This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/485229300. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
This position is located in the Chemistry Branch of a field laboratory of in the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Office of Public Health Science. The Chemistry Branch provides laboratory support and technical guidance to the Federal inspection programs through chemical analyses and instrumental analysis as part of a quality assurance program. This position reports directly to the Chemistry Branch Chief. As technology and methodology is a continuously changing matter, the incumbent is expected to maintain state of the art knowledge on methodology, instrumentation, and applications pertinent to the scope of work at the Midwestern Lab (ML.) Residue activity at the ML has expanded significantly over the last few years and we expect additional demands for identification of new compounds as an ongoing challenge.
11/27/2017 to 12/11/2017
$86,391 - $112,306 per year
GS 13
1 vacancy in the following location:
Occasional travel - Some travel may be required.
Yes—Relocation may be authorized in accordance with agency regulations and directives.
Permanent
Full-Time
13
No
FSIS-2018-MMP-0126
485229300
Current or former competitive service federal employees.
Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
Current federal employees of this agency.
Some of the duties for this position include:
• Ensure that the organization’s strategic plan, mission, vision and values are communicated to the team and integrated into the team’s strategies, goals, objectives, work plans and work products and services;
• Train or arrange for the training of team members in methods and techniques of team building and working in teams to accomplish tasks or projects;
• Serve as a coach or facilitator in coordinating team initiatives;
• Maintain a program of reference materials and relevant background documents so as to support policy implementation;
• Articulate and communicate to the team the assignment, deadlines, and timeframes for completion;
• Lead the team in: identifying, distributing, and balancing workload and tasks in accordance with established work flow; making adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established priorities and ensuring that each team member has an integral role in developing the final team product;
• Monitor and report on the status and progress of work to ensure the supervisor’s
expectations are met;
• Coach the team in the selection and application of appropriate problem solving methods and techniques, provide advice on work methods, practices and procedures, and assist the team and/or individual members in identifying the parameters of a viable solution;
• Prepare reports and maintain records of work accomplishments and administrative information, as required;
• Represent the team in dealings with the supervisor or manager for the purpose of obtaining resources and securing input from the supervisor on issues that arise;
• Report to the supervisor periodically on team and individual work accomplishments;
• Represent the team consensus and convey the team’s findings and recommendations in meetings and dealings with other team leaders, program officials;
• Estimate and report to the team on progress in meeting established milestones and deadlines;
• Research, learn and apply a wide range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods to identify, assess, analyze and improve team effectiveness, efficiency and work products
Current permanent Federal employees with competitive status, LMWFA, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP and VEOA eligibles; FSA employees; reinstatement eligibles; Individuals with Disabilities; certain military spouses; 30% or more disabled veterans; former Peace Corps or VISTA volunteers; Special Hiring Authorities
• May be subject to satisfactory completion of one year probationary or trial period.
• If you are selected, you may need to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) prior to being appointed to determine suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. False statements or responses on a resume or application can jeopardize employment and may be grounds for disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service.
• Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.
• If you are newly hired, the documentation you present for purposes of completing the Department Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 on your entry-on-duty date will be verified through the DHS "E-VERIFY" system. Federal law requires the use of E-VERIFY to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. Under this system, the new hire is required to resolve any identified discrepancies as a condition of continued employment.
• Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Failure to successfully meet these requirements could lead to adverse action proceedings including possible termination.
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:
Applicants must meet one year at the next lower grade to be considered for the next higher grade (e.g. one year at the GS-12 grade level for consideration for the GS-13 grade level.)
For the GS-13 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that demonstrates:
Broad professional knowledge of chemical principles, theories, practices and established methodology sufficient to perform the full range of duties involved in chemically analyzing a wide variety of meat, poultry, and egg product samples to make solid determinations. This includes the very difficult, complex, new and unusual.
AND
Demonstrated leadership skills to manage a team and communicate assignments as well as coaching team members in problem solving to meet team goals.
AND
Expert knowledge of chemistry; in particular, mass spectrometry and analytical instruments.
AND
Expert knowledge specific to operating, programming, troubleshooting, and repairing mass spectrometric and analytical equipment.
AND
Expert knowledge in software and hardware to analyze requirements of proposed systems to make recommendations for possible acquisition.
AND
Strong scientific background as a chemist.
AND
Knowledge and skills for training other chemists in the specialty area.
For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here.
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.
