Agriculturist (Training Specialist)/Biological Scientist/Biologist (Computational)

This Agriculturist (Training Specialist)/Biological Scientist/Biologist (Computational) position is with Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (Department of Agriculture) in Phoenix, AZ. The selected applicants will design, develop, deliver emergency response training programs, and scientific training programs OR diagnose animal diseases foreign to the U.S., support outbreak response OR be responsible for simulation modeling, statistical analysis, and/or ecological/epidemiological modeling. Vacancies by location: Fort Collins (1); Starkville, MS (1); Millville, UT (1); Manhattan, KS (3), Glynco, GA or Frederick, MD (9) 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: • Provides guidelines, procedures, and expertise for the effective delivery of technical and scientific classroom training, maintains training records, and schedules training. • Delivers instruction for basic and advanced courses in the agricultural and regulatory enforcement sciences by lecturing and leading discussions using interactive training processes. • Designs, executes, interprets and reports on experiments and experimental data associated with development and validation of new or modified diagnostic assays and/or reagents production methods. • Characterization of laboratory diagnostic samples and/or biological materials using traditional microbiological techniques, virus isolation and sophisticated molecular biological techniques. • Performs assays for the detection of antigens, nucleic acids and antibodies indicating the presence of a foreign animal disease. • Conduct research related to one health and/or invasive species management, including developing models, and analyzing data. • Write up peer-reviewed publications or technical reports, and present results to stakeholders. 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: 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 course work FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-9 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Enforce agricultural regulations through inspection of agricultural commodities intended for import or export, overseeing regulatory treatment of imported commodities, enforcing agricultural compliance, or conducting pest survey operations. Communicate science or agricultural regulatory concepts to individuals, colleagues, management or groups of people. Address a variety of scientific needs and program priorities related to control of agricultural pests, wildlife or livestock disease management, or wildlife management. Coordinate, lead, and promote program activities independently to stakeholders and external audiences. Address agricultural stakeholder needs using technical knowledge and the most pertinent science and technology. OR Three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in the fields of biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for 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 the position based on education. 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. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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.