If selected for this position, you will be responsible for APHIS scientific and administrative plant regulatory activities within the state, to include: pest and disease risk analysis; exclusion and prevention effective export certification program for plant products and animal by-products, design and implementation of survey programs, eradication of pest or disease outbreaks; and conducting regulatory programs for domestic pests.

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: Oversees the identification of plant pest pathways through analysis and utilization of risk data. Contribute to effective outreach programs to importers, travelers and industry on importation requirements. Directs/administers federal export certification program for plants, plant products, and animal by-products within the state. Cooperates with State Plant Regulatory Officials (SPRO) to develop and document state emergency management plans. Determines strategies to control or manage invasive species based on risk and data analysis, chemical or biological control, and availability of funding. Manages all administrative and programmatic activities while complying with appropriate Federal and state regulations and guidelines. Manages all facets of personnel, finance and property management for the assigned state.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Must be able to perform work while wearing a respirator to oversee fumigations and may be required to maintain certification to wear a respirator such as Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
• Must maintain valid pesticide certification.
• Writing exercise may be required.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.

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 in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the basic requirement you will also need to meet the following: 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: Planning and coordinating and conducting all aspects of operational activities for a plant pest and disease program, including special programs, newly emerging programs or operational functions with subordinates, cooperators, industry and other government entities. Analyzing data and developing recommendations regarding solutions to technical problems. Managing the work of subordinates, developing and monitoring short and long-range work plans. Planning and managing the technical approach for inspections, treatments, survey/eradication programs, and quarantine applications. Initiating and modifying techniques and procedures to meet changing program requirements. Evaluating and reviewing the work of subordinates to meet program requirements through direct observation, report review, periodic spot-checks of work in progress and following up on problematic situations as they arise. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. 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]