AND
• Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployed Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible see 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.
• This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
• 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).
• This position is eligible for telework and other flexible work arrangements.
Employee participation is at the discretion of the supervisor.
• It is the policy of the Government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. To see more information visit CHCO Council.
• Special Hiring Authorities Information: See Feds Hire Vets for more information regarding applying under the Veteran’s Recruitment Act (VRA), 30 percent disabled veterans, certain military spouses, and Schedule A Disabled.
• Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) provides current or former temporary or term employees of federal land management agencies opportunity to compete for permanent competitive service positions. Individuals must have more than 24 months of service without a break between appointments of two or more years. Service must be in the competitive service and have been at a successful level of performance or better. Visit Public Law 114-47 for more information.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the education, experience, and training you described in your application package, as well as the responses to the Occupational Questionnaire to determine the degree to which you possess the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies listed below:
Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating may be lowered to more accurately reflect the submitted documentation. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.
Clicking the link below will present a preview of the application form; i.e. the online questionnaire. The application form link below will only provide a preview and does not initiate the application process. To initiate the online application process, click the "Apply Online" button to the right.
• Resume must include: 1) personal information; 2) education; 3) work experience including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; and title, series and grade if applicable; 4) supervisors phone number, e-mail address for each work period listed, and whether we may contact for reference checks; and 5) other qualifications.
• College Transcripts: If education is required or you are using education to meet qualification requirement, you must submit a legible copy of your college transcripts. The transcript must include your name, the name of the college, and the date a degree was awarded. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
You must submit the documents below if you claim any of the following:
• Current and Former Federal Employees:
1. Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing that you are/were in the competitive service, highest grade (or promotion potential) held on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade AND
2. Most recently completed performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Do not submit a performance plan. [Note: FSIS bargaining unit employees are exempted from this requirement.] For more information click Competitive Hiring.
• Current Permanent FSA County Employees: Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50/equivalent) showing highest grade or promotion potential held on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade AND most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) per above.
• Veteran Hiring Authorities: VEOA, VRA and 30% Disabled Veterans: DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty showing dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. Disabled veterans must include VA letter & SF-15 if claiming 10 pt. preference. Current active duty members must submit certification that they are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after date the certification is submitted. Veterans Preference Information.
• Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act:
a. Copies of Notification of Personnel Action(s) (SF-50s) showing the employee has served in appropriate appointment(s) for a period/periods that total more than 24 months without a break between appointments of two or more years. (Include initial hire actions, extensions, conversions and separation SF-50s for each period of work).
b. Documentation of Acceptable Performance for Service Time:
1. Performance rating(s) showing an acceptable level of performance for period(s) of employment counted towards their eligibility, signed by supervisor(s); or
2. If documentation of rating does not exist for one or more periods, a statement from the employee’s supervisor(s) or other individual in the chain of command indicating an acceptable level of performance for the period(s) of employment counted towards their eligibility; or
3. Applicants who do not provide a performance appraisal or other performance documentation for any period that they are using for eligibility under the LMWFA, shall provide:
a. A stated reason as to why the appraisal/documentation is not available; and
b. A statement that their performance for all periods was at an acceptable level, their most recent separation was for reasons other than misconduct or performance, and they were never notified that they were not eligible for rehire based on performance. This shall be in lieu of providing copies of the performance appraisals.
• Schedule A, Persons with Disabilities Appointment: Sch A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u). See eCFR Part 213.
• Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP Priority: Proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.
• Other Special Hiring Authorities: If claiming eligibility under a Special Hiring Authority not listed above submit appropriate supporting documentation. See Hiring Authorities.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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. 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.
Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship please contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than noon ET on the closing date of the announcement in order to be entered into the system prior to its closing.
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log into your USAJOBS account (click here) to check your application status. We expect to make a final job offer approximately 40 days after the deadline for applications.
EEO Policy Statement: Click here
Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement: Click here
Veterans Information: Click here
Legal and Regulatory Guidance: Click here
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/485229300. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is the public health regulatory agency responsible for ensuring the safety of meat, poultry and processed eggs.
USDA is a great place to start or continue your career. It's ranked as one of the top 10 "Best Places to Work in the Federal Government" by the Partnership for Public Service (Best Places to Work Rankings). Rankings are based on employee feedback regarding satisfaction with their work experience. For more information on USDA and the Food Safety and Inspection Service, visit FSIS.