Introduction

The Food and Drug Administration is the regulatory, scientific, public health, and consumer protection agency responsible for ensuring that all human and animal drugs, and medical devices are safe and effective; that cosmetics, foods, food additives, drugs and medicated feeds for food producing animals, and radiation emitting devices are safe; and that all such products marketed in the U.S. are adequately, truthfully and informatively labeled and safely and properly stored, transported, manufactured packaged and regulated.

The mission of the Human Foods Program (HFP) is to protect and promote the health and wellness of all people through science-based approaches to prevent foodborne illness, reduce diet-related chronic disease, and ensure chemicals in food are safe.

Duties/Responsibilities

The Office of Communications, Education, and Engagement (OCEE) is responsible for managing communications, consumer education and outreach, and public engagement strategies and activities for the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) HFP to ensure these efforts are coordinated, timely, and advance the HFP’s goals and priorities.

This position serves as the Office Director for the OCEE who is responsible for managing supervisory and nonsupervisory professionals across 4 subordinate divisions: Division of External Communications and Consumer Education, Division of Public Engagement and Information, and the Division of Web, Visual and Virtual Communications as well as the Internal Communications Staff. The OCEE Director is responsible for providing executive-level management, leadership and consultation on issues that generate broad national and international visibility while sustaining confidence in the HFP and the food supply. This requires, at times, working under severe time constraints and limited resources. In addition, the incumbent performs the following:

•Leads the formulation of messaging, policies, and operational philosophies that guide HFP, allowing FDA and the HFP to implement effective communications and public engagement strategies. Provides communications tactics and guidance on internal and external engagements to HFP leadership and program staff on a wide range of issues while also considering keyleveraging opportunities, identifying and addressing risks, and supporting collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

• Serves as principal advisor to the Deputy Commissioner, HFP leadership, and Agency leadership on all matters concerning communications and outreach efforts involving the HFP.

• Directs staff and develops processes and procedures to review and clear communication plans, communication materials, related web postings, and educational materials to ensure consistent messaging.

• The Office Director devises novel methods and approaches while planning, designing, and overseeing the external and internal communication programs for the HFP, and advocates for strong communication and public engagement programs to build support for the HFP and the Agency.

•Develops metrics to measure the success of internal and external communications and uses the results to develop new communication strategies that successfully fulfill the needs of the HFP and the Agency.

• Participates in and contributes to top level HFP, Agency, and Department discussions, meetings, and conferences on broad policy matters and issues. Monitors, coordinates, and advises the Deputy Commissioner, HFP leadership, and staff on new and revised policies.

• Represents the Agency and establishes and maintains relationships with top level FDA and HHS Officials, national/international industry representatives, counterparts from other Federal, State, and local government agencies, academia, and consumer and other groups to: secure, exchange, advance, and provide information regarding critical issues, discuss questions, problems and issues involving communications and program considerations; and evaluate and make decisions and commitments concerning policies programs, and related activities. The incumbent explains and defends the Agency’s position concerning guidance, policies, and regulatory issues associated with food safety and nutrition initiatives.

• Supports HFP leadership, Agency officials, and others in testifying before Congress and in meetings with Congressional staff, other Federal agencies, regulated industry, and other stakeholders.

• Ensures that the organizational structure of the Office provides for uniformity, optimum effectiveness, and operational efficiency. Analyzes and defines significant obstacles to program accomplishments and recommends changes and initiates action to ensure effective resource utilization and the elimination of unnecessary duplication. Promotes and encourages intra- and inter-program cooperation to achieve program objectives.

• Manages the personnel and financial resources of the Office ensuring that resources are allocated and utilized in accordance with the identified priorities and core functions of the HFP.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervisor provides occupational specific technical and administrative direction 25 percent or more of the time to three or more subordinate employees performing the work and functions of the organization. * Obtains resources and identifies strategic objectives for the organization. * Defines jobs, selects employees, and assigns work; defines technical work requirements and milestones; evaluates the organization and employee accomplishments by accepting or rejecting work products; and presents and defends organization and employees work to senior management and other offices. * Recommends employee promotions and recognition; approves leave; implements performance modifications and takes corrective actions as appropriate. * Provides equal opportunity in all Federal human capital and employment programs regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, affiliation or non-affiliation with a labor organization, political affiliation, status as a parent. * Provides employees resources and information that insures a safe and healthy work environment.

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date.

• Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment.

• Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

• Direct Deposit: You will be required to have all federal salary payments electronically deposited into a bank account with a financial institution of your choice.

