Supervisory Agriculturist

Summary If selected, you will responsible for leading NWS operations at the agency, interagency, and international coordination level in support of New World Screwworm (NWS) eradication in Mexico and Central America. Responsibilities The duties may include, but are not limited to: Develops New World Screwworm operational policy and makes policy recommendations to agency leadership Develops NWS operational policy and makes policy recommendations to the Deputy Director and the NWS APHIS Associate Administrator Leads a team that performs in-depth analysis of NWS operational activities to support policy development and implements approved policies and strategies to advance the NWS program Provides leadership in establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with other USDA and Federal Agencies Develops and maintains relationships with international counterparts in Mexico and Central America to advance NWS eradication and maximize the availability of limited resources Applies animal health expertise to ensure that NWS policies are scientifically sound and effective in protecting the U.S. livestock industry, and other animal industries Fully responsible for planning and directing NWS operational program activities Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications 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: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. FOR THE GS-15 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-14 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Overseeing agricultural emergency operations and developing strategic operations plans that integrate scientific, diplomatic, logistical, and policy considerations Apply geospatial information systems, quantitative analysis, and operational planning principles to direct resources, evaluate risk, optimize mission execution, and support strategic decision-making across complex operations. Provide leadership through policy development, strategic planning, resource prioritization, and preparation of high-level briefings, decision papers, and recommendations for senior government officials. Apply knowledge of animal or plant health principles, such as epidemiology, sterile insect technology, surveillance, and emergency management to protect US agriculture in support of pest and disease eradication programs. Build collaborative partnerships and leading multidisciplinary teams by communicating effectively, influencing diverse stakeholders, negotiating complex issues, resolving conflict, mentoring employees, and fostering and inclusive, high performing organizational culture Foster high-level stakeholder engagement by developing and sustaining partnerships with diverse organizations such as Federal agencies, foreign governments, industry leaders, and international organizations; communicating complex technical and operational issues to diverse audiences; building consensus; resolving sensitive concerns; and advancing organizational objectives through effective collaboration and diplomacy 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. Education Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP 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/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Employees: Permanent County employees without prior Federal tenure who are selected for a Civil Service position under Public Law 105-277 will be given a career-conditional appointment and must serve a 1-year probationary period. 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. This is a temporary promotion not to exceed 1 year, but may be extended up to 5. The selectee will return to their former position of record or like position (same, grade, full performance level and location), after completion of the temporary appointment. This temporary promotion may be made permanent without further competition. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.