SummaryIf selected you will provide a nationally coordinated approach for the development of survey, regulatory, control, and/or molecular technologies to support APHIS programs. These programs require collecting, recording and processing of field data, predicting pest events, and providing a variety of reports in a timely manner to a variety of user groups. The programs involve the cooperation and coordination of numerous disciplines and areas of responsibility.
DutiesHelp
- The duties may include, but are not limited to:
- Coordinates the development and execution of technical and scientific projects within the assigned program area through direct and effective interaction with the appropriate individuals.
- Prepares reports primarily for developing, implementing and maintaining effective scientifically informed APHIS programs and in accordance with agency, PPQ, and other relevant policies.
- Consults with APHIS and cooperating scientists regarding technical procedures, experimental results, and interpretation of data that address a wide range of problems relevant to the needs of PPQ.
- Provides input and recommendations to the Science and Technology Management Team for program-related budget development, annual work plans, and operational plans.
- Reviews overall progress of work within assigned program area and provides results to Science and Technology Management Team in the form of annual reports and other types of communications.
- Engages with national policy and operations managers, as well as other stakeholders to identify PPQ needs that can be addressed by Science and Technology.
- Coordinates the establishment, review, and reporting of cooperative agreements, interagency agreements, and contracts pertaining to the assigned program area.
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.
- International and domestic travel is required.
QualificationsApplicants 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: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR Combination 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.
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 the scientific concepts and principles of plant protection to plan or lead measures or activities for the eradication, containment, or management of plant pests.
- Working on multiple teams or groups and communicating with different levels of an organization to achieve results or produce deliverables in the plant protection context.
- Developing quality written products such as publications, extension reports, presentations, or educational materials.
- Experience critically evaluating written information to develop a conceptual understanding of the meaning of a range of the information and apply that knowledge to resolve problems in plant protection.
- Experience successfully managing multiple projects in a plant protection setting.
Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.
TRANSCRIPTS are required:
- 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), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): 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 well qualified, which means having knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or competencies that exceed the minimum qualification requirements for this position. CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100 to receive selection priority.
- First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected.
- 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.
Expand Hide additional information
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.
