Agriculturist (Trade Director)

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. 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 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-14 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-13 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the steps of the Federal rule making process related to the Federal Administrative Procedure Act, the Plant Protection Act, and other statutory and regulatory authorities. Familiar with the Federal Register notice and comment process. Communicate effectively and tactfully to mediate and resolve complex problems with domestic and international stakeholders, industry groups, or non-governmental organizations. Considers and plans for possible outcomes, both best case scenarios and acceptable alternatives. Participate in or lead pre-negotiation and/or bilateral negotiations with foreign governments by applying international agreements such as WTO, IPPC, NAFTA, with particular attention to the plant health aspects of these agreements. Lead consultations with domestic and international stakeholders, industry groups, or non-governmental organizations. A thorough grasp of the cultural intricacies and customs that are an inherent part of high level international negotiations. Demonstrated by researching cultural or organizational norms before engaging others, and willingness to change tactics or style to accommodate others, in order to accomplish the goal. 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.
The Trade Director assigned to the Phytosanitary Issues Management (PIM) staff, plays a major leadership role with respect to planning, coordinating, and directing the resolution of plant health issues involving import and export trade in plants and plant products. This is a 100% remote position that must be located within the cities and/or counties listed in the vacancy announcement.