Plant Protection and Quarantine Officer (Pest Identification) or (Canine Handler)
What you'd do
If selected, you will be a primary liaison for the Agency on operational activities, in a specific geographical area, working with state officials, other agencies, industry, colleges and universities and others interested in activities affected by Agency plant quarantine programs.
Major duties
The duties may include, but are not limited to: Plans, coordinates, and conducts all aspects of operational activities including special programs, newly emerging programs or operational functions with cooperators, other government entities, industries, private citizens and other stakeholders. Serves as accredited certifying official regarding export certification. Plans, conducts and/or monitors various treatments and remedial measures such as disinfection, sterilization, fumigation, cold treatment, hot water treatment, irradiation of regulated articles for plant and animal pests and diseases. Performs inspections using various detection tools, regulation and clearance of propagative plant material, plant products and identification at Plant Inspection Stations and/or other facilities Monitors and enforces compliance agreements, conducts inspections for containment facilities, permit conditions, and BRS inspections.re, and proficiency training. Identifies or verifies identification of noxious weeds and plant pests, such a plant pathogens, insects or nematodes, and plant pest hosts. CANINE HANDLER:Utilizing a detector dog in conducting cargo, postal and inter/intra-state inspection of commodities and conveyances and maintaining detailed records of program activities, cost effectiveness, veterinary care, and proficiency training. Other duties, as assigned.
What you need to qualify
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, entomology, 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 demonstrate the below: FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-9 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Independently performing or by utilizing expert canine handing techniques, pre-departure safeguarding activities by inspecting passengers and cargo to ensure they meet domestic and international plant health requirements. Detecting and identifying pests on plants or other materials and preventing the movement of regulated pests and materials. Using microscopes, digital imaging systems, taxonomic keys, and scientific references to remotely and accurately identify insect, plant, and plant disease specimens to the species level. OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. 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. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-11 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.
Before you apply
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