Veterinary Medical Officer (Import/Export)

Full Job Description

As a nationally recognized technical authority in this position you will develop, implement, monitor, and communicate national level Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) policies, programs, and regulations concerning the importation and exportation of animals, poultry, germplasm, animal products, biologics, and the development of international animal health standards for the safe trade in animals and animal 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.

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: Demonstrates knowledge of veterinary sciences dealing with complex biological systems to advise senior level officials.

Works with industries affected by Veterinary Services (VS), including livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and biologic industries.

Develops science policies for domestic or international animal health policy refinement of major aspects of APHIS veterinary and scientific programs.

Administers a regulatory program to prevent the introduction and/or spread of animal diseases through trade. 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.

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:
• Determines the need for and develops national laws, regulations, and policies related to importation or exportation of livestock and other regulated commodities.
• Administers programs by setting performance standards, managing budgets, and representing policies in executive and Congressional forums.
• Investigates and evaluates disease risk factors that relate to diseases or potential incidence of diseases that are endemic or pose widespread threats to the livestock industry or human health.
• Assesses the impact of risk factors on broad Veterinary Services (VS) programs and on procedures for importing, exporting, and/or handling animals or products.
• Identify and assess potential foreign disease outbreaks; collaborates with senior scientific staff to develop solutions and emergency response plans.
• Provides authoritative scientific leadership in developing national import and/or export regulations, standards, and operating procedures.
• Plans, manages, and leads inspections and field reviews related to import and/or export program operations within the assigned area of specialization.
• Explains or defends action decisions relating to problem situations or controversial determinations, and responds to routine inquiries requiring medical or scientific judgment.
• Makes precedent determinations, establishes their future applicability, and secures secondary approvals as necessary.