Supervisory Agriculturist (State Plant Health Director)

Full Job Description

This position is accountable for APHIS scientific and administrative plant regulatory activities within Hawaii, Guam, and American Samoa.

Incumbent will have responsibility for directing the state activities and setting priorities that balance consideration of public and industry demands against those of economics, efficiencies, and available resources.

This role will also serve as the primary point of contact for plant health protection and emergency management and response in the state.

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, 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.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must meet the following qualification requirement: 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: Assessing the severity and scope of an agricultural pest outbreak and determine response strategy.

Safeguarding the health of agricultural plants and ecosystems by preventing, detecting, and responding to threats of agro-terrorism.

Experience in consultations and negotiations with union officials, to ensure all parties abide by the agreements contained in the contracts.

Negotiates and coordinates resolution/handling of critical programs with nonfederal government officials i.e., emergency programs dealing with significant threats to American agriculture production.

Responsibility overseeing pre-departure programs. 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. 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 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 effective permit and compliance program to mitigate risk at high-risk containment facilities, soil laboratories, and plant pest permittee establishments.
• Directs/administers federal export certification program for plants, plant products, and animal by-products within the state.
• Works cooperatively with State Plant Regulatory Officials (SPRO) to develop and document state emergency management plans.
• Develops performance standards and conducts performance reviews or evaluation of work for subordinates.
• Conducts annual and ongoing planning of operations, including forecasting future expenses.
• Manages invasive species which are covered under APHIS regulation or through Congressional direction.
• Responsible for administrative and program activities complying with Federal and State regulations and guidelines.
• Manages all facets of the personnel, finance and property management for Hawaii and Guam.
• Responsible for overseeing the identification of plant pest pathways through analysis and utilization of risk data.