You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Applicants who meet basic and minimum qualifications and are among the top scoring individuals will be invited to attend the Assessment Center. Scoring for this first assessment will be based on the applicants' quality of experience and the extent they possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) or competencies:
- Risk Assessment and Analysis
- Technical Knowledge
- Oral Communication
- Written Communication
- Customer Service
- Interpersonal Skills
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.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a highly competitive vacancy with a limited number of openings available. Applications will be rated based on the information provided in the resume and responses to the occupational questions to determine the level of knowledge, skill and ability related to the job requirements.
Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to submit a thorough resume that directly relates to the position and grade level for which you are applying and demonstrates possession of any specialized experience required. Current employment cannot be reviewed by assessors, so your resume and application must cover all relevant experience.
For more information regarding APHIS' Foreign Service, please see the link below: APHIS Foreign Service | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (usda.gov)
The Assessment Center is scheduled to be held virtually from January 27th-31st, 2025. Invitations to the Assessment Center will be emailed to selected candidates in December 2024.
ASSESSMENT CENTER (AC) PROCESS: This is a multi-phase assessment process. The top scoring applicants from this initial USAJOBS assessment will be invited to participate in a one day long, mandatory AC for further evaluation. There are 42 seats currently available in the AC. In the event top scoring candidates decline invitations, the candidate with the next highest score will be invited until all available seats are filled.
The Assessment Center will include tests of the candidates' skills in a series of written, group, and oral exams. Successful candidates will demonstrate the skills, abilities, and qualities deemed essential to the work of the Foreign Service as per the following Foreign Service Job Competencies:
- Management & Supervision
- Critical Thinking & Analysis
- Organizing & Executing Tasks
- Technical Expertise
- Communication & collaboration
- Intra/Interpersonal Savvy
Assessment Center Scores will be used to place finalists in quality categories based on OPM and APHIS Category Rating Procedures. Category definitions by score: Best Qualified 92-100%, Well Qualified 85-91%, Qualified 70-84%. All applicants that pass the AC will be notified and retained for 2 years. Selections and appointments will be made as International Service has need of candidates, starting with those in the BQ category. Any applicant that does not pass any part of the assessment will be notified via e-mail as we move forward with the next step in the process.
To preview the application questionnaire, please visit:
https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12549096