• FDA participates in e-Verify: All new hires must complete the I-9 form; this information will be processed through e-Verify to determine your employment eligibility. If a discrepancy arises, you must take affirmative steps to resolve the matter.

• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service. • One year supervisory probationary period may be required.

• Financial Disclosure may be required.

• Ethics Clearance may be required.

• Background Investigation/Security Clearance is required. All employees must pass a security investigation. Failing to pass the background check may be grounds for removal or legal action. If hired, you may be subject to additional investigations at a later time.

Qualifications

To be placed into a Cures position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Scientific, Technical, and Professional Fields

2. Qualified and Outstanding Candidates

a. Qualified applies to all candidates for Cures appointments. The FDA OTS will use the basic requirements defined in the OPM Qualification Standards as a baseline for comparing experience levels and other candidate attributes for relevant positions.

b. Outstanding candidates can be defined by existing outstanding work experience, outstanding performance rating, or both.

In order to qualify for this Title 21 Cures position, the candidate(s) must meet the following required qualifications. Please note: Additional education and experience listed that is not indicated as required is preferable and desired. Candidates who do not meet the “desired” criteria will not be excluded from consideration for this position.

Desired Professional Experience or Education:

• At least 5 years of experience managing communication activities for a regulatory or science-based program.

• Experience leading and managing subordinate supervisors and teams effectively, with a track record of strategic decision-making and achieving business objectives.

• Experience in driving organizational change initiatives and navigating through complex challenges.

• Experience communicating highly technical information in a clear way and working with staff at all levels of the organization and varying levels of domain expertise; excellent listening skills and a commitment to communicate in a timely manner.

• Ability to develop networks and build alliances while collaborating across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals.

• Experience in identifying internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization. Perceives organizational and political realities and acts accordingly.

• Experience identifying and analyzing problems; weigh relevance and accuracy of information; generate and evaluate alternative solutions; make recommendations.

Education Transcripts

SUBMITTING YOUR TRANSCRIPTS: Positions which are scientific or technical in nature often have very specific educational requirements. A transcript is required to verify educational achievement. Pay careful attention to the Qualifications and Education sections to identify vacancies where a transcript is required. Even if you hold a similar position or are a current FDA employee, you are not exempt from transcript requirements.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For more information about this requirement, please visit the U.S. Department of Education website for Foreign Education Evaluation.

How to Apply How to Apply: Submit resume or curriculum vitae with cover letter by the closing date as identified above to hfpexecutiveresources@fda.hhs.gov. Candidate resumes may be shared with hiring official within the CFSAN with a similar job vacancy. Candidates can opt out of this process by annotating resume with “do not share”. For questions please contact hfpexecutiveresources@fda.hhs.gov. Please reference Job Reference ID: OCEE, Office Director.

Announcement Contact: For questions regarding this Cures position, please contact hfpexecutiveresources@fda.hhs.gov. Please reference Job Reference ID: OCEE, Office Director. The Department of Health and Human Services is an equal opportunity employer with a smoke free environment. FDA is an equal opportunity employer.

How to Apply How to Apply: Submit resume or curriculum vitae with cover letter and a copy of all transcripts (with foreign credential evaluation, if applicable) by the closing date as identified above to hfpexecutiveresources@fda.hhs.gov. Candidate resumes may be shared with hiring official within the CFSAN with a similar job vacancy. Candidates can opt out of this process by annotating resume with “do not share”. For questions please contact hfpexecutiveresources@fda.hhs.gov. Please reference Job Reference ID: OQAM, Office Director.

Introduction:

The Food and Drug Administration is the regulatory, scientific, public health, and consumer protection agency responsible for ensuring that all human and animal drugs, and medical devices are safe and effective; that cosmetics, foods, food additives, drugs and medicated feeds for food producing animals, and radiation emitting devices are safe; and that all such products marketed in the U.S. are adequately, truthfully and informatively labeled and safely and properly stored, transported, manufactured packaged and regulated. The mission of the Human Foods Program (HFP) is to protect and promote the health and wellness of all people through science-based approaches to prevent foodborne illness, reduce diet-related chronic disease, and ensure chemicals in food are safe.

