Agriculturist (National Policy Manager)

Full Job Description

As an Agriculturist (National Policy Manager) with APHIS, Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), Pest Exclusion and Import Program (PEIP), you will provide program management expertise, national coordination, and scientific leadership on issues of major importance to PPQ programs nationally.

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, entomology, 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: 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: - Developed responses to complex agriculture issues, regulations, and inquiries.

- Contributed to agriculture program objectives and recommended policy adjustments. - Managed project planning and risk identification to achieve milestones and deliverables.

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:
• Performs in-depth analyses of policy and program management issues of importance to APHIS’ mission to protect and serve U.S. Agriculture.
• Serves on teams of plant health and quarantine experts on specific program activities and other projects to study, evaluate, assess, and/or respond to new, emerging, and established plant health risks.
• Provides advice and assistance in developing, directing, analyzing, and monitoring operations and programs for the import, export, or interstate movement of certain plants/plant or animal products.
• Represents PPQ in meetings with industry and government entities at all levels, and performs coordination and negotiation to encourage active participation in PPQ programs and compliance.
• Provides leadership and coordination in the development of protocols, policies, operational plans, strategic plans, action plans, regulations, and guidelines.
• Communicates with key stakeholder groups and cooperator organizations on major initiatives, policy launch changes to a program, and other critical aspects that may potentially impact these groups.
• Leads national budget development for assigned program responsibilities and provides coordination for the Program Planning and Budget Development Process.
• Manages financial accounts for appropriate conduct of the assigned program(s) which may or may not involve special appropriations, user fees, or trust funds.
• Oversees a continuing review and evaluation program to coordinate activities and determine the overall effectiveness of program activities.