The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) works to protect the health and value of American agriculture and natural resources. APHIS, International Services (IS) supports this mission in an international environment by safeguarding the health of animals, plants, and ecosystems in the United States; facilitating safe agricultural trade; ensuring effective and efficient management of internationally-based programs; and investing in international capacity-building through training programs that enhance technical, administrative, and diplomatic skills and competencies. APHIS' international mission is to protect and promote U.S. agricultural health through internationally based animal and plant health expertise.
APHIS IS seeks candidates for the APHIS Foreign Service (FS) training and employment initiative. Upon completion of the training program and fulfillment of mandatory qualifications, the successful candidates will enter the APHIS FS workforce. The training program is headquartered (duty station) in Riverdale (MD). Occasional travel may take place to other APHIS offices located around the United States – Washington (DC), Fort Collins (CO), Ames (IA), and Raleigh (NC), as well as other areas in which APHIS conducts its business. In addition, the capstone of the training will include a temporary tour of duty assignment for the candidate of up to a month at an APHIS international post to experience the actual duties of an APHIS Foreign Service Officer (FSO).
Salary Information: First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected.
This is a term appointment not to exceed 24 months, although trainee appointments may be extended up to a total of four years. For more details click: Term Appointments
APHIS is an emergency response agency. This means that all Agency employees may be asked or assigned to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments to support emergency programs at some time during their careers with APHIS. For details click: APHIS Emergency Response
Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) works to protect the health and value of American agriculture and natural resources. APHIS, International Services (IS) supports this mission in an international environment by safeguarding the health of animals, plants, and ecosystems in the United States; facilitating safe agricultural trade; ensuring effective and efficient management of internationally-based programs; and investing in international capacity-building through training programs that enhance technical, administrative, and diplomatic skills and competencies. APHIS' international mission is to protect and promote U.S. agricultural health through internationally based animal and plant health expertise.
APHIS IS seeks candidates for the APHIS Foreign Service (FS) training and employment initiative. Upon completion of the training program and fulfillment of mandatory qualifications, the successful candidates will enter the APHIS FS workforce. The training program is headquartered (duty station) in Riverdale (MD). Occasional travel may take place to other APHIS offices located around the United States – Washington (DC), Fort Collins (CO), Ames (IA), and Raleigh (NC), as well as other areas in which APHIS conducts its business. In addition, the capstone of the training will include a temporary tour of duty assignment for the candidate of up to a month at an APHIS international post to experience the actual duties of an APHIS Foreign Service Officer (FSO).
Salary Information: First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected.
This is a term appointment not to exceed 24 months, although trainee appointments may be extended up to a total of four years. For more details click: Term Appointments
APHIS is an emergency response agency. This means that all Agency employees may be asked or assigned to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments to support emergency programs at some time during their careers with APHIS. For details click: APHIS Emergency Response
In a developmental capacity, the incumbent is expected to accomplish the skills and abilities below under the general supervision of the Program supervisor, with input from APHIS Subject Matter Experts:
Works to understand the duties and responsibilities associated with the APHIS Foreign Service that supports the APHIS and USDA mission and goals.
Works effectively with other APHIS program areas, USDA agencies, and Federal agencies to develop working relationships and gain knowledge of all aspects of APHIS’ international mission.
Completes diplomatic, technical and management training requirements by assigned due dates.
Participates in the analysis of agricultural conditions, government policies, and regulatory processes affecting the agricultural market and import/export interests of U.S. stakeholders.
Participates in the compilation, review, and analysis of technical reports on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) issues and their effects, as well as economic, market, technical and data relating, but not limited to, production, trade, consumption, prices and other factors affecting the safeguarding of U.S. agriculture.
Addresses specific phytosanitary concerns with host countries.
Manages international phytosanitary trade issues with APHIS programs. Participates in identifying disciplines and multi-disciplinary mixes for risk assessment/hazard evaluation of plant pest mitigation measures; and animal health issues in order to instill a proactive approach to U.S. goals in international trade.
Prepares briefing memoranda, correspondence, briefing books, market profiles and other background information for APHIS, USDA, and other entities on a variety of subjects.
Participates in the identification, monitoring, and removal of technical, sanitary and phytosanitary barriers to agricultural trade.
