Agriculturist - State Operations Coordinator

The State Operations Coordinator shares the responsibility for formulating, organizing, distributing, and responding to information reports or requests relating to the overall management of the state(s) or the operation of major plant programs to protect the health, welfare, and agricultural economy of the United States.

The duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Implements safeguarding risk management measures to mitigate identified pest associated with imported commodities.
• Assists management with identifying and organizing training as necessary for Smuggling Interdiction and Trade Compliance and Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) personnel at Ports of Entry.
• Contributes to effective communication to stakeholders on importation requirements to facilitate trade and prevent introduction of plant pests of regulatory significance.
• Helps provide oversight for domestic programs within state(s) of coverage, reviewing program activities to ensure alignment with PPQ priorities, resource utilization, and identifying deficiencies.
• Utilizes pest risk data and information provided from PPQ pest risk analysts to develop and implement timely detection surveys with PPQ management and personnel.
• Assists with the identification of plant pest pathways through analysis and utilization of risk data and assists with developing pest detection activities targeting the identified pathways.
• Evaluates existing as well as new work plans for export of plants, flowers, and commodities to facilitate trade.
• Assists the SPHD to coordinate, manage, and oversee emergency response using Incident Command System (ICS) protocols and procedures and may serve as Incident Commander for pest programs in the states.

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.

Qualifications

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: Degree in 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.


FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:

• Interpreting plant pest and quarantine regulations and policies in order to provide guidance to colleagues and customers.
• Working with personnel from other Federal and State agencies to implement plant pest regulations.
• Conducting annual and ongoing planning of operations, including developing of appropriate budgets, forecasting future expenses, and remaining current with status of funds.
• Preparing and presenting to leadership about emerging issues or potential complications in implementation of program policy and operations.
• Following established protocols for implementation of pest activities related to survey, demolition, and/or eradication.

Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.