Agriculturist

Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to:
Implements safeguarding risk management measures to mitigate identified pest associated with imported commodities.
Assists management with identifying and organizing training as necessary for Smuggling Interdiction and Trade Compliance and Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) personnel at Ports of Entry.
Contributes to effective communication to stakeholders on importation requirements to facilitate trade and prevent introduction of plant pests of regulatory significance.
Helps provide oversight for domestic programs within state(s) of coverage, reviewing program activities to ensure alignment with PPQ priorities, resource utilization, and identifying deficiencies.
Utilizes pest risk data and information provided from PPQ pest risk analysts to develop and implement timely detection surveys with PPQ management and personnel.
Assists with the identification of plant pest pathways through analysis and utilization of risk data and assists with developing pest detection activities targeting the identified pathways.
Evaluates existing as well as new work plans for export of plants, flowers, and commodities to facilitate trade.
Assists the SPHD to coordinate, manage, and oversee emergency response using Incident Command System (ICS) protocols and procedures and may serve as Incident Commander for pest programs in the state(s

Requirements

Conditions of employment
You must be a US Citizen or US National.
Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served. Refer to the Next Steps section for more information.
Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
Valid state driver’s license is required at the time of application.
All USDA employees are required to be enrolled in Continuous Vetting, which authorizes government agencies to receive notifications of criminal activity on individuals who hold low risk, public trust, or national security positions.
Travel occurs on a routine basis and a visit to remote locations or isolated rural areas is required.
Occasional field survey/investigations or collection trips require walking, bending, crouching, and climbing for prolonged periods in rough terrain subject to a variety of weather conditions.
Must obtain and maintain valid pesticide certification.
May be required to perform work while wearing a respirator to oversee fumigations, may be required to maintain certification to wear a respirator such as Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

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 in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.