The incumbent serves as Associate Director and directly oversees multiple functions of the Office of Homeland Security. The incumbent provides support advice and guidance to the OHS Director, USDA Security Council as well as the Secretary and Deputy Secretary. OHS is responsible for coordination, policy, response, reporting, and assignment of action for acute and major threats to the food supply, production, or USDA assets and employees.

Duties

Provides authoritative advice to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary on all matters related to USDA’s continuity communications, emergency programs, personnel and document security, COOP and Continuity of Government Programs (COG). Advocates and provides leadership, direction, and guidance on the development, improvement, adaptation, and application of strategies and systems that address USDA’s security operations worldwide. Serves as a managerial official and as a second line supervisor the incumbent directs a program(s) that pertains to Department-wide efforts and initiatives for USDA’s Emergency Programs. Coordinates Department-wide efforts and initiatives for USDA’s Emergency Program. Ensures that USDA maintains a comprehensive Homeland and National Security program by maintaining a close and active participation in the Interagency community. Develops security strategies and methods to prevent intentional acts of terrorism and disruption of service at USDA facilities. Ensures a rapid, effective, coordinated USDA response to emergency situations affecting homeland security. Makes formal presentations to members of Congress and their staffs, constituents, and other organizations on USDA emergency response and preparedness activities. Coordinates with Federal Departments on Homeland and National Security policy.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• If selected, you may be required to serve a probationary or trial period as applicable to appointment type.
• 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 https://www.e-verify.gov/.
• Selected applicant is subject to initial and random drug testing. Failure to pass a Drug Test or maintain a clearance is grounds for removal.
• Selected applicant must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation for a Top Secret SCI clearance. You must meet initial and periodic suitability determinations based on favorable background investigations and updates.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions and specialized experience, as defined below. Time in grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. Specialized Experience At the GS-15 level: Qualifying experience for GS-15 level includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-14 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience overseeing interagency coordination on emergency preparedness or response efforts; championing initiatives and strategic direction of emergency management programs and continuity and planning programs; and, developing and establishing policies, procedures, and guidelines for homeland security programs. 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

There is no education substitution for the GS-15 level.

Contacts

• Address Office of Homeland Security 1400 Independence Ave SW Washington, DC 20250 US
• Name: Paige Sharp
• Email: [email protected]