Agriculturist

Summary

Serves as a recognized authority and provides leadership for and coordinates Agency protocols for the identification of potential new pest introductions, emergency program pests, and other organisms associated with Agency domestic plant health programs. Note: Selectee will remain in current official duty station of record unless located in the National Capital Region. See Additional Information Section for details.

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:
• •Monitors the disposition of high-priority organisms within the Agency's identification system to aid in assuring timely processing and serves as the Agency's primary contact regarding that disposition.
• •Provides significant coordination and innovative expertise to national and regional pest survey committees.
• •Develops, evaluates, maintains, and augments lists of diagnostic experts to supplement those already participating in the Agency's identification system.
• •Evaluates and monitors ability/capacity of prospective and contracted collaborators to provide diagnostic support.
• •Provides guidance and coordinates work with appropriate Agency staffs and cooperating institutions to coordinate the testing and implementation of new sample screening and pest identification methods.

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 in 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. In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must demonstrate the below: FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience in leading and coordinating the development of protocols for identifying new pests, plant health concerns, and other issues relevant to domestic plant health programs. Experience contributing to the development and refinement of policies and procedures that support diagnostic activities for domestic plant health programs, contributing to efforts that promote efficiency and consistency across operations. Participating in fostering collaborative relationships and coordinating resources among subject-matter experts to support access to diagnostic expertise, while engaging in interagency efforts to maintain capacity for reviewing and screening materials related to target pests or pest groups. Supporting coordination with Agency staff and partner institutions to inform policies and procedures for testing and implementing new methods in sample screening and pest identification. 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.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.