Supervisory Agriculturist (Operations Director)
What you'd do
If selected, you will serve as supervisor of National Operations Managers, Program or Smuggling Interdiction and Trade Compliance Analysts, Quantitative Analysts, Data Managers, Data Stewards, Commodity Specialists, or Veterinary Medical Officers. The purpose of the position is to provide scientific leadership and program management expertise on issues of major importance to nation-wide Plant Protection and Quarantine programs in support of PPQ hubs among the 48 continental United States.
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: Supervises a staff that performs in-depth analysis of program management issues of central importance to the APHIS mission of protecting and serving U.S. agriculture. Assists in developing, directing, and monitoring field operations and cooperative programs to effect pest exclusion, export and trade programs, pest detection/mitigation and other program activities. Cooperates with state and other officials in enforcing Federal and State quarantines regulating the movement of crops, products, equipment, and other materials. Shares responsibility for providing administrative and technical direction for conducting the plant protection and agricultural quarantine programs within Field Operations. Assures activities of the program are coordinated with related federal and state programs. Serves as a focal point within field operations for interpretation of statutory, administrative, and policy matters affecting program operations. Supervises teams of plant health and quarantine experts in major long-term field projects to study or respond to new and emerging plant health risks. Implements new plant protection and health technology and approaches. Maintains surveillance of quarantine activities to assess effectiveness. 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 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, 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-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Providing leadership, coordination, and direction to a USDA program. Possessing comprehensive knowledge of USDA management and administrative policies, procedures, and regulations, as well as political climate, to meet program objectives and to effectively compete for resources. Serving in a leadership role implementing new policies and programs within USDA, particularly with respect to new plant protection and health technology and approaches. Preparing reports which identify problems, clearly state recommendations and/or implementing strategies dealing with Agricultural Quarantine Inspections and imports of agricultural items into the United States. Providing support to a Field Operations Management Team to ensure Field Operations' priorities are completed and supported. 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. 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
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
Don't miss the next one.
Get an email the moment a similar federal job opens — postings can close in as little as 5 days.