Status: Full-time position
Location: Gladstone, MO
Salary: $31,315.00 to $61,678.00
Deadline Date: 2/05/13
Date Available:
Job Summary: Relocation expenses will not be paid.
The incumbent is the primary liaison for the Agency on operational activities and works with state officials, other agencies, colleges and universities and others interested in activities affected by Agency plant quarantine programs. The incumbent performs a variety of specialized duties that provide a comprehensive approach to biosecurity minimizing the risk of biological and economic damage caused by exotic, non-native plant and animal organisms to agriculture, natural resources and U.S. trade initiative involving overall plant health activities.
You can make a difference! The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) needs bright, energetic and committed professionals to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. MRP offers an array of occupations and is committed to diversity in the workplace. We operate in domestic and global markets. Be part of an organization that protects the health and agriculture of the American people. Join our team!
This is a term appointment not to exceed 13 months. Appointment may be extended up to 4 years without reannouncing. For more details click: Term Appointments
APHIS is an emergency response agency. This means that all Agency employees may be asked or assigned to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments to support emergency programs at some time during their careers with APHIS. For details click: APHIS Emergency Response
Qualifications: To qualify, you MUST meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Basic requirements at all grade levels
Degree Applicants must have completed 4 years of college with a degree or coursework equivalent to a major (24 semester hours) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a closely related discipline appropriate to the position.
Selective factor The qualifying degree must have included at least 20 semester hours in coursework such as agronomy, cell biology, botany, entomology, forestry, horticulture, mycology, nematology, plant pathology, soil science or other closely related courses. Applicants who do not possess or fail to submit documentation of completion of this requirement will be found not qualified. OR
Combination of education and experience at all grade levels
Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in "Selective Factor" above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Applicants who meet basic requirements qualify at the GS-5 grade level.
In addition to meeting all the basic requirements listed above, specialized experience at the GS-7/9 grade levels Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the next lower level in the federal service. This experience is typically in, or related to, the work of the position being filled. OR
Substitution for education at the GS-7 grade level Successful completion of one full year of related graduate level education from an accredited college or university in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR
Superior Academic Achievement To qualify based on superior academic achievement, you must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution AND must meet certain GPA requirements. For more details click: Superior Academic Achievement.
Substitution of education for experience at the GS-9 grade level Successful completion of 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited college or university in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or closely related disciplines appropriate to the position.
Examples of qualifying experience include, but are not limited to at the GS-5/7 Grade Levels Professional knowledge of pertinent regulations, policies and procedures of agricultural quarantine principles and biological and scientific principles, techniques of collection and identification. Experience in multiple program areas and/or multifaceted programs, such as post entry quarantine, emerald ash borer, gypsy moth, grasshopper/Mormon cricket, etc. Drafting proposals or work plans and financial plans to be used for survey, sampling, control, trace back, regulatory methods development, etc. Planning, conducting various treatments and remedial measures, such as disinfection, sterilization, fumigation, cold treatment, hot water treatment, etc…, for plant and animal pests and disease.
Examples of qualifying experience include, but are not limited to at the GS-9 Grade Level Planning, coordinating and conducting all aspects of operational activities, including special programs, newly emerging programs or operational functions with cooperators, other government entities, industries, etc. Planning, coordinating and conducting plant pest surveys and anticipating and providing solutions for problems in program areas. Professional level experience executing containment facility inspections. Professional level experience issuing Phytosanitary certificates. Planning, conducting and/or supervising various treatments and remedial measures such as disinfection, sterilization, fumigation, cold treatment, hot water treatment, etc…, for plant and animal pests and disease. Preparing and making formal presentations to internal and external audiences.
At the GS-7/9 grade level: Combinations of successfully completed related graduate level education and specialized experience may be used to meet total experience requirements. Only graduate level education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be combined with experience.
Transcripts are required if this position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. You are qualifying for this position based on Superior Academic Achievement. [
This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. For more information on submitting transcripts, click: Transcripts.
Duties: 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 the following responsible for managing multiple program areas and/or a multi-faceted program such as: post entry quarantine, gypsy moth, biological control, grasshopper/Mormon cricket, biotechnology, noxious weeds, or other pests for which a program is or will be developed. Provides recommendations to the supervisor and staff on design and development of guidelines, operational standards and procedures. Drafts proposals or work plans and financial plans to be used for survey, sampling, control, trace back, regulatory, methods development and improvement and/or eradication phases of programs or other projects. Serves as accredited certifying official regarding export certification; the work includes interpreting foreign quarantine regulations to facilitate international trade, issuing Federal Phytosanitary Certificates (FPC), ensuring proper maintenance of the fee collection process. Provides specialized inspection, regulation and clearance of high risk propagative plant material, plant products and pest diagnostic identification services at plant inspection stations and/or other facilities. Plans, conducts, and/or supervises various treatments and remedial measures such as disinfection, sterilization, fumigation, cold treatment, hot water treatment, irradiation of regulated articles for plant and animal pests and diseases. Broad range of responsibilities under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), including review of permits, seizure of shipments without proper documents, safeguarding seized or forfeited property, maintenance of accurate files on CITES transactions.
Special Conditions U.S. Citizenship. Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with the Selective Service. DD214 (Member 4 copy)/veterans' documents for veterans' preference. Valid state driver's license required at time of hire. Travel (e.g., 3-5 nights per month) may be required. As a condition of employment, a background investigation may be required for this position. Subject to satisfactory completion of one year trial period. The individual selected for this position must be certified under the USDA, APHIS, PPQ, pesticide applicator certification program within 12 months after assuming the duties of the position. Failure to achieve certification within the specified time will result in appropriate corrective action. Automobile Driving Requirements: Plant Health Safeguarding Specialists are required to operate a motor vehicle and must possess a valid State Driver's License at time of appointment. Attend basic agriculture safeguarding training (BAST). The purpose of BAST is to provide relevant training to help PPQ Officers acquire new skills and knowledge to enable them to accomplish PPQ's mission. Officers certified through BAST will be able to conduct plant health safeguarding activities authorized by the Plant Protection Act of 2000 and related regulations. The core instruction will take place at the Professional Development Center in Frederick, MD. Additionally, portions of this training will be completed at the employees' work unit. The time frame for completing BAST is within the first year of employment, but may be extended by the PPQ Program beyond this period, if necessary.
To Apply:
If you wish to be considered for this position you will need to apply on-line. You can access this vacancy announcement through USAJOBS at http://www.usajobs.gov. Please read the announcement carefully for information on how to apply to this vacancy.
PPQ Officer (Plant Health Safeguarding Specialist)
24PQ-2013-0077
GS-0401U
Gladstone, MO, US