Biological Scientist / Agriculturist (Risk Analyst)

Full Job Description

You will serve as a Biological Scientist or Agriculturist providing authoritative expertise in diverse areas of biological sciences, including tree biology, forestry, horticulture, genetic engineering, molecular biology, and plant science to protect and enhance U.S.

agricultural/horticultural/forestry and natural resources ensuring that available information on exotic agricultural pests is gathered, analyzed and interpreted accurately.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

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.

FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Preparing reports, guidance documents, position papers, articles or presentations on different aspects of plant science.

Analyzing scientific data and preparing technical documentation in plant science.

Using computer software for statistical analysis which includes GIS, mathematical modeling, or other specific software to develop and analyze quantitative data.

OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in biological sciences, or closely related.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.

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.

This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements.

The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.

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:
• Reviews applications for environmental release, interstate movement, and importation of certain organisms.
• Provides scientific, technical, and analytical support to management, other biotechnologists and biological scientists, and other Divisions/Units of the Agency.
• Serves as a technical consultant and advisor to representatives of other Federal agencies, State agencies, industry, academia, biotechnology organizations, and individuals.
• Analyzes data, writes agency reports and conducts risk assessments for dissemination to internal clients, or other federal and state organizations to facilitate improved agricultural trade.
• Develop statistically sound sampling procedures for survey of quarantine-significant pests, including estimates of probabilities of detecting populations as a function of sampling effort.
• Develop economic impact studies concerning the advantages, or disadvanges of a recommended course of action and alternative strategies.