Supervisory Agriculturalist (State Plant Health Director)

Full Job Description

If selected for this position, you will be responsible for APHIS scientific and administrative plant regulatory activities within the state, to include: pest and disease risk analysis; exclusion and prevention effective export certification program for plant products and animal by-products, design and implementation of survey programs, eradication of pest or disease outbreaks; and conducting regulatory programs for domestic pests.

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 in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

OR Combination of Education and Experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Planning and coordinating, and conducting all aspects of operational activities, including special programs, newly emerging programs or operational functions with subordinates, cooperators, industry and other government entities.

Analyzing data and developing recommendations regarding solutions to technical problems. Managing the work of subordinates, developing and monitoring short and long-range work plans.

Planning and managing the technical approach for inspections, treatments, survey/eradication programs, and quarantine applications.

Initiating and modifying techniques and procedures to meet changing program requirements.

Evaluating and reviewing the work of subordinates to meet program requirements through direct observation, report review, periodic spot-checks of work in progress and following up on problematic situations as they arise.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying 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 COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-12 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:
• Oversees the identification of plant pest pathways through analysis and utilization of risk data.
• Contribute to effective outreach programs to importers, travelers and industry on importation requirements.
• Directs/administers federal export certification program for plants, plant products, and animal by-products within the state.
• Cooperates with State Plant Regulatory Officials (SPRO) to develop and document state emergency management plans.
• Determines strategies to control or manage invasive species based on risk and data analysis, chemical or biological control, and availability of funding.
• Manages all administrative and programmatic activities while complying with appropriate Federal and state regulations and guidelines.