Summary The selectee works with scientists and technical personnel in APHIS, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), universities, the private sector, and foreign organizations to develop, evaluate, enhance, and maintain the quality of PPQ's exclusion, detection, quarantine, eradication, treatment, inspection, and response programs. Responsibilities 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: Provides scientific leadership in qualitative and quantitative biomolecular data analyses in support of the management of invasive species, including arthropods, diseases and other plant pests. Determines from a scientific standpoint, the likelihood of invasion, establishment, and movement of quarantine-significant exotic pests in the United States. Obtains, validates, and biomolecular analyzes data related to pest identification and diagnostics. Develops methods of detection and inspection including scientific and statistically sound sampling procedures for survey of quarantine-significant pests. Estimates spatially dependent probabilities of presence or absence of pests using multivariate statistical analysis of sampling data and factors associated with infestation. Reviews work plans, research proposals, experimental plans, manuscripts, and proposed PPQ protocols to ensure that procedures are statistically valid and meaningful. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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: 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. In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must meet the following qualification requirement FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Ability to perform in teams or working groups to address scientific topics that have an impact on plant health or agricultural programs. Support the work of researchers in conducting scientific investigations related to biological systems. Designed and conducted scientific studies in plant protection, biological control, plant pest diagnostics/identification, survey, eradication, exclusion, molecular biology, omics or related areas. Interpreted, evaluated, or analyzed scientific publications, reports, datasets, or similar information related to the plant sciences, which may include a wide range of disciplines (biology, ecology, microbiology, entomology, molecular genetics/genomics). Communicating scientific information orally and in writing to professional scientific organizations, industry, academia, government agencies, or the public. OR 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for 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 the position based on education. 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. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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. First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected. This position is represented by a collective bargaining unit (union), specifically the National Association of Agricultural Employees. 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. Worksite Information: This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Additional information regarding ad hoc, occasional, or reoccurring telework may be obtained at a later time from the hiring manager or program during the hiring process.