Summary
The Office of Public Health Science (OPHS) brings public health leadership to the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the USDA to assure the establishment and support of scientifically sound food safety programs. OPHS develops (i.e. collects, analyzes, and reports) scientific information from conception to consumption for meat, poultry, eggs, and related products and uses that information to assess potential for human health risks at different points throughout the farm-to-table continuum.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
Current permanent Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) employees with competitive status, USDA CTAP/RPL eligible.
Duties
- Administers the microbiology program in an FSIS Field Service Laboratory, in accordance with U.S. and international standards.
- Provides scientific expertise in microbiology to plan, develop, and update analytical and laboratory standards to meet the needs and priorities of the Agency's microbiology testing program.
- Applies scientific expertise in microbiology that enhances the reliability of data generated by the laboratories.
- Manages a microbiology staff that provides data, technical expertise and support to other FSIS programs, including field operations and other government agencies.
- Provides scientific expertise and consultations for FSIS and other government agencies regarding special investigations and evaluations of product safety and quality.
- Reviews submitted technical information and provides advice on its accuracy and validity.
- Formulates and recommends regulations, policies, programs, and procedures for microbiological examination of poultry and meat products and reporting findings from those examinations.
- Maintains up-to-date methodology and equipment necessary for the laboratory programs.
- Directs new and revised microbiology programs and communicates these changes to appropriate officials.
- Evaluates findings for the purpose of providing technical guidance for the inspection and disposition of poultry and meat products and their ingredients.
- Reports orally and in writing on program assignments; prepares and presents reports of investigations at scientific meetings.
- Maintains contact with the scientific community in areas of specialization through personal contact, through review of current technical literature, and by attending and participating in scientific meetings.
- Provides counsel and advice on quality systems issues. Accomplishes these duties through close collaboration with counterparts at the other FSIS laboratories.
- Participates with other officials in planning and coordinating long-range objectives and resolving scientific problems relative to the inspection of meat products and poultry and poultry products to protect the health and welfare of the consumer.
- Initiates requests for procurement of new equipment, supplies, repair, and maintenance services, and for disposal of obsolete and surplus property.
- Oversees quality assurance program to meet ISO 17025 standards for measurement of laboratory analytical performance and adherence to official program methodology.
- Plans, develops, and administers the microbiology analyst training and qualification programs.
- Serves as an expert witness in microbiology and other laboratory related issues.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- 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.
- Must pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
- 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.
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements including the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 0403 series, time-in-grade restriction, and specialized experience requirement by the closing date of the announcement, 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-13 grade level for consideration at the GS-14 grade level.)
To qualify for the Microbiology series 0403, you must meet the following Individual Occupational Requirement:
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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
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Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown in 1 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
For more information about the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 0403 series, click here:
For the GS-14 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level that demonstrates the following: (your resume MUST show demonstrated experiences of these requirements):
- Experience leading a team to develop or modify laboratory methods to perform microbiological analyses.
- Experience leading a team that conducts microbiological or data analyses under ISO 17025 standards in a regulatory environment.
- Experience improving workflow in a regulatory laboratory environment. (Examples include increased efficiency or cost effectiveness).
- Experience communicating technical issues to stakeholders. (Examples include presentations at scientific, agency, or public meetings).
- Experience presenting strategic public health information to leadership.
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.
Education
College transcripts: You must submit a copy of your college transcripts as this series has an education requirement. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application if it includes your name, the schools name, and the necessary course information; however, if you are selected, official transcripts are required 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 institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as 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 the NACES website. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
Benefits
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.
Review our 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 how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
- Attention to Detail
- Decision Making
- Interpersonal Skills
- Leadership
- Oral Communication
- Written Communication
- Technical Competence
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
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. Non-Competitive 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 reflect more accurately 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" button to the right.
To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12448340
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package. The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete: Our office is not responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the specialized experience requirements and major duties, including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; and title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) supervisor's phone number and whether or not the supervisor may be contacted for a reference check; 5) other qualifications. If you need assistance in creating a federal resume please click here.
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. For more information click here.
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.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents sections. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/08/2024 to receive consideration. The application is as follows:
1. Click the Apply Online button.
2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
4. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
5. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
6. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
7. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
8. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete as assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
For more general information, system requirements, reasonable accommodation information, and to request assistance regarding the USA Hire Assessments, review the following resources: USA Hire Assessments.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed
To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: Job Status. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
NOTE: 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 documents must be less than 5MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, TXT or Word (DOC or DOCX). Do not upload Adobe Portfolio documents because they are not viewable.
If you do not have access to the Internet, you are strongly encouraged to visit your library, state employment office, or another establishment that provides internet service to complete the online application and the assessment questionnaire. If this is not an option, refer to the Alternative Methods for Applying section below for specific instructions.
Alternative Methods for Applying: If you are unable to apply using the internet, please fax your request for an application package along with your name and mailing address to: HR (Branch 2) 1-833-840-9219.
Next steps
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 to check your application status. We expect to make a final job offer approximately 40 days after the deadline for applications.
Under the Fair Chance Act, agencies are not allowed to request information about an applicant's criminal history until a conditional offer of employment has been made, except as allowed for access to classified information; assignment to national security duties or positions; acceptance or retention in the armed forces; or recruitment of a federal law enforcement officer. An applicant may submit a complaint, or any other information related to an organization's alleged noncompliance with the Fair Chance Act. The complaint must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the date of the alleged noncompliance. To make a Fair Chance Act inquiry or complaint, send an email with the appropriate information to fsis.fca@usda.gov, subject line: Fair Chance Act.
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