Agriculturist (Containment Scientist)

Full Job Description

The Agriculturist (Containment Scientist) assumes leadership to implement, monitor, and communicate at the national level, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) policies, procedures and regulations pertaining to the issuance of permits and the inspection and evaluation of facilities to contain regulated plant pests, bio-control organisms, noxious weeds, and associated articles.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including 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: 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.

FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: In addition to the basic requirement listed, 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: Participating in the review and analysis of containment determination for specific plant pests or plant pathogens.

Making recommendations to determine what measures are necessary to contain plant pests or plant pathogens in a laboratory, greenhouse, or field setting.

Assisting in the development of reports and modifications of procedures or containment conditions based on knowledge of procedures, regulations, law, and compliance issues.

Participating in the inspection of containment facilities conformant with established requirements for containment of plant pests or plant pathogens.

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. Major 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:
• Analyzes technical information to determine the appropriateness of and/or necessary safeguards to prevent the release of regulated organisms held under PPQ permits.
• Participates in inspections of containment facilities (research facilities, diagnostic laboratories, educational displays, etc) or works with inspectors to document the capabilities of such facilities.
• Reviews and evaluates scientific documents, construction proposals, SOPs and inspection reports, and evaluates the applicant’s abilities to prevent the dissemination of organisms from facilities.
• Determines appropriate measures to ensure containment of regulated organisms and provides expert advice on containment.
• Coordinates with field personnel on inspections of previously inspected facilities to document continued compliance with physical and operational safeguards to prevent the dissemination of plant pests.
• Develops and/or reviews written reports that document the results of containment facility inspections.
• Reviews draft permits and associated documents to ensure that permit conditions are sufficient to prevent the escape of regulated articles are appropriate.
• Develops and updates policies, regulations, training and outreach documents, procedures, guidelines, and standards for containment of regulated organisms, and recommends changes in program policy.
• Serves as national leader in the area of organism containment to APHIS staff and line officials and other Federal agencies, industry, organizations, and universities.