This position is located in the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, Strategy and Policy, Regionalization Evaluation Services. The incumbent serves as Assistant Director for animal disease status and regionalization activities related to 1) requests from foreign Governments to export animals and animal products to the United States and 2) the export of animals and animal products from all areas of the United States that are unaffected by specific diseases.
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: Microbiologist (0403) Degree: microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent. OR Combination of education and experience: of post high school education with courses equivalent to a major in microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown above, 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 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: Supervising subject matter experts assigning and reviewing the work of others to ensure compliance with quality standards and timelines. Developing performance metrics to evaluate direct reports and reward good performance while identifying training needs to help poor performers. Evaluating the animal health status of foreign regions to establish eligibility for trade. Conducting inspections of varied types of locations and facilities in countries where imported products originate to identify conditions and practices pertaining to risk assessment evaluations. Writing briefing and decision papers to inform senior leaders of program objectives and issues that could impact international trade. Supporting the Director in management of the Unit. 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 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:
Responsible for evaluating comprehensive risk analyses that inform regulatory decision-making and assists in the development of policies, priorities, and procedures concerning the importation and exportation of animals and animal-derived commodities.
Plays a major leadership role in managing and resolving trade issues associated with the importation and exportation of animals and animal products.
Evaluates and analyzes information relating to the animal disease status of exporting regions/countries to determine the risk of introducing animal diseases into the United States by way of animals and animal products imported from those regions.
Evaluating risk analyses and other documents written by staff officers,and recommends and/or establishes restrictions, certification requirements, diagnostic test procedures, and other risk-mitigating measures necessary to reduce the risk of disease.
Confirms the coordination of site visits to verify information provided by exporting regions and that obtaining additional data is done appropriately and may participate, as needed.
Serves as the main point of contact, along with the lead staff officer, for regulatory changes resulting from the analysis of regionalization requests.
Develops objectives, measurement criteria, and data requirements for evaluating the animal health status of exporting regions and/or the risk of importing specific commodities from those regions.
Provides authoritative scientific expertise in domestic regionalization activities to delineate areas affected by specific diseases and to facilitate the export of animals and animal products from areas that are free of such diseases.
Evaluates responses to questionnaires and inquiries from foreign Governments regarding specific animal diseases.
Evaluates reports on the occurrence of livestock diseases in the United States and reviews technical information packages on U.S. infrastructure and livestock diseases to provide to trading partners.
Develops objectives, measurement criteria, and data requirements related to specific animal diseases and trade restrictions.
Evaluates information identified by staff officers regarding epidemiologic, environmental, ecologic, geographic, and other factors associated with the animal health status of regions.
Defines data needs and identifies information sources both within and outside of APHIS. Gathers, evaluates, and analyzes data relating to specific diseases and defines their geographic distribution within the United States.
Coordinates and is responsible for managing animal health regionalization issues assigned, providing information, when requested, and serving as the main contact for regulatory changes resulting from analysis of regionalization requests
Serves as a consultant to industry and government officials at various levels on the regulatory process, program policies, and risk analysis methodology associated with regionalization for animal diseases.
Provides subject matter opinions and guidance in unusual situations encountered by APHIS field operational staff engaged in import and/or export program activities.
The incumbent performs other duties as assigned by the Director. Supports the Director and provides subject matter expertise in areas of concern to the unit.
Attends meetings and participates in calls as a Regionalization subject matter expert and for other topics, as appropriate.
Supervises unit personnel, as assigned. Supports leadership of the unit by acting as Director, as needed.