What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director Field Operations position at USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)?
Find Your Future With Us at USDA – Animal Plant Health Inspection Service
Job Summary
This position is designated as SES, Career-Reserved. USDA structures its SES positions into position levels. This is a position level II with a salary range of $204,122 - $216,010 per year. Exceptions to the salary cap may be considered in certain circumstances. SES employees are also eligible to receive bonuses and performance-based awards. Visit http://www.opm.gov/ses/ for additional information and benefits for SES employees.
Qualifications
The application process used to recruit for this position is RESUME-ONLY. DO NOT submit separate Executive Core Qualifications/Technical Qualifications in lieu of a resume. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES using 0.8-inch margins and 11-point font. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs). EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): The ECQs were designed to assess executive experience and potential, not technical expertise. They measure whether an individual has the broad executive skills needed to succeed in a variety of SES positions. All applicants must address the ECQs. Your resume must address each ECQ and should describe your experiences and accomplishments/results. Your resume should be clear, concise, and emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope and complexity of programs managed, program accomplishments, policy initiatives undertaken and the results of your actions. NOTE: Current career SES members, former career SES members with reinstatement eligibility, and SES Candidate Development Program graduates who have been certified by OPM do NOT need to address the ECQs. 1. Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. (Competencies: Knowledge of the American System of Government, Commitment to the Rule of Law, Civic-Mindedness) 2. Driving Efficiency: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and sufficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. (Competencies: Fiscal Responsibility, Managing Resources, Leveraging Technology) 3. Merit and Competence: This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. (Competencies: Technical Skills, Problem Solving, Agility and Resilience) 4. Leading People: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. (Competencies: Accountability, Developing Others, Executive Judgement) 5. Achieving Results: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. (Competencies: Operation Mindset, Innovation, Strategic Thinking) For more information regarding the SES and ECQs, please visit SES Executive Core Qualifications. TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION (TQ): In addition to the ECQs, applicants must clearly demonstrate in their resume that they meet the following technical qualification(s). Describe your leadership experience delivering Veterinary Services (VS) within field operations, including planning, regulatory oversight, and implementation of VS surveillance, preparedness, trade, and response activities that safeguard U.S. animal health. In your response, also highlight any relevant experience with live animal or animal product exports, as well as experience facilitating the international movement of animals into and out of the United States.
Major Duties
Provides executive leadership for Field Operations (FiOps), advising the Associate Deputy Administrator on national policies, program operations, and strategic priorities supporting APHIS and USDA missions.Reviews and evaluates FiOps program effectiveness, initiating operational improvements and coordinating changes with stakeholders to achieve national animal health goals.Assists in leading Veterinary Services activities across surveillance, preparedness, trade, and response programs, ensuring consistent implementation of comprehensive animal health strategies nationwide.Recommends budgetary, technological, and operational resources needed to effectively execute APHIS animal health programs and align VS budgets with strategic priorities.Develops and maintains collaborative partnerships with Federal, State, and private organizations to support coordinated plans, animal health procedures, and emergency response activities.Oversees national surveillance, preparedness, and incident-response activities related to animal, public, and zoonotic health, including coordination on biosecurity, select agents, and major disease outbreaks.Serves as a member of the VS Executive Team, contributing expert analysis and policy recommendations on the direction, scope, and implementation of VS programs and initiatives.Supervises and directs major FiOps program units—including Veterinary Export Trade Services and Port Services—ensuring effective operations, resource management, and achievement of program objectives.
Position Start Date:
09/10/2026
Position Close Date:
10/09/2026
Salary Offered: 204122 - 216010 USD Per Year
The Senior Executive Service (SES) is comprised of the men and women charged with leading the continuing transformation of the government. These leaders possess well-honed executive skills and share a broad perspective of government and a public service commitment which is grounded in the Constitution. If you would like to work for a premier agency focused on enhancing the quality of life for the American people by supporting production of agriculture; ensuring safe, affordable, nutritious and accessible food supply; forest and range lands; supporting sound development of rural communities; providing economic opportunities for farm and rural residents; expanding global markets for agricultural and forest products and services; and working to reduce hunger in America and throughout the world, then the USDA is for you. To learn more about our agency, our exciting mission, vision and guiding principles, please visit http://www.usda.gov.
