This position serves as the Science Advisor for the Veterinary Services, Diagnostics & Biologics Associate Deputy Administrator's Office by providing organizational and scientific leadership in planning, organizing, and evaluating broad diagnostics and biologics programs, particularly involving tools and systems for the prevention, detection, treatment, and control of diseases which threaten the nation's livestock resources.
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: Biologist (0401): 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. 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. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Veterinary Medical Officer (0701): All applicants to 0701 series must meet the Basic Requirement outlined in the Education section below. FOR THE 0401 AND 0701 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: Monitoring scientific and technological methods, results, and information in literature to identify emerging or reemerging scientific issues of significance for diagnostics and/or biologics. Serving as a scientific representative with public and private research entities, diagnostic, and/or biologics groups to ensure mutual exchange of information concerning diseases and countermeasure capabilities. Preparing written documents, such as scientific reports, briefing documents, and recommendations for new technology applications addressing animal health issues. Providing oral presentations on technical topics to scientific audiences as well as technical information translated to the appropriate level of the audience. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: 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. 0401 Series Transcripts are required. You must provide documentation outlined in the Required Documents section of this job announcement. 0701 Series Transcripts are required. You must provide documentation outlined in the Education section of this job announcement. 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.
The duties may include, but are not limited to:
Provides input into the development, standardization, and evaluation of new and improved procedures, techniques, and reagents used in the diagnosis of animal disease.
Oversees the preparation and approval of administrative reports, briefings, position papers, and other written materials related to program scientific matters.
Develops relationships with officials, diagnostic labs, biologics manufacturers, veterinary practitioners, universities, and others concerned with the administration of animal health programs.
Engages in a variety of initiatives to enhance the distribution and presentation of technical information and professional advice concerning animal agriculture and health issues.
Reviews and evaluates the effectiveness of program operations and accomplishments, initiating necessary modifications.
Collaborates with leadership to recommend funding and budget plans, develop operating plans and emergency response strategies, and collect/provide information to integrate programs within programs.
Collaborates and coordinates with directors to ensure consistency of program operations and continuity of issues across program units.
Participates in development and maintenance of national foreign animal disease prevention, detection, and response system for establishing methods, strategies, logistics, controls, and resource needs.
Directs the initiation, including conceptualization, needs assessment, and planning; funding; monitoring from a scientific perspective; and performance and evaluation of pilot programs and projects.