Researches, prepares, and offers advice to identify plant and animal pest/disease alerts, new regulations, and other updates affecting SPS trade issues.
Develops effective working relationships with international and domestic agricultural industry representatives, trade associations, cooperators, international organizations, and other APHIS stakeholders.
Works to implement agricultural capacity building and development activities to enhance trade and food security objectives.
Coordinates and facilitates duties related to import/export of animals and their byproducts.
Follows and supports equal opportunity and civil rights policies, performing assigned duties in full compliance with equal opportunity, civil rights laws and regulations.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
Expenses associated with the Assessment Center will not be paid
Position is subject to random and applicant drug testing
Successful completion of a 1 year probationary or trial period
Special Conditions:
Foreign Service Officers (FSO) must retire at the age of 65, with at least 5 years of service in the FS. The training program is 2 years in length. Overseas tours of duty for FSO's are generally 3 years.
Selection and retention in this position is contingent on a successfully adjudicated FBI National Criminal History Check (fingerprint check) and a background investigation.
Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty to this position will be the responsibility of the selected employee.
Members of the FS shall be obligated to serve abroad and shall be expected to serve abroad for substantial portions of their careers. A member of the Foreign Service may not be assigned to duty within the United States for any period of continuous service exceeding eight years without the approval of the Secretary of Agriculture. Members of the Foreign Service are expected to serve worldwide based on the needs of the Agency, this includes situations when family members may not be able to accompany the employee to post.
For Federal candidates, there will be NO reinstatement rights with APHIS if the candidate is not assigned to the APHIS FS. APHIS employees should guarantee, prior to starting this FSTP, that they will have reinstatement rights to their APHIS program unit. For non-Federal candidates, APHIS will have no continuation of employment responsibility should they not complete the program successfully.
This position is eligible for telework within the local commuting area of the duty location of the position. Employee participation in telework is at the discretion of the supervisor.
This position requires you to obtain and maintain a "Class One" world-wide medical clearance issued by the U.S. Department of State as a condition of employment
You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance as a condition of employment
Upon acceptance into the APHIS Foreign Service, all candidates will be required to sign a world-wide availability agreement.
The ability to speak, read, and write a foreign language is preferred, but not required.
This position serves in a developmental capacity performing assignments which are designed to prepare the candidate to be laterally transferred to the position of Agriculturalist (Foreign Service Officer), FP-0401-04 (GS-12 equivalent), at an APHIS foreign post.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including the following specialized experience and/or education, as identified by grade level.
BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree, i.e., Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD), obtained at a school or college of veterinary medicine accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (AVMA). The AVMA website has a listing of all AVMA-accredited veterinary medical schools. AVMA website: https://www.avma.org
ORGraduates of foreign veterinary medical schools that are not accredited by the AVMA Council on Education must meet one of the following requirements: a) Proof of certification of their final transcript by the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG); b) Possession of a permanent, full, and unrestricted license to practice veterinary medicine in a State, District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States that includes successful completion of the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) or its predecessors, the National Board Examination (NBE) and the Clinical Competency Test (CCT); OR c) Proof that the education obtained in a foreign veterinary medical program is equivalent to that gained in a veterinary medical program that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education. An AVMA-accredited veterinary medical school or college must have accepted the final transcript from the foreign veterinary medical school at full value for placement into an advanced degree, postgraduate educational program, or training program (e.g., residency or graduate program).
In addition, graduates of foreign veterinary medical programs must also provide proof of proficiency in the English language by successfully completing one of the nationally and internationally recognized examinations that incorporate assessments of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Examples of examinations that assess mastery of the English language are shown below:
a) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Minimum scores for the TOEFL are 560 for the paper-based version; 220 for the computer-based version; or overall score of 83 for the internet-based version (including 26 or higher in speaking, 26 or higher in listening, and 17 or higher in writing). For the computer-based and paper-based test versions, applicants must also complete the Test of Spoken English (TSE) and the Test of Written English (TWE). Minimum required scores are 55 for the TSE and 5.5 for the TWE. b) Academic tests (listening, writing, and speaking) offered by the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Applicants must achieve a minimum overall band score of 7.0, with at least 7.0 in speaking, 6.5 in listening, and 6.0 in writing; OR c) Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL). Applicants must achieve a minimum overall band score of 70, with at least 60 in speaking, 60 in listening, and 50 in writing.
