The incumbent is a member of the Senior Science and Technology Service (SSTS) and serves as the Center Director of the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), in the Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center (ETSARC) Plains Area located in Fargo, North Dakota.

Duties

Actively serves in a leadership role for research program planning and implementation of the overall research missions, goals, and policies in the Plains Area (PA), primarily responsible for these activities at the ETSARC. Keeps the PA Area Director fully informed of the units’ programs and related considerations having a significant bearing on the development of research priorities and projections, budgets, and use of facilities based on the needs of the ETSARC. Participates with the PA Area Director and other research program leaders in developing criteria for budgetary priorities and projections. Providing leadership in developing and coordinating research program projections. Provides leadership, direction and approach to identify research needs of stakeholders and reviews research plans for Research Leaders. Forecasts the resources required and projections of time required to make advances that impact research. Leads and targets the science mission and direction of Research Leaders in the ETSARC and evaluates the effectiveness of program operations. Provides leadership to foster and develop cooperative relationships to increase the effectiveness of scientific programs and explores partnerships. Has the responsibility for ensuring the quality of all CRIS Research Project proposals and their preparation for external review coordinated by the OSQR. Has the responsibility for administrative oversight for institutional biosafety and animal use and care programs. Provides the PA Area Director and other officials with advice on highly technical problems in transdisciplinary programs conducted at the ETSARC. Proactively partners and communicates with all local, regional, and national stakeholders to identify stakeholder needs and improve stakeholder support.

Requirements

• Veterans' preference is applicable in the Senior Science and Technolgy Service (SSTS).
• Initial appointments are required to serve a 1-year probationary period
• You must upload your responses to the SSTS Professional Recognition documentation.
• Background Investigation and a security clearance are required.
• U. S. Citizenship, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the US is required.

Qualifications

- Have conducted outstanding research in the fields of animal or plant science, as determined by a Qualifications Assessment Board; - Have earned a doctoral level degree at an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 u.s.c.1001), - Have national or international recognition authority and leadership in an area of widespread scientific interest and investigation; - Meet the qualification standards prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management for appointment to a position at the GS-15 level of the General Schedule. - Directing the work of an organizational unit. - Ensuring the success of one or more specific major programs or projects. - Monitoring progress toward strategic organizational goals, evaluating organizational performance and taking action to improve performance; and - Supervising the work of employees; and exercising important policy-making, policy determining, or other executive functions.

Education

For 0401- Degree: 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 in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Degree: Chemistry, biological sciences, agriculture, plant physiology, plant genetics, entomology, plant pathology, pest management, molecular biology, soil science, agronomy, agricultural engineering, remote/proximal sensing or plant pest management, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

A Ph.D. in any of the disciplines listed above is required.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 2150 Centre Avenue Building D, Suite 300 Fort Collins, CO 80526 US
• Name: Maria Gonzalez
• Phone: 240-877-9278
• Email: [email protected]