Please see the full announcement on USAJobs by clicking on the APPLY button!
Job Summary
This position is designated as SES, Career-Reserved. USDA structures its SES positions into position levels. This is a position level II with a salary range of $204,122 - $216,010 per year. Exceptions to the salary cap may be considered in certain circumstances. SES employees are also eligible to receive bonuses and performance-based awards. Visit http://www.opm.gov/ses/ for additional information and benefits for SES employees.
Qualifications
The application process used to recruit for this position is RESUME-ONLY. DO NOT submit separate Executive Core Qualifications/Technical Qualifications in lieu of a resume. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES using 0.8-inch margins and 11-point font. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs). EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): The ECQs were designed to assess executive experience and potential, not technical expertise. They measure whether an individual has the broad executive skills needed to succeed in a variety of SES positions. All applicants must address the ECQs. Your resume must address each ECQ and should describe your experiences and accomplishments/results. Your resume should be clear, concise, and emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope and complexity of programs managed, program accomplishments, policy initiatives undertaken and the results of your actions. NOTE: Current career SES members, former career SES members with reinstatement eligibility, and SES Candidate Development Program graduates who have been certified by OPM do NOT need to address the ECQs. 1. Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. (Competencies: Knowledge of the American System of Government, Commitment to the Rule of Law, Civic-Mindedness) 2. Driving Efficiency: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and sufficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. (Competencies: Fiscal Responsibility, Managing Resources, Leveraging Technology) 3. Merit and Competence: This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. (Competencies: Technical Skills, Problem Solving, Agility and Resilience) 4. Leading People: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. (Competencies: Accountability, Developing Others, Executive Judgement) 5. Achieving Results: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. (Competencies: Operation Mindset, Innovation, Strategic Thinking) For more information regarding the SES and ECQs, please visit SES Executive Core Qualifications. TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION (TQ): In addition to the ECQs, applicants must clearly demonstrate in their resume that they meet the following technical qualification(s). Describe your leadership experience delivering Veterinary Services (VS) within field operations, including planning, regulatory oversight, and implementation of VS surveillance, preparedness, trade, and response activities that safeguard U.S. animal health. In your response, also highlight any relevant experience with live animal or animal product exports, as well as experience facilitating the international movement of animals into and out of the United States.
Major Duties
Provides executive leadership for Field Operations (FiOps), advising the Associate Deputy Administrator on national policies, program operations, and strategic priorities supporting APHIS and USDA missions.Reviews and evaluates FiOps program effectiveness, initiating operational improvements and coordinating changes with stakeholders to achieve national animal health goals.Assists in leading Veterinary Services activities across surveillance, preparedness, trade, and response programs, ensuring consistent implementation of comprehensive animal health strategies nationwide.Recommends budgetary, technological, and operational resources needed to effectively execute APHIS animal health programs and align VS budgets with strategic priorities.Develops and maintains collaborative partnerships with Federal, State, and private organizations to support coordinated plans, animal health procedures, and emergency response activities.Oversees national surveillance, preparedness, and incident-response activities related to animal, public, and zoonotic health, including coordination on biosecurity, select agents, and major disease outbreaks.Serves as a member of the VS Executive Team, contributing expert analysis and policy recommendations on the direction, scope, and implementation of VS programs and initiatives.Supervises and directs major FiOps program units—including Veterinary Export Trade Services and Port Services—ensuring effective operations, resource management, and achievement of program objectives.
Position Start Date:
09/10/2026
Position Close Date:
10/09/2026
Salary Offered: 204122 - 216010 USD Per Year
The Senior Executive Service (SES) is comprised of the men and women charged with leading the continuing transformation of the government. These leaders possess well-honed executive skills and share a broad perspective of government and a public service commitment which is grounded in the Constitution. If you would like to work for a premier agency focused on enhancing the quality of life for the American people by supporting production of agriculture; ensuring safe, affordable, nutritious and accessible food supply; forest and range lands; supporting sound development of rural communities; providing economic opportunities for farm and rural residents; expanding global markets for agricultural and forest products and services; and working to reduce hunger in America and throughout the world, then the USDA is for you. To learn more about our agency, our exciting mission, vision and guiding principles, please visit http://www.usda.gov.
Please see the full announcement on USAJobs by clicking on the APPLY button!
Salary : $204,122 - $216,010