USDA Foreign Program Specialist Apply by 3/18

Agriculturist, Foreign Program Specialist, assigned to the Preclearance and Offshore Program (POP), detect and mitigate the risk of invasive pests or diseases associated with foreign based preclearance program commodities (fruits, vegetables, and plant material) to facilitate safe trade and result in an expedited clearance upon arrival at the U.S. ports of entry.

7 vacancies in Riverdale, MD. Must apply by March 18 by 11:59pm. Apply via USAjobs https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/526967600

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:
• When assigned to temporary duty foreign locations, conducts commodity inspections, monitors and evaluates treatments, and certifies consignments of agricultural commodities for shipment to the U.S.
• Interprets risk factors, derives action plans to mitigate pest risk, and assists in developing new policy on existing and emerging preclearance programs.
• Collects, analyzes, and interprets program data and associated information to recommend operational changes to a preclearance program.
• Represents the Agency in international meetings with foreign National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) officials and managers in technical and operational program components.
• Plans and oversees the work of foreign employees, host country plant quarantine inspectors, and/or cooperator personnel assigned to the preclearance program.
• Contributes to the development of standard operating procedures, operational work plans, and job aids pertaining to inspection, sampling, phytosanitary equipment, phytosanitary treatments, and system.
• Serves on teams of plant health and quarantine experts that study and/or respond to new, emerging, and established plant health threats and assess the cost and effectiveness of programs.

Travel Required
75% or less - Extensive travel to large foreign cities and remote locations at various facilities for up to 150-180 days.

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a US Citizen or US National
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check
• 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 E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Successful completion of one-year trial period.
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• Must maintain an official passport.
• Must retain an appropriate State Department-issued medical clearance
• Temporary foreign duty stations may require supplemental certification.
• 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: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in #1 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.