We will be collecting applications for this position at an on-site event. Please see "How to Apply". This position is responsible for carrying out the Division's responsibilities to pursue sanctioning actions against violators who commit unfair trade practices. The purpose of such actions is to promote orderly marketing of fruits and vegetables and to deter the inequities in the marketplace brought about by unfair competition by those who commit unfair and fraudulent practices.

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: Reviews business records and other documents and makes findings of an individual’s actions "responsibly connected" status to a firm under investigation. Establishes and maintains good working relationships with members of the fruit and vegetable industry and counsels and provides advice to them on fair trade practices. Describes rights, liabilities, and sanctions under Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), and Produce Agency Act (PAA). Maintains the integrity of the PACA database with timely updating of the status and actions of license information, complaint files, and administrative actions. Conducts a range of licensing activities of firms throughout the United States. Participates in license task force projects. Reviews complaints filed with the Department by the industry, compiles information to be made part of the official record. Keeps abreast of recent court decisions. Reviews trust notices for technical sufficiency, reviews court decisions, and provides recommendations to the supervisor in the case of a firm's insolvency or bankruptcy.

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.
• Satisfactory Background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year trial 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 https://www.e-verify.gov/
• 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.

Qualifications

To qualify, you MUST meet all program and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following requirements; Completed all requirements for an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two (2) years. Current students who will complete their degree requirements by June 10th, 2025 will be considered. or Individuals who, due to military service obligation, were precluded from applying to the Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period described above shall have a full 2-year period of eligibility upon release or discharge from active duty. This eligibility period cannot extend more than 6 years from the date on which the requirements for the academic course of study were met. IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE: Applicants must meet the following specialized experience and/or education requirements listed below: FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 level) that demonstrates: Utilizing grading procedures and U.S. grade standards for a commodity. Reviewing technical documents against program standards. Utilizing written documentation and computer databases to prepare reports and case file information. OR 1 year of graduate-level education in a field of study such as marketing, economics, business administration, agriculture, agricultural economics, agricultural business, accounting, statistics, mathematics, commerce, transportation, food processing, horticulture, botany, agronomy, or other related fields. OR Superior Academic Achievement: To qualify based on superior academic achievement, you must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution AND 1) have a class standing in the upper third of the graduating class, 2) membership in a national scholastic honor society (excluding Freshman honor societies), or 3) must meet certain GPA requirements. GPA requirements: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on official transcripts or as computed based on 4 years of education, or courses completed during the final 2 year of the curriculum; OR 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required course completed in the major field or courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum (GPA will be rounded to one decimal place, e.g., 2.95 rounds to 3.0 and 2.94 rounds to 2.9). Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. FOR THE GS-09 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: Experience presenting technical information to individuals and high level groups through written and oral communications. Researching laws relating to business structures, bankruptcy, and state regulatory functions. Collecting evidence and develop findings of investigations. Utilizing grading procedures and U.S. grade standards for fruits and vegetables. OR master's or equivalent graduate degree in a field of study such as marketing, economics, business administration, agriculture, agricultural economics, agricultural business, accounting, statistics, mathematics, commerce, transportation, food processing, horticulture, botany, agronomy, or other related fields. OR 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree. OR LL.B. or J.D., if related Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-07/09 GRADE LEVEL: 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 an applicant for that grade level. Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed graduate education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant 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.

Transcripts including the date your degree was conferred are required. Applications will not be considered without this documentation. For those graduating this semester or prior to 6/10/2025 you will have to provide proof of conferment prior to entrance on duty.

Applicants confirm that they will meet all qualifications as listed in the job opportunity announcement prior to Entrance on Duty. If not able to meet qualifications, the applicant will be removed from consideration.

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]