Biological Scientist​/Agriculturist

This position will serve as an Agriculturist or a Biological Scientist within an APHIS program. Biological Scientist:
This position is in Biotechnology Regulatory Services' Regulatory Operations Programs (ROP), in one of the Compliance Assurance Branches (CABs). Agriculturist:
Plant Protection and Quarantine, which protects the nation's agricultural resources from the introduction and spread of plant pests and diseases, includes this position within its Emergency and Domestic Programs (EDP). Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

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.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must demonstrate the below:

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:

• Applied expert knowledge of plant diseases and pests to analyze critical plant-health issues and support program decisions.
• Using advanced agricultural and biological science skills across areas such as plant science, ecology, entomology, molecular biology, and related disciplines to address complex scientific problems.
• Combined plant-health expertise with broad biological knowledge to provide recommendations, guide technical work, and strengthen agriculture and plant protection efforts.

Note:

There is no education substitution for this grade level.

are required if:

• 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, 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.