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Interdisciplinary: Supervisory Veterinary Medical Officer/Microbiologist (Biosafety Manager)

Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Current and former Federal employees, disabled Veterans, candidates with 3 or more years of active duty military service, and candidates eligible for special hiring authorities may also apply to Merit Promotion announcement 6VS-APHIS-MA-2017-0358.

This position is in the Safety and Security unit of the Common Services Division and reports to the Safety and Security Unit Leader.  This unit is responsible for providing oversight and technical consultation on all environmental, health, safety, and security issues with the goal of providing and ensuring a safe and healthful environment for employees and visitors of the NCAH, in Ames, Iowa.  Areas managed include: occupational health program, biological safety program, safety and industrial hygiene programs, physical security programs, environmental protection programs and the select agent program.  

Supervisors within APHIS are required to display proficiency in the following five competencies essential for leading and managing people: Accountability, Conflict Management, Developing Others, Human Capital Management and Leveraging Diversity. Examples of these competencies include holding self and others accountable for measurable, high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results; anticipating and taking steps to prevent counter-productive confrontations; developing staff members by providing coaching, training, regular guidance and career development opportunities; ensuring that employees are appropriately recruited, selected, appraised, and rewarded; taking appropriate action to address performance problems and fostering an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued to achieve the vision and mission of the organization.

Salary Information:  First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected.

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

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
04/11/2017 to 04/24/2017
Salary
$85,816 - $111,560 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 13
Location
Ames, IA
1 vacancy
Travel Required
Occasional travel - Travel for training and work assignments may be required.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—Relocation may be authorized.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-Time
Service
Promotion potential
13
Supervisory status
Yes
Announcement number
24VS-APHIS-MA-2017-0358
Control number
467213500

This job is open to

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Duties

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The duties may include, but are not limited to:

  • The incumbent Supervises the Biosafety Section by directing, coordinating and overseeing the work for the program; recommending appointments, promotions, interviewing candidates for vacancies; evaluating work performance of subordinates; providing advice and counsel to employees on work and administrative matters; hearing and resolving complaints from employees; effecting minor disciplinary measures; identifying developmental and training needs; developing performance standards; and finding ways to improve the quality of the work directed.
  • Develops, evaluates, and implements comprehensive biosafety, biocontainment, and select agent compliance programs, incorporating Federal, State and local regulations, departmental policies, agency programs and policies and current industry accepted best management practices. Must keep current on new developments, trends, and methods involving veterinary microbiology and/or veterinary medicine, as well as the Select Agent program. 
  • Develops policy, sets goals and objectives, and assesses overall program effectiveness for the Biosafety Section.  Applies veterinary medical and/or microbiological expertise in overseeing safety programs responsible for ensuring that Agency and program guidelines are followed.
  • Provides expert veterinary medical and/or microbiological counsel and advice concerning the execution of policies and functions, and ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements governing both program activities and safety/biosafety/environmental programs.  Applies knowledge of biosafety and uses professional judgment in solving novel or obscure problems requiring use of unconventional methods.  Develops unique strategies to bring programs into compliance.   
  • Serves as an internationally recognized expert in the field of biosafety, providing consultation and advice to international, Federal, State and local agencies, as well as professional organizations such as the American Biological Safety Association. 
  • Provides expert veterinary medical and/or microbiological advice and guidance to Center Programs, Supervisor, and the NCAH Board of Directors on a wide variety of matters pertaining to biosecurity and safety.  Applies risk management techniques in veterinary epidemiology to evaluate potential safety issues and hazardous situations.
  • Incumbent supervises subordinate employees in the section by planning work to be accomplished; assigning work; evaluating work performance; giving advice, counsel or instruction on administrative matters; interviewing candidates for positions, recommending  appointments, promotions or reassignments; hearing and resolving complaints; effecting minor disciplinary measures; identifying developmental and training needs; finding ways to improve production or increase quality of work directed; and developing  performance standards.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Subject to satisfactory completion of one year probationary period.
  • Must acquire and maintain a DoJ/FBI/CJIS security clearance.
  • Valid state driver's license is required.

Special Conditions:

  • Selection and retention in this position is contingent on a successfully adjudicated FBI National Criminal History Check (fingerprint check) and a background investigation
  • Successful completion of a 1 year probationary or trial period (if new hire to the Federal service)
  • 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.
  • Subject to one year supervisory/managerial probation period (unless prior service is creditable).  New USDA Supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required new supervisory training program before the end of their probation period
  • Must possess valid driver’s license.
  • The work is normally sedentary, but also requires the incumbent to visit various facilities that comprise the NCAH campus.
  • The work is performed in an office, laboratories, indoor and outdoor animal holding facilities, necropsy rooms and building mechanical spaces. 
  • Temperature extremes are common. 
  • Exposure to disagreeable odors, working around frightened, unpredictable, and ill natured animals, and exposure to the risks and hazards of harmful biological, chemical, and physical agents are possible. 
  • Immunizations with vaccines may be required to enter facilities conducting work with human diseases. 
  • The incumbent may be required to occasionally wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks or respirators, hearing protection, eye protection, boots, gloves, and coveralls. 
  • The health status of personnel is monitored periodically using biologic and serologic tests and physical examinations.
  • The work involves risk of exposure to contagious diseases of livestock and birds, to toxicants, and to unmanageable and highly distressed animals that may be health and/or safety hazards to humans and/or other animals.
  • The incumbent must receive and maintain a favorably adjudicated Public Trust – High Risk background investigation (Personnel Security form SF-85P) and Criminal Justice Information Services Division (CJIS) approval for handling and storing Select Agents and Toxins, which involves completing a security risk assessment (FBI form FD-961) and receiving an “unrestricted” status from the CJIS.

