Program Specialist (Technical Director)

This Program Specialist (Technical Director) position is with Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (Department of Agriculture) in Phoenix, AZ. If selected you will lead PPQ's strategy and participation in developing and promoting regional and international phytosanitary standards and related activities, through the North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). Will ensure APHIS regulatory actions and decisions are consistent with regional and international phytosanitary standards and guidelines while coordinating closely with domestic and international stakeholders. 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: • Represents the United States in NAPPO and IPPC working groups and oversees APHIS technical teams supporting regional and international plant health standards. • Monitors and advises on administrative and program activities to support U.S. plant health objectives. • Analyzes trade and phytosanitary trends to shape and implement U.S. strategies within NAPPO and the IPPC. • Plans and evaluates Agency actions to advance U.S. standard-setting priorities and address emerging phytosanitary issues. • Builds relationships with international plant health experts to track and respond to international phytosanitary standards and trends. • Coordinates with PPQ, IS, and PPD to align domestic policies with regional and international priorities and ensure transparency in standard-setting. • Guides U.S. reviews of draft regional and international standards, develops national positions, and prepares experts for NAPPO and IPPC roles. • Promotes stakeholder participation, provides training, and reports activities to maintain awareness and support for NAPPO and IPPC initiatives. Qualifications: 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. 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: - Analyzed plant health data and program trends to inform APHIS decisions and prepare technical reports for management. - Collaborated with internal and external partners to gather input, coordinate activities, and address emerging phytosanitary issues. - Communicated technical concepts clearly to managers, staff, industry groups, and other stakeholders to support program objectives. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: 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. 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.