Graduates of foreign veterinary medical programs must submit test results with their application. Results of more than one test or testing session cannot be combined to meet the standard.
Waiver Provision: English language proficiency assessments may be waived for qualified job applicants whose native language is English (i.e., the official or common language of an individuals country of birth is English) who submit a diploma or other official documentation as proof of graduation from a high (secondary) school where the entire curriculum and educational programs were taught in the English language for the entire 3 or 4 years of full-time attendance. FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants who meet the basic requirements qualify for this grade level.
TRANSCRIPTS are required. 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, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Additional information
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible see https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
More than one selection may be made if another vacancy occurs within 90 days of the issuance of the certification of eligibles.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc) should contact: USDAs TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).
Direct Deposit – Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choosing.
E-Verify: Federal law requires agencies to use the E-Verify system to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. If you are selected as a newly hired employee, the documentation you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 on your entry-on-duty date will be verified through the DHS E-VERIFY system. Under the system, the new hire is required to resolve any identified discrepancies as a condition of continued employment.
If selected, an official college transcript showing a conferred DVM degree from a veterinary medical school or college accredited by the AVMA Council on Education will be required prior to entering on duty.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Direct Hire Authority has been granted government-wide for specific positions due to a severe shortage of candidates. This authority permits hiring without regard to certain competitive requirements. Your application will be reviewed to confirm you possess the education described in the qualifications section. The vacancy specific questions are to obtain more information about your experience relative to the job being filled. Your resume must support that you are proficient in the following skills or competencies below.
General Veterinary and Microbiology Skills and Accomplishments
Communication Skills-Interpersonal, Oral, And Written
Ability to Prioritize Work, Meet Deadlines, Lead Others and Manage Programs/Projects
Knowledge of Animal Regulatory Requirements, Inspection, Diagnostic and Enforcement Techniques Including Quarantine, Biologics, and Importing /Exporting
Knowledge of the regulations, policies and procedures for the importation of animal products, animal by-products, related risk materials and the handling of international garbage
Note: If, after reviewing your resume and / or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your score can / will be lowered to more accurately reflect the submitted documentation. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Deliberate attempts to falsify information may be grounds for not selecting you.
ASSESSMENT PROCESS This is a multi-phase assessment process. All the qualified applicants from initial USAJOBS assessment will be invited to participate in an Assessment Center for further consideration.
The Assessment Center will include tests of the candidates’ skills in a series of written, group and oral exams. The successful candidates will demonstrate the skills, abilities, and qualities deemed essential to the work of the Foreign Service - interpersonal, intellectual, leadership, client service, communication, and technical knowledge.
The Assessment Center will take place January 29th – February 9th, 2018, in the APHIS facility in Riverdale (MD). Invited candidates are responsible for all costs associated with traveling to and from the Assessment Center. APHIS will not reimburse any costs associated with the candidate’s Assessment Center participation.
Following the Assessment Center, the candidates’ performances will be evaluated and the results will be combined with the questionnaire from USAJobs. At this time, the Human Resource Specialist will produce a certificate of eligibles. After reviewing the combined results, the most qualified candidates will be asked to participate in an additional phase of the assessment process, known as “APHIS Day”.
APHIS Day will consist of APHIS management and program officials evaluating the candidates for their ability to represent APHIS and its programs worldwide. For APHIS Day, APHIS management has decided that costs associated with travel to attend this part of the assessment will be borne by APHIS. It is estimated that APHIS Day will occur at least four weeks after the conclusion of the Assessment Center.
The hiring supervisor will use this certification to fill any vacancy for the APHIS FSTP. Selections will remain in effect for two years on roster list.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
The following documents are required. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in mail service, your system failure/downtime, etc. Encrypted/digitally signed documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
Resume including: 1)job information for which you are applying 2)personal information 3)education 4)work experience including: schedule & hours worked per week, dates of employment; title/series/grade if applicable 5)supervisors phone number for each period listed, whether or not we may contact them for reference checks and, 6)other qualifications. Proof of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Degree or Equivalent: Legible transcripts showing conferred DVM degree from a veterinary medical school/college accredited by the AVMA Council on Education (COE). An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application. As an alternative, proof of possession of a current permanent unrestricted license to practice veterinary medicine in a State, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or territory of the U.S. can be submitted as provisional proof of eligibility.
