Supervisory Agriculturist (Lab Director)

Directs S&T Miami laboratory located in Miami, Florida. This facility is a medium sized laboratory charged with advancing the safeguarding mission of APHIS, PPQ and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as well as supporting trade and AQI regulatory decision-making and operations by adapting and developing treatments, inspection technology, and survey methods. Primary activities of the laboratory are performed in the context of complex, multi-phased projects extending months/years.

The duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Oversees the full scope of the primary proposed activities of the ST Treatment and Inspection Methods Laboratory, which includes methods development/applied research; technology transfer; development of scientific expertise.
• Evaluates laboratory resource needs, submits formal budget and staffing proposals to the ST Associate Deputy Administrator and is accountable for properly administering budget allocations.
• Manages the formal structure of the laboratory, with authority to design new and restructure existing positions.
• Assesses and optimizes laboratory work-processes and participates in initiatives to improve administrative processes of the organization.
• Designates project leaders and applies the organization's system of assigning work to staff.
• Provides linkage among the research community and implementation institutions to promote the use of pest management technologies.
• Responsible for the formulation and achievement of short- and long-range goals concerning laboratory operations with particular focus on maximizing the quality of research efforts.
• Develops supplemental measurements systems and ensures that project managers develop and effectively utilize measurement tools tailored to individual projects.

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a US Citizen or US National

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 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:

• Knowledge and understanding of concepts, principles, practices, standards, and methods of science related to plant health or agriculture.
• Experience coordinating and managing program activities leading to new methods, protocols, or practices used for plant pest rearing, detection, diagnosis, control, management, exclusion, or eradication.
• Experience managing staff in developing, monitoring, and executing projects.
• Experience communicating technical or scientific information orally and in writing to industry representatives, other state/federal government agencies and cooperators.

Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.

FOR THE GS-14 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-13 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:

• Experience in applying advanced theories, concepts, principles, practices, standards, and methods of science related to plant health or agriculture.
• Experience providing leadership, coordination, and direction, including strategic and operational planning, for a scientific or agricultural program.
• Experience directing, overseeing and evaluating the day-to-day activities of scientific and technical staff from diverse disciplines.
• Experience communicating technical and scientific information effectively and tactfully, orally and in writing, using a diversity of strategies, tactics and means, to a diverse audience, including senior level managers, policy and operational decision-makers, federal and industry partners, stakeholders, and/or customers regarding scientific issues.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

This is a Direct-Hire Authority position, all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, to include any specialized experience and/or selective placement factor(s), if applicable, will be referred to the selecting official. Before a certificate is issued to the selecting official, your application is reviewed to ensure that you meet all the qualification requirements. A rating will not be used; veteran's preference does not apply due to the existence of the Direct Hire authority for this position.

Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may be found ineligible. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.

To preview the application questionnaire, please visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12386440