures for microbiological examination of poultry and meat products and reporting findings from those examinations. Maintains up-to-date methodology and equipment necessary for the laboratory programs. Directs new and revised microbiology programs and communicates these changes to appropriate officials. Evaluates findings for the purpose of providing technical guidance for the inspection and disposition of poultry and meat products and their ingredients. Reports orally and in writing on program assignments; prepares and presents reports of investigations at scientific meetings. Maintains contact with the scientific community in areas of specialization through personal contact, through review of current technical literature, and by attending and participating in scientific meetings. Provides counsel and advice on quality systems issues. Accomplishes these duties through close collaboration with counterparts at the other FSIS laboratories. Participates with other officials in planning and coordinating long-range objectives and resolving scientific problems relative to the inspection of meat products and poultry and poultry products to protect the health and welfare of the consumer. Initiates requests for procurement of new equipment, supplies, repair, and maintenance services, and for disposal of obsolete and surplus property. Oversees quality assurance program to meet ISO 17025 standards for measurement of laboratory analytical performance and adherence to official program methodology. Plans, develops, and administers the microbiology analyst training and qualification programs. Serves as an expert witness in microbiology and other laboratory related issues.

Requirements

• If you are selected, you may need to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) prior to being appointed to determine suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation.
• False statements or responses on a resume or application can jeopardize employment and may be grounds for disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service.
• Must pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Failure to successfully meet these requirements could lead to adverse action proceedings including possible termination.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check
• Subject to one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New FSIS supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements including the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 0403 series, time-in-grade restriction, and specialized experience requirement by the closing date of the announcement, as defined below: Time in grade: Applicants must meet one year at the next lower grade to be considered for the next higher grade (e.g. one year at the GS-13 grade level for consideration at the GS-14 grade level.) To qualify for the Microbiology series 0403, you must meet the following Individual Occupational Requirement: Degree: microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent. or Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown in 1 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. For more information about the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 0403 series, click here: For the GS-14 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level that demonstrates the following: (your resume MUST show demonstrated experiences of these requirements): Experience leading a team to develop or modify laboratory methods to perform microbiological analyses. Experience leading a team that conducts microbiological or data analyses under ISO 17025 standards in a regulatory environment. Experience improving workflow in a regulatory laboratory environment. (Examples include increased efficiency or cost effectiveness). Experience communicating technical issues to stakeholders. (Examples include presentations at scientific, agency, or public meetings). Experience presenting strategic public health information to leadership. 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, knowledge, and skills 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

College transcripts: You must submit a copy of your college transcripts as this series has an education requirement. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application if it includes your name, the schools name, and the necessary course information; however, if you are selected, official transcripts are required prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.

If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the NACES website. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.

Contacts

• Address Food Safety and Inspection Service 1400 Independence Ave SW Washington, DC 20250 US
• Name: Gary McCann
• Phone: (612) 852-7706
• Email: [email protected]