This position is being concurrently announced under Delegated Examining Procedures on announcement number 24VS-APHIS-MA-2017-0358 open to any U.S. Citizen. Current and former Federal employees may apply to both announcements to maximize opportunities for consideration since different referral criteria apply to each announcement type.
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
Summary
This position is being concurrently announced under Delegated Examining Procedures on announcement number 24VS-APHIS-MA-2017-0358 open to any U.S. Citizen. Current and former Federal employees may apply to both announcements to maximize opportunities for consideration since different referral criteria apply to each announcement type.
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
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.
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.
Valid state driver's license is required.
Must acquire and maintain a DoJ/FBI/CJIS security clearance.
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.
Applicants eligible under the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) must submit documentation of more than 24 months of service with their application. “Required documentation” includes first and last SF-50 for each appointment AND documentation of successful performance for each appointment. Applicants are encouraged to combine all required documents into one or more files and scan for uploading into the application. Each file must not exceed 3MB. Grouping documents into files will simplify the application process. Failure to submit required documentation will result in loss of consideration.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience as defined below, etc.
TIME IN GRADE: Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
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.
Please Note: Current employees, regardless of the series occupied, DO NOT have to meet English language proficiency requirement. These candidates are covered under the In-service Placement. Provision if they meet the minimum education and experience requirements.
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.
Education
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.
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.
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 is required (if new hire to 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.
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 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).
Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Employees: Permanent County employees without prior Federal tenure who are selected for a Civil Service position under Public Law 105-277 will be given a career-conditional appointment and must serve a 1-year probationary period.
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.
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.
You will be evaluated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the experience, education, and training you described in your application package, as well as the responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine the degree to which you possess the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies listed below:
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. Applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements and are determined to be among the best qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. Noncompetitive candidates and applicants under some special hiring authorities need to meet minimum qualifications to be referred.
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.
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 for your application to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in mail service, your system failure or downtime, etc. Encrypted and digitally signed documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
Resume that includes the following information: 1) personal information; 2) education; 3) work experience including the work schedule and hours worked per week as well as dates of employment; and title, series and grade if applicable; 4) supervisor's phone number for each work period listed and whether or not we may contact them for reference checks; and, 5) other qualifications.
College Transcripts If education is required or you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. 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. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the education was evaluated by a credential evaluation service as being equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit http://www.naces.org/members.htm. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
Other required documents as applicable:
Current/Former Career/Career-Conditional: MUST submit a copy of an SF-50, non-award Notification of Personnel Action, which documents competitive civil service status and preferably shows your current grade/position. In order to demonstrate competitive civil service status, the "position occupied" block on the SF-50 should show a "1" and your "tenure" block should show a "1" or "2". If your current grade is not your highest permanent grade, submit a copy of an additional SF-50 showing your highest grade.
In addition, current and former Federal employees must submit their most recently completed annual performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) which identifies the official rating of record, signed by the supervisor, or a statement advising why the performance appraisal is unavailable (e.g., length of time in current position, etc.). Performance plans will not be accepted.
Veteran Hiring Authorities: (VEOA, VRA, and 30% Disabled Veterans): DD-214 (Member 4 Copy). DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions that is signed no 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. Veteran’s preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran’s preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
If claiming 10-point veteran’s preference you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), 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/
Schedule A, Persons with Disabilities: Schedule A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u).
CTAP/ICTAP: Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, or appropriate OPM/Agency certification; AND most recent performance evaluation; AND SF-50 demonstrating your separation or the position from which you will be separated.
Other Special Hiring Authority: If claiming eligibility under a special hiring authority not listed above, see the requirements for that authority and submit the required supporting documentation. Special Hiring Authorities
Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act: If eligible under the LMWFA, please see the documents required under "Special Conditions".
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; contact us if you are requesting this.
Step 1: Create a USAJOBS account (if you do not 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. 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. 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. Log into your USAJOBS account and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application” to continue.
NOTE: Verify that uploaded documents from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system. 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).
USDA APHIS MRPBS
100 N. 6th Street, Butler Sq Bldg, Suite 510C
Minneapolis, MN, 55403
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 for your application to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in mail service, your system failure or downtime, etc. Encrypted and digitally signed documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
Resume that includes the following information: 1) personal information; 2) education; 3) work experience including the work schedule and hours worked per week as well as dates of employment; and title, series and grade if applicable; 4) supervisor's phone number for each work period listed and whether or not we may contact them for reference checks; and, 5) other qualifications.
College Transcripts If education is required or you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. 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. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the education was evaluated by a credential evaluation service as being equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit http://www.naces.org/members.htm. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
Other required documents as applicable:
Current/Former Career/Career-Conditional: MUST submit a copy of an SF-50, non-award Notification of Personnel Action, which documents competitive civil service status and preferably shows your current grade/position. In order to demonstrate competitive civil service status, the "position occupied" block on the SF-50 should show a "1" and your "tenure" block should show a "1" or "2". If your current grade is not your highest permanent grade, submit a copy of an additional SF-50 showing your highest grade.
In addition, current and former Federal employees must submit their most recently completed annual performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) which identifies the official rating of record, signed by the supervisor, or a statement advising why the performance appraisal is unavailable (e.g., length of time in current position, etc.). Performance plans will not be accepted.
Veteran Hiring Authorities: (VEOA, VRA, and 30% Disabled Veterans): DD-214 (Member 4 Copy). DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions that is signed no 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. Veteran’s preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran’s preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
If claiming 10-point veteran’s preference you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), 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/
Schedule A, Persons with Disabilities: Schedule A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u).
CTAP/ICTAP: Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, or appropriate OPM/Agency certification; AND most recent performance evaluation; AND SF-50 demonstrating your separation or the position from which you will be separated.
Other Special Hiring Authority: If claiming eligibility under a special hiring authority not listed above, see the requirements for that authority and submit the required supporting documentation. Special Hiring Authorities
Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act: If eligible under the LMWFA, please see the documents required under "Special Conditions".
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; contact us if you are requesting this.
Step 1: Create a USAJOBS account (if you do not 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. 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. 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. Log into your USAJOBS account and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application” to continue.
NOTE: Verify that uploaded documents from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system. 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).
USDA APHIS MRPBS
100 N. 6th Street, Butler Sq Bldg, Suite 510C
Minneapolis, MN, 55403
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.
