Interdisciplinary - Veterinary Medical Officer / Biological Scientist (DASAT Science Officer)

Full Job Description

The Division of Agricultural Select Agents and Toxins (DASAT) Science Officer provides regulatory oversight and subject matter expertise on the possession, use and transfer of biological select agents and toxins, which have the potential to pose a severe threat to public, animal or plant health or to animal or plant products.

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.

All applicants must meet the Basic Requirement outlined in the Education section below.

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: Analyzing and interpreting scientific information dealing with complex agricultural issues and scientific concepts regarding select agents and toxins.

Developing and presenting scientific information to government, industry, and the general public.

Writing correspondence, briefings, decision or policy memoranda, standard operating procedures, and reports on technical topics for internal and external review, within program time frames.

Explaining and defending sensitive, controversial, or technical topics to managers, professional groups, government officials, or the general public.

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. 0401 series: Transcripts are required.

See details in the Qualifications section above. If education is required or being used to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts.

An unofficial copy is sufficient if it includes your name and all course information. If selected, official transcripts will be required prior to entering on duty.

Education must have been obtained from an accredited institution.

Education completed in a foreign institution must include an evaluation by an organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs that it was deemed equivalent to an accredited U.S.

education program. For further information, see: Foreign Education Evaluation. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.

0701 series: Proof of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Degree or equivalent is required. See additional requirements for this in the Required Documents section below.

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 may include, but are not limited to:
• Provides subject matter expertise and guidance to evaluate and analyze information relating the possession, use, and transfer of select agents by entities.
• Coordinates and is responsible for managing select agent issues assigned, providing information when requested and serves as the main contact for regulatory and policy changes.
• Represents the Department at national and international gatherings that concern the implementation, adoption, or modification of rules, regulations, policies and procedures regarding select agents.
• Furnishes guidance and expertise to DASAT in developing standards, policies and procedures pertaining to the implementation of the select agent regulations.
• Develops progress reports and keeps the Directors informed of progress or problems that arise.