SummaryServes as a recognized authority and provides leadership for and coordinates Agency protocols for the identification of potential new pest introductions, emergency program pests, and other organisms associated with Agency domestic plant health programs.
Note: Selectee will remain in current official duty station of record unless located in the National Capital Region. See Additional Information Section for details.
DutiesHelp
- 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:
- Monitors the disposition of high-priority organisms within the Agency's identification system to aid in assuring timely processing and serves as the Agency's primary contact regarding that disposition.
- Provides significant coordination and innovative expertise to national and regional pest survey committees.
- Develops, evaluates, maintains, and augments lists of diagnostic experts to supplement those already participating in the Agency's identification system.
- Evaluates and monitors ability/capacity of prospective and contracted collaborators to provide diagnostic support.
- Provides guidance and coordinates work with appropriate Agency staffs and cooperating institutions to coordinate the testing and implementation of new sample screening and pest identification methods.
RequirementsHelp
Conditions of employment- 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. Refer to the Next Steps section for more information.
- Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
- 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.
- Some domestic travel is required, and occasional international travel may be required.
- Must maintain a security clearance level sufficient to access various confidential electronic databases.
QualificationsApplicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, 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.
BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
ORCombination of education and experience: post high school education with courses equivalent to a major, which is defined as 24 semester/36 quarter hours, in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources management, chemistry or related disciplines appropriate to the position, PLUS appropriate experience or additional course work.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must demonstrate the below:FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
- Experience in leading and coordinating the development of protocols for identifying new pests, plant health concerns, and other issues relevant to domestic plant health programs.
- Experience contributing to the development and refinement of policies and procedures that support diagnostic activities for domestic plant health programs, contributing to efforts that promote efficiency and consistency across operations.
- Participating in fostering collaborative relationships and coordinating resources among subject-matter experts to support access to diagnostic expertise, while engaging in interagency efforts to maintain capacity for reviewing and screening materials related to target pests or pest groups.
- Supporting coordination with Agency staff and partner institutions to inform policies and procedures for testing and implementing new methods in sample screening and pest identification.
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.
EducationPlease see above for education qualification requirement information.
Additional information- Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Reemployment Priority List (RPL) : Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100 to receive selection priority.
- Locality pay will vary based upon the selectee's duty location. A final salary determination will be made upon selection.
- If you are selected, you will be placed under a career development plan and may be non-competitively promoted. Promotion is not guaranteed.
- Relocation Incentive may be authorized. The final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official.
- Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.
- If selected for this position, you will remain in your current official duty station of record unless you are in the National Capital Region. Selectees with a current duty station in the National Capital Region defined as the District of Columbia; Montgomery and Prince George's Counties of Maryland; Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties of Virginia and all cities and towns included within the outer boundaries of those counties will need a new duty station established prior to entrance on duty. If the selectee is currently in the National Capital Region, they must choose either Fort Collins, CO or Raleigh, NC as their new duty station. Selectees located anywhere else will not be able to voluntarily change their duty station as part of this selection process.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
BenefitsHelp
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
