Plant Protection and Quarantine Officer

Plant Protection and Quarantine Officer (Plant Health Safeguarding Specialist)

If you want to know about the requirements for this role, read on for all the relevant information.

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 Employment

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 : 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 :

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.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Additional information

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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