Agriculturist (AQI Database Program Support)

This Agriculturist (AQI Database Program Support) position is with Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (Department of Agriculture) in Phoenix, AZ. You will support database development, analysis, training, deployment, and integration for existing and new Agriculture Quarantine Inspection (AQI) databases associated with inspection and clearance activities at U.S. ports of entry. Key duties: • 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: • Participates with program managers in the planning, development, and implementation of AQI databases designed to meet the needs of the Agency’s plant health programs. • Provides technical assistance, support, and guidance to PPQ employees, stakeholders, and other interested groups on phytosanitary requirements on items regulated for agricultural interest. • Contributes to the training and deployment of agricultural databases for the purpose of improving data quality and integrity. • Supports change management initiatives associated with existing and new AQI databases. • Prepares periodic reports for and maintains effective communications with team members, the supervisor, and managers regarding information on the status of task/project/program assignments. • Performs tasks relative to data analysis to support and enhance the functionality of AQI databases. 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 in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: post high school education with courses equivalent to a major, which is defined as 24 semester/36 quarter hours, in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources management, chemistry or related disciplines appropriate to the position, PLUS appropriate experience or additional coursework. In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must meet the following qualification requirement: FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Designing, testing, and deploying enhancements to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and International Trade Data systems to fulfill the requirements of the APHIS Core Message Set. Utilizing Microsoft Access and Microsoft Excel (including their calculation functions), as well as basic structured query language (SQL) queries, to analyze and validate APHIS data. Creating reports and dashboards using MS Access, MS Excel, Tableau, Power BI, Cognos, SQL, and other analytical tools to support the operational and analytical needs of APHIS programs. Resolving technical access issues related to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) systems by collaborating with APHIS and CBP network personnel to ensure seamless connectivity and efficient troubleshooting. Conducting communications, outreach, and administrative tasks to support projects and programs, improve service quality, and foster engagement with both internal and external stakeholders in relation to the APHIS Core Message Set. Note: There is no education substitution for specialized experience at this grade level.TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. 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. View the full announcement and apply on USAJOBS.gov.