Agriculturist (AQI Database Program Support)

Summary

You will support database development, analysis, training, deployment, and integration for existing and new Agriculture Quarantine Inspection (AQI) databases associated with inspection and clearance activities at U.S. ports of entry.

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:
• Participates with program managers in the planning, development, and implementation of AQI databases designed to meet the needs of the Agency’s plant health programs.
• Provides technical assistance, support, and guidance to PPQ employees, stakeholders, and other interested groups on phytosanitary requirements on items regulated for agricultural interest.
• Contributes to the training and deployment of agricultural databases for the purpose of improving data quality and integrity.
• Supports change management initiatives associated with existing and new AQI databases.
• Prepares periodic reports for and maintains effective communications with team members, the supervisor, and managers regarding information on the status of task/project/program assignments.
• Performs tasks relative to data analysis to support and enhance the functionality of AQI databases.

Qualifications

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, 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 coursework. In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must meet the following qualification requirement: 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: Designing, testing, and deploying enhancements to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and International Trade Data systems to fulfill the requirements of the APHIS Core Message Set. Utilizing Microsoft Access and Microsoft Excel (including their calculation functions), as well as basic structured query language (SQL) queries, to analyze and validate APHIS data. Creating reports and dashboards using MS Access, MS Excel, Tableau, Power BI, Cognos, SQL, and other analytical tools to support the operational and analytical needs of APHIS programs. Resolving technical access issues related to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) systems by collaborating with APHIS and CBP network personnel to ensure seamless connectivity and efficient troubleshooting. Conducting communications, outreach, and administrative tasks to support projects and programs, improve service quality, and foster engagement with both internal and external stakeholders in relation to the APHIS Core Message Set. Note: There is no education substitution for specialized experience at 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 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. 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.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information. How You Will Be Evaluated

Your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet minimum qualification requirements. Your resume must address experience and education relevant to this position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualification will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration.Note: If after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, you may be found ineligible. Please follow all instructions carefully. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service. To preview the application questionnaire, please visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13064171 Other Information

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Reemployment Priority List (RPL). Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP or RPL, eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. Locality pay will vary based upon the selectee's duty location. A final salary determination will be made upon selection. Promotion Potential: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. If selected for this position, you will remain in your current official duty station of record unless you are in the National Capital Region. Selectees with a current duty station in the National Capital Region defined as the District of Columbia; Montgomery and Prince George's Counties of Maryland; Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties of Virginia and all cities and towns included within the outer boundaries of those counties will need a new duty station established prior to entrance on duty. Selectees located anywhere else will not be able to voluntarily change their duty station as part of this selection process.