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, nuts and related products. The incumbent provides oversight on the technical aspects of the Federal-State shipping point inspection, grading and auditing programs in management territories consisting of several States.

Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to: Plans and reviews all aspects of the shipping point grading and inspection program to evaluate the respective State Cooperator’s compliance with the Federal Quality System Service Standard. Evaluates subordinate State Cooperator supervisors’ performance by on-site observation and review of records and informs them when corrective action is necessary. Approves and verifies the effectiveness of any corrective actions proposed or implemented by the State Cooperator Agencies as a result of the review findings. Reviews the Cooperator’s training programs for prospective licensees and their refresher training programs for experienced grader Recommends and authorizes qualified licensees to perform supervisory work on behalf of SCI Division. Provides technical and administrative guidance to Cooperator employees assigned to Terminal Markets or auditing functions within the service area. Communicates no less than monthly during the inspection season with Cooperator managers in an effort to build, improve and/or maintain relationships. Collaborates with Cooperator officials and industry leaders in planning and directing existing grading, inspection and certification programs and audit-based verification 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.
• 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/.
• 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.
• All USDA employees are required to be enrolled in Continuous Vetting, which authorizes government agencies to receive notifications of criminal activity on individuals who hold low risk, public trust, or national security positions.
• This is a remote position that must be located within the locations listed. The duty station is the selectee's home and must be established within the defined geographic area.

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: Interacting with affiliated managers to oversee and/or the technical aspects of fruit, vegetable and nut inspection. Executing, organizing, and evaluating one or multiple programs by developing guidelines, work plans, and goal setting for fruit, vegetable, and nut commodities. Planning, coordinating, and assigning the work of self and others on a regional level involving various government agencies. Providing information, and/or taking action for marketing and/or inspection operations pertaining to the marking of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Writing technical instructions for the performance of fruit, vegetable, and nut inspections. 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]