Agriculturist (New World Screwworm Program Manager)

Summary This Veterinary Services (VS) position is responsible for providing leadership to agency, interagency, and international coordination in support of New World Screwworm (NWS) eradication in Mexico and Central America. This is a key senior position that participates in the efforts to protect U.S. livestock from this devastating pest as well as other animal health emergencies as appropriate. Responsibilities The duties may include, but are not limited to: Leads VS’ NWS strategy and coordination efforts to ensure that the NWS sterile-insect technology (SIT) program and related operational activities align with animal health and trade policy. Develops NWS policy and makes policy recommendations to the VS Deputy Administrator and Office of the Administrator in order to advance NWS eradication objectives. Partners with APHIS senior leaders to achieve buy in and address potential challenges that could affect the success of the NWS program. Performs in-depth analysis of NWS operational activities to support policy development and implements approved policies and strategies to advance the NWS program. Oversees the development, implementation, and maintenance of budgets, operational plans, strategic plans, action plans, regulations, and guidelines for the NWS program. Develops and maintains relationships with international counterparts in Mexico and Central America to advance NWS eradication and maximize the availability of limited resources. Ensures effective coordination with the Panama-United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm (COPEG) to manage and distribute sterile flies at the edge of the outbreak. Provides leadership in developing and monitoring Mexican and Central American screwworm surveillance and livestock movement controls. 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: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution with a major 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 course work. The quality of the combination must demonstrate that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work of the position and is comparable to that normally acquired through the completion of a full four-year course of study with a major as described above. FOR THE 0401 SERIES GS-15 LEVEL: In addition to the Basic Requirements, 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: Influencing/negotiating the coordination of animal health goals, objectives, and resource allocations with foreign counterparts including Mexico or Central America. Providing expertise in strategic planning and executing long-range national and international pest management programs, specifically New World Screwworm (NWS). Convincingly and professionally presenting NWS results, long- and short-range plans, and solutions to problems of a unique or novel nature in the form of written reports and oral presentations. 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. 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. This is a term appointment not to exceed 13 months. (Appointment may be extended up to 2 years without reannouncing). For more details click: Term Appointments This position involves Mobile Work: Mobile work is characterized by routine and regular travel to conduct work in customer or other worksites as opposed to a single authorized alternative worksite. Examples of mobile work include site audits, site inspections, investigations, property management, and work performed while commuting, traveling between worksites, or on Temporary Duty (TDY).