Supervisory PPQ Officer (Supervisory Canine Handler)
What you'd do
You will serve as a Supervisory PPQ Officer (Supervisory Canine Handler) incumbent performing a variety of specialized duties that provide a comprehensive approach to bio-security minimizing the risk of biological and economic damage caused by exotic, non-native plant and animal organisms to agriculture, natural resources and U.S. trade initiatives involving overall plant health activities by completing important tasks, both individually and through the work of a staff of Canine Handlers.
Major duties
The duties may include, but are not limited to: Utilizes a detector dog in conducting inspections of commodities and conveyances in traditional and non-traditional settings and environments. Applies traditional and non-traditional canine training theory and practices to establish or modify canine behaviors to meet challenging operational environments where no precedent exists. Manages canine program development in programs such as post-entry quarantine, predeparture quarantine, gypsy moth, biological control, grasshopper/Mormon cricket and other pests. Oversees, plans, coordinates, and/or conducts all aspects of canine operational activities including special programs, newly emerging programs or operational functions with cooperators. Tracks the progress of the programs for which the incumbent is responsible in the specific geographical area in order to provide technical assistance in program operations. Provides technical advice which affects the international, interstate, and intrastate movement of crops, agricultural products, equipment, and packing material.
What you need to qualify
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 demonstrate the below: 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: Utilizing and training working dogs on one or more target odors. Demonstrates advanced knowledge of the principles and theory of detector dog training in an independent professional setting, through on-the-job training, or training from an official training instructor. Possession of advanced knowledge of canine healthcare through the tracking, organization, and maintenance of canine health records, canine husbandry, and establishing and maintaining a strong working relationship with veterinarians Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: 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.
Before you apply
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