Agriculturist (Permit Compliance Officer)

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, 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-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience reviewing evaluating, and issuing permits related to the import, export, interstate movement, transit, and environmental releases of regulated items according to established regulatory requirements. Experience monitoring and enforcing compliance by permit holders and registered entities to regulations promulgated under authorities of the Plant Protection Act, and other applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Experience working with various staff to help develop, evaluate, monitor, and enforce permit conditions and requirements of individuals and entities to which federal permits are issued. Experience negotiating with officials to develop and implement programs to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of programs dealing with regulatory compliance and enforcement. Experience providing advice, guidance, and outreach to staff, other Federal agencies, stakeholders, including permit holders, industry groups, and the public, on permit enforcement and compliance with USDA regulations. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
As an Agriculturist (Permit Compliance Officer) with APHIS, Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), Pest Exclusion and Import Program (PEIP), you will enforce APHIS and PPQ policies, procedures, and regulations pertaining to federal permits for the importation, interstate and intrastate movements, and environmental releases of plant pests, pathogens, biological control organisms, bees, plants, and plant products.