Supervisory Agriculturist (State Plant Health Director)

Summary Selectee is responsible for APHIS scientific and administrative plant regulatory activities within the state(s), to include : pest and disease risk analysis; design and implementation of survey programs, eradication of pest or disease outbreaks; and conducting regulatory programs for domestic pests. This temporary promotion has the option to be made permanent without further competition or the selectee will be returned to a similar GS-13 position. Responsibilities 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 : Oversees the identification of plant pest pathways through analysis and utilization of risk data. Contributes to effective outreach programs to importers, travelers and industry on importation requirements. Directs / administers federal export certification program for plants, plant products, and animal by-products within the state. Cooperates with State Plant Regulatory Officials (SPRO) to develop and document state emergency management plans. Determines strategies to control or manage invasive species based on risk and data analysis, chemical or biological control, and availability of funding. Manages all administrative and programmatic activities while complying with appropriate Federal and state regulations and guidelines. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants 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 : biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience : Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the basic requirement you will also need to meet the following : 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 : Managing a large number of critical, high visibility plant pest and disease programs at a given time. Developing and interpreting policy and guidelines related to a plant health program. Communicating scientific advice and authoritative information regarding agricultural inspection activities and issues to governmental agencies, academia, and key public interest groups. Planning and controlling the use of resources to meet immediate and long-range objectives and performing the necessary decision making and problem solving required for program execution. Formulating immediate and long-range budgets based on past experience, anticipated workload and the production capability of plant health program. 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. Education Please 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 or RPL eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP / RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP 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 applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected. 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. This is a temporary appointment not to exceed five years. This temporary promotion to the GS-14 has the option to be made permanent without further competition or the selectee will be returned to a similar GS-13 position. For more details click : Temporary Appointments Worksite Information : This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Additional information regarding ad hoc, occasional, or reoccurring telework may be obtained at a later time from the hiring manager or program during the hiring process.