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 VETERINARY MEDICAL OFFICER (0701): 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
  
OR Graduates 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-0701 ONLY: 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.

RESIDENCY/POST GRADUATE TRAINING PROGRAM AT THE GS-13 LEVEL (0701): Successful completion of three years of an internship, residency program, or fellowship training program in a discipline related to the position. Applicants should provide a certificate or letter documenting the completion of this program in order to qualify.

VETERINARY MEDICAL OFFICER (0701): BOARD CERTIFICATION AT THE GS-13 GRADE LEVEL: Veterinarians who successfully complete all requirements for Diplomat status in an ABVS-recognized veterinary specialty organization may qualify for the GS-13 grade level. Such specialties may include, but are not limited to: veterinary toxicology, laboratory animal medicine, poultry veterinary medicine, theriogenology, veterinary anesthesiology, veterinary behaviorists, veterinary clinical pharmacology, veterinary dermatology, veterinary emergency and critical care, veterinary internal medicine, veterinary microbiology, veterinary nutrition, veterinary ophthalmology, veterinary pathology, veterinary preventive medicine, veterinary radiology, veterinary medicine, and veterinary dentistry. Applicants who have successfully completed all the requirements for Diplomat status in an ABVS-recognized veterinary specialty organization should provide a copy of the certificate documenting the attainment of this status in order to qualify.

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-13 LEVEL (0701): Successful completion of a Ph.D. in an area of specialization including, but not limited to: animal science, avian medicine, food safety, infectious diseases, veterinary clinical sciences, pathobiology, biomedical sciences, veterinary anatomy, veterinary preventive medicine, comparative biological sciences, epidemiology, veterinary parasitology, molecular veterinary biosciences, public health, microbiology, pathology, immunology, laboratory animal medicine, toxicology, wildlife, zoological animal medicine, or other sciences related to the work of a veterinary medical officer position.

BASIC REQUIREMENT MICROBIOLOGIST (0403): 1. Degree: Microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent. OR 2. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. 

NOTE: There is no education substitution for the Microbiologist Series (0403) at this grade level.

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:
  • Performing microbiology, virology, and/or toxicology research or diagnostic testing.
  • Interacting with small to medium groups of personnel from multiple backgrounds including but not limited to researchers, administrators, contractors, scientific staff, and technicians, facility engineering staff, and other similar groups who impact institutional operations, planning, and/or leadership.
  • Verbally communicating technical information to larger groups of personnel from diverse backgrounds.
  • Interpreting and applying Federal/State/Local laws, regulations, and/or policies to establish goals and objectives for implementation in a complex working environment.
  • Creating written products (e.g. Standard Operating Procedures, Memoranda of Understanding, funding grants or project proposals, and/or group/laboratory/institutional policies) to communicate technical information to large or small audiences with the purpose of providing guidance or influencing decisions.

Education

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

  • This position is subject to unscheduled overnight details of undetermined lengths in the event of animal health emergencies or other conditions requiring immediate response, as required by the Agency. (Extensive periods of time may be designated for overnight details.)
  • 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 http://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.
  • 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. See more information at: http://www.chcoc.gov/transmittals/TransmittalDetails.aspx?TransmittalID=6465

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applications will be evaluated in accordance with Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Delegated Examining Procedures using category rating. The category rating procedure is used to rank and select eligible candidates. Applicants who meet basic minimum qualifications will be placed in one of three categories:  Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified.  Within these categories, applicants eligible for veterans preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans.  Category placement will be determined on applicants' quality of experience and the extend they possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) or competencies:

  • Knowledge of animal diseases and related information
  • Ability to administer a regulatory program to detect, survey, control, and eradicate livestock, poultry, and other animal diseases
  • Knowledge of wildlife disease management
  • Knowledge of the development, production, trade, and use of veterinary biologics and applicable laws, regulations and policies
  • Ability to administer a program to respond to emergency outbreaks of animal diseases
  • Ability to administer a regulatory program to prevent the introduction and/or spread of animal diseases through the importation / exportation of animal(s) products
  • Ability to conduct basic & applied research to develop strategies, techniques / methods used in a program to protect U.S. / foreign economic / health safety interests from animal diseases and/or contaminated animal products
  • Communication Skills-Interpersonal, Oral, and Written
  • Ability to lead and supervise others
Your application, including the online Assessment Questionnaire, will be reviewed to determine if you meet (a) minimum qualification requirements and (b) the resume supports the answers provided to the job-specific questions.  Your resume must clearly support your responses to all the questions addressing experience and education relevant to this position.  Those determined to be in the best qualified category will be referred to the selecting official for consideration.

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 and including removal from the Federal Service.


To view the application form, visit: https://aphis.usda.ntis.gov/cp/?event=jobs.previewApplication&jobid=230425D3-5635-498F-A69C-A74B00E6DC42

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

You can make a difference! The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) needs bright, energetic and committed professionals to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. MRP offers an array of occupations and is committed to diversity in the workplace. We operate in domestic and global markets. Be part of an organization that protects the health and agriculture of the American people. Join our team!

USDA is a great place to start or continue your career. USDA is ranked as one of the top 10 "Best Places to Work in the Federal Government" by the Partnership for Public Service (http://bestplacestowork.org/BPTW/rankings/overall/large). Rankings are based on employee feedback regarding satisfaction with their work experience.

Agency contact information

Human Resources
Phone
612-336-3227
Fax
612-336-3560
Email
MRP.APPLICATION.HELP@aphis.usda.gov
Address
USDA APHIS MRPBS
100 N. 6th Street, Butler Sq Bldg, Suite 510C
Minneapolis, MN, 55403
United States

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