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Messiah College

Plant Protection and Quarantine Officer

Messiah College, El Segundo, California, United States, 90245


Plant Protection and Quarantine Officer (Plant Health Safeguarding Specialist)This job will close when we have received

40 applications

which may be sooner than the closing date.As a PPQ Officer (Plant Health Safeguarding Specialist), you will serve in a vital role to safeguard U.S. agriculture and natural resources in coordination with state officials, other agencies, industry, and colleges, as a federal liaison for plant quarantine programs. The primary work includes import exclusion, complex treatments, export activities, permitting and compliance, as well as pest detection.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:Duties are performed at Plant Inspection Stations, International Ports of Entry, and other geographical areas within the United States.Provide specialized inspection, regulation and clearance of propagative plant material, plant products and pest diagnostic identification services at plant inspection stations and other facilities.Interpret and enforce Federal and State domestic quarantines and regulatory orders restricting the inter/intra-state movement of plants, plant products, animal byproduct and other materials.Plan, conduct, and/or supervise various treatments such as disinfection, sterilization, fumigation, cold treatment, hot water treatment, irradiation for plant and animal pests and diseases.Manage multiple program areas such as: post entry quarantine, biological control, gypsy moth, grasshopper/cricket, noxious weeds, boll weevil, or other pests.Review permits, conduct inspections, prepare and execute compliance agreements, enforce policies regarding quarantine, and identify inspection sites.Serve as accredited certifying officials regarding export certification for trade facilitation.Track the progress and submit reports regarding program operations in specific geographical area assigned.Conditions of EmploymentYou must be a US Citizen or US National.Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.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.Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.All USDA employees are required to be enrolled in Continuous Vetting.The incumbent will be required to travel to remote locations at various facilities and may be required to spend extended periods of time at these locations, usually not more than 30 days.The incumbent may be required to maintain certification for the wearing of personal protective equipment.The incumbent must also be able to travel on a routine basis and be willing to work at odd times, including overtime, weekends, holidays, and shifts.QualificationsApplicants 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 (24 semester hours/36 quarter hours), as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL:

Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:Experience planning, coordinating, and conducting plant pest surveys and anticipating and providing solutions for problems in program areas.Experience planning and conducting various treatments and remedial measures for plant pests and disease.Experience training and/or oversight of lower graded employee in surveys; control measures; biocontrol and biotechnology activities for export of regulated agricultural commodities.OR

2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-09 GRADE LEVEL:

Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements.EducationPlease see above for education qualification requirement information.Additional informationCareer Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the

OPM

website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible.First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected.This position is represented by a collective bargaining unit (union).Promotion Potential: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan.Worksite Information:

This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position.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 will be referred to the selecting official.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.

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