If selected, you will be responsible for day-to-day operation of a broad range of unique, technically oriented, duties in support of programs to facilitate trade and prevent the spread of animal diseases through exportation or importation of live animals, animal byproducts, biological materials, and organisms. Your work with Veterinary Services(VS), Field Operations, will apply technical solutions to control, prevent, and eradicate animal diseases while facilitating international trade.

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: Creates, organizes, and ensures completeness of animal import records. Monitors and manages import request and animal release workflow and associated documentation within a web-based Veterinary Services import management system. Collects and enters animal import data into required information technology systems. Receives various office calls from veterinarians, importers, exporters, brokers, drivers, and job applicants; furnishes information on port operations as well as Agency regulations as needed. Provides necessary advice and assistance to importers regarding forms, health certificates, routings, and various other forms and procedures, as needed. Assists with administering the export program by ensuring that all files, reference materials, databases, records, directives, and requirements are complete, correct and current. Inspects livestock moving in international commerce for visible evidence of disease, external parasites, and compliance with Federal and State regulations pertaining to international movement. Oversees and performs the disinfection of premises and vehicles used in transportation of imported and diseased livestock and poultry.

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.
• 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/
• Successful completion of one-year trial period.
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• Work hours are nonstandard and may require the technician to work long hours and occasional Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
• The work may involve strenuous physical demands, including, but not limited to, restraining large animals and operating heavy equipment.
• The work may involve long periods of standing, walking, running, climbing, pushing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• May be required to obtain an Official Government Passport in order to perform work.
• Work is performed at off-site quarantine stations, air and sea ports, export livestock facilities, USDA import and export facilities, in an office, or in a government vehicle.
• Inspections are made in noisy warehouses, in airport surroundings, at livestock markets, in Federal import/export facilities or on ranches.
• Work activities may occur during cold and inclement weather with snow or icy conditions.
• There is a moderate risk of exposure to disease agents and hazardous materials necessitating the use of PPE while performing job duties. The employee may be required to shower upon entering and exiting facilities.

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. FOR THE GS-06 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Working with animals in a feedlot, farm, or ranch setting or veterinary setting. Documenting data and conclusions for formal reports. Assessing health and welfare and welfare problems of animals. OR Successful completion of eighteen (18) semester hours of related graduate education obtained from an accredited college or university. Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health, animal nutrition, animal physiology, animal products, animal reproduction, animal science, animal toxicology, animal welfare, biological and agricultural engineering, beef cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management, feeding management, meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine production, and wildlife and fisheries science. FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Using personal protective equipment (e.g. respirators, sanitized garments/masks, etc.). Communicating technical information to livestock owners. Assisting a veterinarian who works with livestock. OR Successful completion of eighteen (18) semester hours of related graduate education obtained from an accredited college or university. Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health, animal nutrition, animal physiology, animal products, animal reproduction, animal science, animal toxicology, animal welfare, biological and agricultural engineering, beef cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management, feeding management, meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine production, and wildlife and fisheries science. FOR THE GS-08 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Using biosecurity techniques, including cleaning and disinfection, to avoid potential disease spread. Proposing new or revised guidelines and procedures for standard use. Collecting biological samples from livestock and poultry and conducting testing as needed OR Successful completion of a master's or equivalent graduate degree or two years of progressively higher level graduate level education leading to such a degree obtained from an accredited college or university. Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health, animal nutrition, animal physiology, animal products, animal reproduction, animal science, animal toxicology, animal welfare, biological and agricultural engineering, beef cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management, feeding management, meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine production, and wildlife and fisheries science. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: 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 : 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]