As the Division Director of the Standardization and Engineering Branch of the Agricultural and Marketing Services, Cotton program you are responsible for the development, improvement, maintenance, preparation and distribution of standards for cotton and related products.
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. 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: Leads a team of technical experts responsible for the USDA on universal cotton standards. Development of written briefing materials and correspondence to explain program issues to Department executives, congressional leaders, and industry representatives. Assessing operational programs and day-to-day commodity testing and evaluation operations and providing recommendations for improvement. Representing the organization to internal partners, external industry contacts, and the general public in order to explain, justify and anticipate potential impacts of policies and decisions. Note: There is no education substitution for this 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.
The duties may include, but are not limited to:
Prepares specifications for cotton classing facilities and leads the design and develops new methods for instrument qualify evaluations.
Serves as the departments principal technical expert at international conferences.
Develops methods for the practical application fo grades and standards.
Conducts demonstrations and other educational activities.
Works with vendors, equipment manufacturers, and other agencies to improve techniques for evaluating quality factors in cotton.
Directs the conduct of laboratory tests and other quality evaluations in connection with the cotton research programs.
Plans and assigns work to be accomplished.
Analyzes training needs and ensures that appropriate formal or on the job training is received.
Initiates actions to hire, promote and reassign personnel.