SummaryThis position is accountable for APHIS scientific and administrative plant regulatory activities within the State of Florida. Incumbent will have responsibility for directing the state activities and setting priorities that balance consideration of public and industry demands against those of economics, efficiencies, and available resources. This role will also serve as the primary point of contact for plant health protection and emergency management and response in the state.
DutiesHelp
- The duties may include, but are not limited to:
- Serves as the State Plant Health Director (SPHD) with responsibility for APHIS scientific and administrative plant regulatory activities within Florida.
- Directs the state activities and sets priorities that balance consideration of public and industry demands against those of economics, efficiency, and available resources.
- Oversees the identification of plant pest pathways through analysis and utilization of risk data.
- Oversees effective permit and compliance programs to mitigate risk at high risk containment facilities, soil laboratories, and plant pest permittee establishments.
- Directs/administers federal export certification program for plants, plant products, and animal by-products within the state.
- Works cooperatively with State Plant Regulatory Officials (SPRO) to develop and document state emergency management plans while ensuring plans are tested and modified as necessary.
- Manages invasive species which are covered under APHIS regulation or through Congressional direction that are harmful to agriculture or the environment.
- Responsible for all administrative and programmatic activities complying with appropriate Federal and state regulations and guidelines.
- The incumbent manages all facets of APHIS-related personnel, finance, and property management for Florida.
RequirementsHelp
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
(GS-14) 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 meet the following qualification requirement:
FOR THE GS-15GRADE LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the
GS-14 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
- Assessing the severity and scope of an agricultural pest outbreak and determine response strategy including how to implement these strategies.
- Safeguarding the health of agricultural plants and ecosystems by preventing, detecting, and responding to threats of agro-terrorism.
- Experience running Fruit Fly Programs including experience with Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and release of sterile fruit flies.
- Experience running Port Operations and overseeing Agricultural Quarantine Inspection Programs, coordinating and collaborating with other federal agencies and partners.
- Negotiating and coordinating resolution/handling of critical programs with nonfederal government officials i.e., emergency programs dealing with significant threats to American agriculture production.
- Overseeing Smuggling Interdiction and Trade Compliance (SITC) Programs as well as Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) Programs.
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), 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. CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100 to receive selection priority.
- Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee.
- Locality pay will vary based upon the selectee's duty location. A final salary determination will be made upon selection.
- This is a temporary promotion not to exceed 1 year, but may be extended up to 5 years. The selectee will return to their former position of record or like position (same, grade, full performance level and location), after completion of the temporary appointment. This temporary promotion may be made permanent without further competition.
- 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.
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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.
