Entomologist (Identifier)

You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.In this position, you will provide expertise in pest biology, taxonomy, and risk analysis as a recognized specialist and consultant or team member to agency import policy staff, survey design groups, survey personnel, and Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) program managers. You will also review, evaluate, and suggest modifications of inspection or trapping methodologies and approaches as an enhancement to plant pest and plant disease surveillance systems.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:Identifies or verifies identification of plant pests such as insects, some arachnids, and mollusks to genera and species and the family level.Refers some pests to National Identifiers, when virtually no pertinent reference material is available, or the interception is particularly unusual.Monitors samples submitted for identification, pest interception, survey data, and pest detection techniques.Maintains, develops, and supplements information on taxonomy, hosts, distribution, and other related information pertaining to intercepted and/or survey plant pests.Determines options for quarantine actions to be enforced by DHS and PPQ.Consults with and advises the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), State departments of agriculture, and other cooperators on the identity and biology of and procedures for detecting plant pests.Develops or aids in developing training modules and appropriately illustrated identification aids and works with national program staff to deliver training to PPQ, DHS, and State employees.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.A visual test of mycology identification may be part of the interview process for this position.Must be able to perform work while wearing a respirator while overseeing fumigations.Essential functions require the work to be performed in an inspection station or a laboratory setting.There are regular and recurring risks associated with working around and with chemicals.Working overtime may be required and is routinely expected.This position is telework eligible in special, rare circumstances.Must be able to travel on a routine basis and be willing to work at odd times, including overtime, weekends, holidays, and shifts.The work is performed in an inspection station or a laboratory setting.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:

entomology; or a related discipline of the biological or physical sciences that included at least 16 semester hours in entomology.ORCombination of education and experience:

courses equivalent to a major that included coursework as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.In addition to meeting the basic requirement you will also need to meet the following: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:Has performed specialized and difficult taxonomic work based on major subject matter expertise.Identifying or verifying identification of plant pests, such as insects, some arachnids (e.g., mites, ticks, spiders), and mollusks, in immature and adult stages; identifies specimens to genera and species and, where insufficient information is available, to the family level.Maintained, developed, and supplemented information on taxonomy, hosts, distribution, and other related information pertaining to intercepted and/or survey plant pests.Developed and maintained specimen collections of plant pests pertinent to programs and consulting with and advising federal agencies, state departments of agriculture, and other cooperators on the identity and biology of and procedures for detecting plant pests (insects, some arachnids, and mollusks).Developed or aided in developing training modules and identification aids and assisted in delivering training to federal agencies, state departments of agriculture, and other cooperators.OR2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree

or

master's or equivalent graduate degree in entomology or a related discipline.Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.TRANSCRIPTS

are required:This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified.You are qualifying for the position based on education.You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.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. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.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 and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management.You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

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