Biologist

The Science and Technology Program (S&T) works to improve the quality, wholesomeness and marketing of agricultural commodities by overseeing several regulatory programs and providing a variety of scientific, certification and analytical services. These programs and services are designed to facilitate the marketing and trade of US agricultural commodities and products both domestically and internationally. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-7 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:

• Testing, regulating, and/or reviewing methodologies or principles of analysis in botany, chemistry, pesticide residue determinations, microbiology, food nutrition, molecular biology, and/or food authenticity.
• Operating within a Quality Management System that adheres to standards such as ISO 9001:2015, ISO 17025:2017, ISO 19011:2018, or other domestic and international standards.
• Experience with quality assurance functions (e.g., root cause analysis, corrective actions, audits, record keeping, etc.).
• Experience with or reviewing laboratory quality assurance practices (e.g., use of certified reference material, proficiency testing programs, quality control charting, etc.).

2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in courses relating to the basic requirement.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade 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:

• Administering a Quality Management System accredited to a standard such as ISO 9001:2015, ISO 17025:2017, ISO 19011:2018, or other domestic and international standards under the direction of supervisor or senior employee.
• Initiating, investigating, performing root cause analysis, and/or implementing corrective action process with limited supervision.
• Evaluating quality data, validation/verification data, quality practices, and/or quality functions and reporting nonconformities.
• Maintaining records to ensure the accuracy and defensibility of the data.

3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in courses relating to the basic requirement above.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.

• 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.

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, Ameri Corps) 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.