Duties/Responsibilities: The Office of Quality Assessment and Management (OQAM) leads the quality initiative for the Human Foods Program (HFP), supporting a culture of continuous improvement and optimization of program operations. The Office is responsible for evaluating and making fitness-for-use determinations of food safety systems and also making recommendations to HFP leadership on maximizing domestic and international regulatory partners’ food safety work to increase public health protection. OQAM also assesses and monitors the efficacy and efficiency of HFP programs and procedures and makes recommendations to HFP leadership of options for improvement. The Office Director manages the Quality Assessment Staff and Quality Management Staff and performs the following:

•Provides executive-level management, leadership, and consultation on HFP’s quality management system and assessments program; ensures that quality standards and audits and assessments following consistent practices.

• Creates and implements quality assessment and management practices, policies, and procedures to align with the organization’s goals and objectives.

• Leads the formulation of audit activities and programs. Ensures that inspection, investigation, sample collection and analysis, enforcement, response recovery and outreach components meet programmatic standards.

• Serves as principal advisor to the Deputy Commissioner, HFP leadership, and Agency leadership on all matters concerning quality management and assessment programs, standards, and policies. Serves as an expert advisor on ISO accreditation requirements and activities.

• Leads innovative approaches on leveraging external (state/international) food safety systems to inform risk prioritization in collaboration with other HFP offices.

• Leads the collaboration with other HFP offices and the development of training for HFP staff to ensure that quality standards are integrated into all aspects of the organization.

• Assesses current internal processes and procedures to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. Oversee the implementation of process improvements based on assessment findings, ensuring changes enhance quality and performance. Identify potential risks related to quality and develop mitigation strategies to minimize their impact.

• Keeps abreast of industry trends, standards, and best practices to ensure that the organization's QA practices remain current and effective.

• Establishes and maintains liaisons throughout HFP, within FDA and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), State, local, and international regulatory partners, and key representatives from agencies and programs for which the office conducts business to inform and explain regulations and audit procedures and processes.

• Participates in and contributes to top level HFP, Agency, and Department discussions, meetings, and conferences on matters and issues concerning HFP’s quality management system and assessments program. Monitors, coordinates, and advises the Deputy Commissioner, HFP leadership, and staff on new and revised policies.

• Ensures that the organizational structure of the Office provides for uniformity, optimum effectiveness, and operational efficiency. Analyzes and defines significant obstacles to program accomplishments and recommends changes and initiates action to ensure effective resource utilization and the elimination of unnecessary duplication. Promotes and encourages intra- and inter-program cooperation to achieve program objectives.

• Manages the personnel and financial resources of the Office ensuring that resources are allocated and utilized in accordance with the identified priorities and core functions of the HFP.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervisor provides occupational specific technical and administrative direction 25 percent or more of the time to three or more subordinate employees performing the work and functions of the organization. * Obtains resources and identifies strategic objectives for the organization. * Defines jobs, selects employees, and assigns work; defines technical work requirements and milestones; evaluates the organization and employee accomplishments by accepting or rejecting work products; and presents and defends organization and employees work to senior management and other offices. * Recommends employee promotions and recognition; approves leave; implements performance modifications and takes corrective actions as appropriate. * Provides equal opportunity in all Federal human capital and employment programs regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, affiliation or non-affiliation with a labor organization, political affiliation, status as a parent. * Provides employees resources and information that insures a safe and healthy work environment.

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date.

• Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment.

• Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

•Direct Deposit: You will be required to have all federal salary payments electronically deposited into a bank account with a financial institution of your choice.

• FDA participates in e-Verify: All new hires must complete the I-9 form; this information will be processed through e-Verify to determine your employment eligibility. If a discrepancy arises, you must take affirmative steps to resolve the matter.

• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.

• One year supervisory probationary period may be required.

• Financial Disclosure may be required.

• Ethics Clearance may be required.

• Background Investigation/Security Clearance is required. All employees must pass a security investigation. Failing to pass the background check may be grounds for removal or legal action. If hired, you may be subject to additional investigations at a later time.

Qualifications

To be placed into a Cures position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Scientific, Technical, and Professional Fields

2. Qualified and Outstanding Candidates

a. Qualified applies to all candidates for Cures appointments. The FDA OTS will use the basic requirements defined in the OPM Qualification Standards as a baseline for comparing experience levels and other candidate attributes for relevant positions.

b. Outstanding candidates can be defined by existing outstanding work experience, outstanding performance rating, or both.

In order to qualify for this Title 21 Cures position, the candidate(s) must meet the following required qualifications.

Please note: Additional education and experience listed that is not indicated as required is preferable and desired. Candidates who do not meet the “desired” criteria will not be excluded from consideration for this position.

