CBP Agriculture Specialist

All applicants must meet the Basic Requirement in order to be considered for this position. Eligibility will be verified based on your submitted transcripts and resume. More information on this requirement can be found in the CBP Agriculture Specialist Qualification Aid and in the OPM Qualification Standards Basic Requirement for the CBP Agriculture Specialist: 1. Degree: Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, animal science, plant science, pest management, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR 2. Combination of Education and Experience: Completed at least 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in a qualifying field of study, as shown above, PLUS qualifying experience or additional education. To determine if you meet the combination, divide the months of qualifying experience by 48; divide the number of completed undergraduate semester hours by 120 (or 180 for undergraduate quarter hours); add the two percentages; the total must equal 100% or more. GS-5 Grade Level: To qualify at the GS-5 grade level, you must meet the Basic Requirement above. GS-7 Grade Level: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirement, to qualify for the GS-7 applicants must also possess one of the following: One year of graduate-level education (equivalent to 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours) from an accredited college or university leading to a Master’s degree in a qualifying field of study; OR A Bachelor’s degree with Superior Academic Achievement (i.e., GPA 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 scale), from an accredited college or university that includes 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours in a qualifying field of study; OR One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level that includes: effectively dealing with individuals or groups of persons in a courteous / tactful manner in connections with agricultural matters; researching information for reports and providing information to others; analyzing information rapidly and making prompt decisions; enforcing regulations while inspecting vessels, vehicles, aircraft and/or baggage for the presence of restricted plant materials, pests or diseases; and reviewing and analyzing passengers or commodity documents to assess the agricultural risk of their entry into the United States; OR A combination of graduate-level education which includes a qualifying field of study from an accredited college or university AND specialized work experience. Divide the months of qualifying experience by 12; divide the number of completed graduate semester hours by 18 (or 27 for graduate quarter hours); add the two percentages; the total must equal 100% or more. GS-9 Grade Level: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirement, to qualify for the GS-9 applicants must also possess one of the following: A Master’s degree or 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education from an accredited college or university that includes a major in a qualifying field of study; OR One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that includes: coordinating, planning, and executing inspection assignments, investigating violations, and preparing investigative reports and providing testimony; compiling data and preparing reports in connection with agricultural matters and inspection operations; overseeing treatments such as disinfection, sterilization, and decontamination; OR A combination of graduate-level education which includes a qualifying field of study from an accredited college or university AND specialized work experience listed above. Divide the months of qualifying experience by 12; divide the number of completed graduate semester hours by 36 (or 54 for graduate quarter hours); add the two percentages; the total must equal 100% or more. Pending Education: Applications can be accepted from students who expect to complete qualifying education within 9 months from the closing date of this job announcement. Transcripts submitted for pending education MUST show the student is currently enrolled and in-progress to complete the qualifying education within 9 months from the closing date of this job announcement. Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement. National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer 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, and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
CBP Agriculture Specialists from the Office of Field Operations safeguard American agriculture by preventing the introduction of harmful plant pests and foreign animal diseases, and potential agricultural bioterrorism into the United States and intercepting dangerous pests that threaten the health and safety of U.S. agriculture. This is done through the inspection of vessels, vehicles, and baggage for restricted materials and assessing the agricultural risk of entry into the United States.