Agriculturist (Permit Policy Specialist/Quantitative Risk Analyst)
What you'd do
Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), is seeking professionals to support its mission of safeguarding U.S. agricultural and natural resources from economically and environmentally significant plant pests and diseases. Positions may be filled as Quantitative Risk Analyst or Regulatory Permit Analyst, depending on qualification and contribute to national plant health programs through risk analysis, regulatory decision-making, permitting, data analysis, program evaluation, and operational support.
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: Plan, organize, and conduct complex analyses of pathway trends, operational efficiencies, and pest risks associated with the movement of plants, organisms, and commodities. Independently develop, improve, and apply analytical and statistical methods to improve risk characterization and inform science-based management strategies. Review, analyze, and issue authorizations for the importation, interstate movement, and environmental release of regulated articles (e.g., plant pests, biocontrol organisms, Federal Noxious Weeds, and soil). Participate in establishing, interpreting, and carrying out policies and program objectives related to regulated articles. Recommend changes to regulations, quarantines, and procedures based on scientific evaluation and risk assessment. Develop and update technical information, such as manual revisions, circulars, fact sheets, and web based content, and provides clear, science based advice and guidance. Serve as a technical specialist and agency representative at meetings, site visits, and trade shows and other stakeholder engagements.
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: 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. 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: Demonstrated experience of agricultural and biological sciences, or mathematical statistics, or related disciplines (e.g., plant science, entomology, plant pathology) to integrate scientific knowledge into regulatory and compliance programs. Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying federal regulations, guidelines, and scientific literature to regulatory decisions, risk assessments, and program development. Demonstrated experience with qualitative and quantitative methods, including statistical analysis, risk assessment methodologies, or geographic information systems (GIS). Originate new methodologies and solve novel scientific problems. Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, including preparing scientific reports, delivering technical presentations, and explaining regulatory decisions to general audiences. Demonstrated professional knowledge of mathematical statistics including application of advanced statistical modeling, quantitative risk assessment, and development of new analytical methods. 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.
Before you apply
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