In collaboration with the Laboratory Director, you will be responsible for the formulation and achievement of short and long-range goals concerning staff operations with particular focus on maximizing the quality of research efforts and the advancement of long-term safeguarding objectives of Science and Technology.

Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to: Evaluates all resource needs of the organization, submits formal budgetary and staffing proposals to Science and Technology Leadership and is accountable for properly administering budget allocations. Designates project leaders and oversees the organization's system of assigning work to individual scientists and support staff. Oversees the organization's proper utilization of PPQ and Science and Technology work measurement tools and develops supplemental measurement systems. Ensures the scientific integrity and professionalism of the organization's work, proper synchronization with other PPQ Safeguarding efforts, and full utilization of resources. Provides leadership to theoretical scientific and policy issues of the agency, such as developing technology to exclude or manage targeted invasive species. For both internal and external recruitment, the incumbent works with the Science and Technology Resource Management Specialist on recruitment strategies and development of rating plans.

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.
• 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/
• Testing Designated Position: Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.
• 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.
• The work is comprised of typical office work in which the incumbent can sit comfortably, although there is prolonged standing at times.
• Occasional will visit remote field locations.
• The work involves everyday risks or discomfort which requires normal safety precautions, such as offices, laboratories, meeting rooms, commercial vehicles, outdoor environments, etc.

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 inbiological 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. FOR THE GS-14 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-13 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Applying innovative molecular diagnostics methods, technologies and applications for identification of regulated plant pathogens. Leading scientific investigations to resolve highly controversial problems related to plant health diagnostics in PPQ safeguarding initiatives. Experience overseeing and evaluating the day to day activities of scientific and technical staff, and the operational aspects of a laboratory in a plant pathogen quarantine environment. Experience leading or supervising subordinates in order to plan, organize, and deliver projects. Experience initiating and maintaining cooperative relationships with various stakeholders to address the immediate and long-term needs of the stakeholders and the agency. 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]