As a Mounted Patrol Inspector (also known as a Tick Rider), you will make unassisted horseback patrols through rough and remote terrain in an assigned sector of the fever tick quarantine zone along the Texas-Mexico border for the purpose of locating and inspecting livestock which might be carrying cattle fever ticks or other exotic ticks, scabies mites, screwworm, or foreign animal diseases. Remote position that must be located within the county listed in the vacancy announcement.

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: Inspects premises in and bordering the quarantine zone, and investigates additions to or losses of livestock from such herds. Makes periodic inspections of vacated premises to detect bad fences, cattle tracks, or other evidence of illegal use of the premises. Rides horseback and checks all fences in and bordering the quarantine zone to ascertain that they are adequate to prevent intermingling of livestock and consequent exposure to fever tick carriers. Collects physical information which may involve sign-cutting and tracking techniques, and uses this information to detect and apprehend strayed or smuggled Mexican livestock. Assists with inspection and testing of livestock, poultry, and other avian species on ranches, farms, auctions, markets, etc., to detect animal diseases and parasites. Makes arrangements with owners and independently draws blood samples from animals and poultry, conducts necessary serologic tests, tags, brands, appraises reactor animals, and reports findings. Oversees the cleaning and disinfection of vehicles and premises that are contaminated by disease organisms or as a precautionary measure.

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 E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• 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.
• The work may involve strenuous physical demands, including, but not limited to, horseback riding in rough terrain, apprehension of wild and/or fractious livestock, roping, restraining large animals, and operating heavy equipment.
• The work requires standing, walking, running, bending, crouching, climbing, crawling, and lifting heavy items in excess of 100 pounds.
• The work may require handling livestock during inclement weather and/or working in or around unpleasant conditions (e.g., blood, animal confinement units, high noise levels, dust, and slippery surfaces).
• There may be exposure to disease conditions and agents that would require protective clothing and safeguards and enrollment in a health monitoring program.
• May be assigned to participate in assignments in foreign countries which requires obtaining an Official Government Passport.
• Position requires the acquisition of a pesticide applicators license with the Texas Department of Agriculture within the first 12 months of employment.
• Risk may warrant frequently carrying a firearm for self-protection.
• The duties may require long hours of driving a vehicle. Travel may be required on short notice.

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-05 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience as a veterinary assistant. Documenting data and conclusions for reports. Collects and makes tentative identification of ticks based on specimen characteristics. OR Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours of courses in zoology, biology, chemistry, or agricultural subjects. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. 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 AT THE GS-05 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 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]