Graduates of foreign veterinary medical schools not accredited by the AVMA COE must submit DVM transcripts & required documents (i.e., proof of ECFVG certification; or copy of Veterinary license; letter documenting acceptance into an advanced degree/post graduate/residency/graduate program at an AVMA accredited veterinary medical school; AND an English proficiency score report with acceptable minimum scores, from TOEFL, IELTS or CAEL) that prove basic qualification as stated in OPM’s qualification standards.
Applicants substituting education/advanced training for specialized experience must submit: 1)unofficial transcript showing conferred master’s degree in qualifying specialty or 2)letter/certificate documenting completion of at least 2 years of an internship/residency/fellowship in a specific discipline/specialty. All education must have been successfully completed/obtained from an accredited school/college/university.
All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
DD-214 (Member 4 Copy) if claiming Veterans’ Preference. Although veterans’ preference doesn’t apply under Direct Hire Authority, applicants are encouraged to provide documentation of eligibility. Veterans claiming 10 point preference must also submit a VA Letter & an SF-15 Application for 10-point Veteran Preference. Current active duty members must submit certification that they are expected to be discharged/released from active duty under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. The certification must be on the letterhead of the appropriate military branch and include the dates of military service. If claiming 10-point veteran’s preference you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements, plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans’ Preference. The SF-15 should be included but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference. For more information on veterans’ preference see http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/
Other required documents may include: CTAP/ICTAP Required Documentation Reduction-In-Force: Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; AND most recent performance evaluation; AND SF-50 demonstrating your separation or the position you will be separated from. Worker's Compensation Separation: Agency certification of inability to place employee AND Notification of Separation OR Separation SF-50. Disability Annuity Termination: Notification from OPM of disability annuity termination AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held. Military Reserve or National Guard Technician Special Disability Retirement Annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456: Certification of special disability retirement annuity from a military department or National Guard Bureau AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held. NOTE: If a document is resubmitted, it replaces the previous submission, which means the previous document is no longer available to the HR Office. If you are adding to, rather than replacing a previous submission, you must upload both the old document and the new document. Please verify that documents you are uploading from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded resumes must be less than 3MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, or Word (DOC or DOCX).
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin. The following instructions outline our application process.
You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday). Applying online is highly encouraged. If applying online poses a hardship, please contact our office during business hours well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages with supporting documents must be submitted no later than noon on the closing date of the announcement in order to be entered into the system prior to its closing.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you require this for any part of the application and hiring process.
Step 1: Create a USAJOBS account (if you do not already have one) at www.usajobs.gov. It is recommended that as part of your profile you set up automatic email notification to be informed when the status of your application changes. If you choose not to set up this automatic notification, then you will have to log into your USAJOBS account to check on the status of your application.
Step 2: Create a Resume with USAJOBS or upload a Resume into your USAJOBS account. You may want to customize your resume to ensure it documents duties and accomplishments you have gained that are directly related to this position in order to verify that qualifications are met. In addition, your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire (you may preview the online questionnaire by clicking on the link at the end of the How You Will Be Evaluated section of the job announcement). Step 3: Click "Apply Online" and follow the prompts to complete the Occupational Questionnaire and attach any additional documents that may be required. You can update your application or documents anytime while the announcement is open. Simply log into your USAJOBS account and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application” to continue.
USDA APHIS MRPBS
250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410
Minneapolis, MN, 55401
United States
Next steps
If you set up your USAJOBS account to send automatic email notifications, you will receive an email acknowledging: 1) the submission of your online Occupational Questionnaire and resume was successful, 2) if you were referred to the selecting official for consideration, and 3) if you were selected or not selected. If you choose not to set up automatic email notifications, you must check your USAJOBS account for the latest status of your application. Your application may be reviewed to verify that you meet the qualifications and eligibility requirements for the position prior to issuing lists to a selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. We expect to make a final job offer within 40 days after the closing date of the announcement.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in mail service, your system failure/downtime, etc. Encrypted/digitally signed documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
Resume including: 1)job information for which you are applying 2)personal information 3)education 4)work experience including: schedule & hours worked per week, dates of employment; title/series/grade if applicable 5)supervisors phone number for each period listed, whether or not we may contact them for reference checks and, 6)other qualifications. Proof of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Degree or Equivalent: Legible transcripts showing conferred DVM degree from a veterinary medical school/college accredited by the AVMA Council on Education (COE). An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application. As an alternative, proof of possession of a current permanent unrestricted license to practice veterinary medicine in a State, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or territory of the U.S. can be submitted as provisional proof of eligibility.
