Plant Protection and Quarantine Officer (Plant Health Safeguarding Specialist)
Hello and thanks for your interest in a career with USDA APHIS PPQ. Please note this is an Outreach Notice to make you aware of a vacancy in Robbinsville, NJ
- This is a term appointment not to exceed 13 months. (Appointment may be extended up to 4 years without reannouncing). For more details click: Term Appointments
This vacancy is open until midnight on April 23th.
Year 1 GS 7: $50,476
Year 2 GS 9: $61,742
Year 3 and beyond GS 11: $74,702 +
Bachelor's Degree Required in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
If selected 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 exclusion, complex treatments, export activities, permitting and compliance, as well as pest detection.
DUTIES
- 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.
I wish you the best in all your career pursuits! Please reach out to me with any recruiting questions.
Best,
Tom Colarusso
Thomas.W.Colarusso@usda.gov
USDA APHIS PPQ
Outreach and Recruitment
Call/ Text: 518-420-9779
Plant Protection Today Newsletter: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/ppq-program-overview/plant-protection-today/plant-protection-today