SummaryThis position is located in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Office of the Chief Economist (OCE), Office of Energy & Environmental Policy (OEEP), Office of Energy Policy & New Uses (OEPNU). The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a critical role in the bioeconomy by providing resources and scientific research; ensuring that American farmers remain globally competitive; and enabling businesses to produce innovative products in the bioeconomy.
DutiesHelp
- Responsible for analyzing and integrating substantive policy and technical information pertaining to biofuels, biomass feedstock production, biomaterials, and bio-manufacturing
- Supports OEEP's engagement on international biofuel issues.
- Assists with developing domestic and international approaches to advance the bioeconomy through USDA programs and authorities.
- Serves as a subject matter expert (SME) to Agency representatives on goals, objectives and issues on related to bioeconomy as they pertain to the forest and agriculture sectors.
- Represents the Department in meetings with other agencies.
- Reviews and synthesizes conclusions and recommendations reached on bioeconomy-related policy issues by USDA agencies, task forces, and study groups, as well as by private agricultural, trade, industry, conservation and environmental groups.
- Represents USDA programs and activities in various outreach-related forums.
- Provides expert program advice and strategic guidance to OCE leadership and senior departmental officials on biomass, biofuels, and the bioeconomy.
- Prepares issue papers, strategic assessments, briefing documents, and decision memoranda to support high-level policy decisions.
- Conducts detailed program and policy analysis to support Department-wide strategic planning for bioeconomy initiatives.
- The incumbent will prepare options and alternatives for future work, engage in the Office's international efforts, including bi-lateral international discussions, supporting OEEP leadership on international bioeconomy issues.
- Supports efforts to develop partnerships and engage in outreach with other organizations.
RequirementsHelp
Conditions of employment- 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.
- 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/.
- If selected, you may be required to serve a probationary or trial period as applicable to appointment type. Refer to Next Steps section for additional information.
QualificationsApplicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must meet the Specialized Experience requirements as shown below. If qualifying based on experience, your application or resume must clearly show that you possess the specialized experience requirements. Specialized experience is defined as experience that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled and has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Specialized Experience Requirement:Qualifying experience for GS-14 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-13 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 in 1) managing special projects and initiatives related to the bioeconomy; 2) being a subject matter expert on the bioeconomy; 3) conducting program and policy analysis to support strategic planning for bioeconomy initiatives; 4) coordinating efforts to develop partnerships and engage in outreach with other organizations on bioeconomy-related issues; and 5) preparing bioeconomy-related written and oral products to support senior-level decision making.
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.
EducationThere is no education substitution for specialized experience.
Additional informationCareer 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 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. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
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.
Incentives may be authorized.
Any selections made under this notice will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current Federal employees would therefore, be given new appointments to the civil service and new probationary period required.
If selected, you will be required to submit Form OGE-450 within 30 days of your initial appointment date, and annually thereafter. Selectee is subject to financial Disclosure Requirements in accordance with 5 CFR, Part 2635, Sub part E regarding business or personal transactions with applicants, borrowers, or business contacts who have or who are seeking business with this Agency.
Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. If selected you will be subject to a National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI) and a credit report. (This filing is for GS-13 and GS-14 grade levels only).
This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). 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.
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.