Graduates of foreign veterinary medical schools not accredited by the AVMA COE must submit DVM transcripts & required documents (i.e., proof of ECFVG certification; or copy of Veterinary license; letter documenting acceptance into an advanced degree/post graduate/residency/graduate program at an AVMA accredited veterinary medical school; AND an English proficiency score report with acceptable minimum scores, from TOEFL, IELTS or CAEL) that prove basic qualification as stated in OPM’s qualification standards.
Applicants substituting education/advanced training for specialized experience must submit: 1)unofficial transcript showing conferred master’s degree in qualifying specialty or 2)letter/certificate documenting completion of at least 2 years of an internship/residency/fellowship in a specific discipline/specialty. All education must have been successfully completed/obtained from an accredited school/college/university.
All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
DD-214 (Member 4 Copy) if claiming Veterans’ Preference. Although veterans’ preference doesn’t apply under Direct Hire Authority, applicants are encouraged to provide documentation of eligibility. Veterans claiming 10 point preference must also submit a VA Letter & an SF-15 Application for 10-point Veteran Preference. Current active duty members must submit certification that they are expected to be discharged/released from active duty under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. The certification must be on the letterhead of the appropriate military branch and include the dates of military service. If claiming 10-point veteran’s preference you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements, plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans’ Preference. The SF-15 should be included but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference. For more information on veterans’ preference see http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/
Other required documents may include: CTAP/ICTAP Required Documentation Reduction-In-Force: Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; AND most recent performance evaluation; AND SF-50 demonstrating your separation or the position you will be separated from. Worker's Compensation Separation: Agency certification of inability to place employee AND Notification of Separation OR Separation SF-50. Disability Annuity Termination: Notification from OPM of disability annuity termination AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held. Military Reserve or National Guard Technician Special Disability Retirement Annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456: Certification of special disability retirement annuity from a military department or National Guard Bureau AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held. NOTE: If a document is resubmitted, it replaces the previous submission, which means the previous document is no longer available to the HR Office. If you are adding to, rather than replacing a previous submission, you must upload both the old document and the new document. Please verify that documents you are uploading from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded resumes must be less than 3MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, or Word (DOC or DOCX).
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin. The following instructions outline our application process.
You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday). Applying online is highly encouraged. If applying online poses a hardship, please contact our office during business hours well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages with supporting documents must be submitted no later than noon on the closing date of the announcement in order to be entered into the system prior to its closing.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you require this for any part of the application and hiring process.
Step 1: Create a USAJOBS account (if you do not already have one) at www.usajobs.gov. It is recommended that as part of your profile you set up automatic email notification to be informed when the status of your application changes. If you choose not to set up this automatic notification, then you will have to log into your USAJOBS account to check on the status of your application.
Step 2: Create a Resume with USAJOBS or upload a Resume into your USAJOBS account. You may want to customize your resume to ensure it documents duties and accomplishments you have gained that are directly related to this position in order to verify that qualifications are met. In addition, your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire (you may preview the online questionnaire by clicking on the link at the end of the How You Will Be Evaluated section of the job announcement). Step 3: Click "Apply Online" and follow the prompts to complete the Occupational Questionnaire and attach any additional documents that may be required. You can update your application or documents anytime while the announcement is open. Simply log into your USAJOBS account and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application” to continue.
USDA APHIS MRPBS
250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410
Minneapolis, MN, 55401
United States
Next steps
If you set up your USAJOBS account to send automatic email notifications, you will receive an email acknowledging: 1) the submission of your online Occupational Questionnaire and resume was successful, 2) if you were referred to the selecting official for consideration, and 3) if you were selected or not selected. If you choose not to set up automatic email notifications, you must check your USAJOBS account for the latest status of your application. Your application may be reviewed to verify that you meet the qualifications and eligibility requirements for the position prior to issuing lists to a selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. We expect to make a final job offer within 40 days after the closing date of the announcement.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
