Supervisory Plant Protection and Quarantine Officer

Full Job Description

As a Supervisory Plant Protection and Quarantine Officer, you serve in a vital role protecting the health, welfare and agricultural economy of the United States of America and to facilitate agricultural exports.

You will supervise a staff of professional employees (e.g., Officers), administrative and a substantial, fluctuating work force of permanent and temporary technical/aid level employees in the Agricultural Quarantine Inspection (AQI) and Domestic programs.

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.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must meet the following qualification requirement: 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, 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 for a plant pest and disease program.

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 for a plant pest and disease program.

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.

Note: There is no education substitution for specialized experience at 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 may include, but are not limited to:
• Implements regulatory, treatment, and/or inspection programs in order to facilitate exports of agricultural products.
• Plans and manages the technical approach for inspections, treatments, survey/eradication programs, and quarantine applications.
• Plans and organizes the work and training of subordinate employees; administers overtime; approves leave of subordinate employees.
• Prepares annual budget within given allocations ensuring supplies, equipment, and facilities are sufficient for program needs.
• Evaluates and reviews the work of the subordinates and formulates work accomplishment reports.
• Determines when additional staffing is required; initiates recruitment requests, conducts interviews, and makes selections.
• Conducts program assessments and develops long-range work plans at local levels.