Education Required: Education Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- quality assurance, statistics, mathematics, production management, industrial management, computer science, engineering, engineering technology, physical sciences, textiles, or other fields related to the position; OR Specialized Experience (for positions above GS-5): Experience that demonstrated a practical knowledge in monitoring, controlling, or maintaining the quality of products or services in quality assurance, procurement, inspection, production, or related areas.

Examples include:

• Reviewing production activities and capabilities in light of contract quality requirements.

• Reviewing written quality or inspection procedures for adequacy, and evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of quality/inspection systems, including sampling plans.

• Analyzing quality data to detect unsatisfactory trends or weaknesses in the quality/inspection system.

• Verifying by test or inspection, using sampling inspection or intensive product inspection techniques, that products comply with requirements prior to acceptance.

• Identifying inadequacies and requesting corrective action.

• Computing data, summarizing results, and preparing reports or charts depicting pertinent relationships using statistical methods.

• Investigating customer complaints and deficiency reports, and providing identification of causes to appropriate authorities.

• Reading, interpreting, and applying technical data such as blueprints, engineering drawings, product specifications, or technical manuals.

• Reviewing and evaluating supply systems operations and procedures through periodic audits and surveillance inspections.

Desired Professional Experience or Education:

• At least 5 years of experience leading teams or work related to quality management and assurance with demonstrated success in building a quality culture focused on driving continuous improvement within an complex organization.

• Familiarity with a variety of technology solutions, such as automation and artificial intelligence, that support the optimization and improvement of program operations.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze business processes and procedures, identify root causes, generate corrective/preventive actions, and oversee and evaluate the process improvement effort.

• Experience communicating highly technical information in a clear way and working with staff at all levels of the organization and varying levels of domain expertise.

• Demonstrated ability developing networks and building alliances with internal and external parties; collaborating across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals.

Education Transcripts

SUBMITTING YOUR TRANSCRIPTS: Positions which are scientific or technical in nature often have very specific educational requirements. A transcript is required to verify educational achievement. Pay careful attention to the Qualifications and Education sections to identify vacancies where a transcript is required. Even if you hold a similar position or are a current FDA employee, you are not exempt from transcript requirements.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.For more information about this requirement, please visit the U.S. Department of Education website for Foreign Education Evaluation.

Reports to: Director of Procurement
Position Type: Full Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Grade: 9

Job Summary:
The position is responsible for supply planning activities, which includes creating a supply plan, scheduling deliveries, aligning supply and demand and implementing the plan.

Responsibilities & Duties:
Primary duties include but are not limited to:
• Adheres to purchasing policies, processes, and procedures.
• Carries inventory control policies and procedures.
• Uses knowledge of material work planning and methods engineering processes and procedures to coordinate product deliveries.
• Uses knowledge of machines and equipment to schedule items necessary to continual production cycles.
• Copies data and compiles records and reports.
• Purchases supplies (direct and indirect materials and services).
• Performs data entry of all purchase orders.
• Sends all new purchase orders to vendors.
• Assists other departments when required.
• Plan materials in coordination with suppliers and considering internal requirements and demand plans.
• Reviews requisitions.
• Confers with vendors to obtain product or service information such as price, availability and delivery schedule.
• Manages the day to day interaction with suppliers, including
• Communicating with vendors to find out status of orders and to resolve daily supply issues.
• Contacts vendors with discrepancies with quantity and quality.
• Interfaces with all departments and resolves problems and issues as necessary.
• Helps develop the company’s inventory tracking system
• Any other duties as assigned.

Skills:
• Experience and proficient in using databases, web-based portals, and able to learn planning and procurement software quickly.
• Project management
• Customer centric.
• Organization and time management.
• Supply planning
• Strong organizational skills, ability to multi-task and ability to exercise independent judgment
• Must be detail-oriented
• Demonstrated proficiency in analyzing data, problem identification and resolution and ability to generate clear/concise reports indicating key issues to management/ department heads
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Aptitude in problem solving
• Ability to work independently
• Knowledge of Lean Principles/Concepts
• Kanban experience a plus
• Flexible, with strong teamwork orientation
• Strong orientation toward quality, safety and continuous improvement
• Demonstrated ability to effectively implement change
• FFT ERP (Measure) knowledge preferred, but not required.

Qualifications:
• Associate’s degree or equivalent experience in supply chain or business administration
• Minimum 2 years’ prior experience in purchasing related experience or demonstrated knowledge skills
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

Physical Requirements/Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel and talk or hear. Employee is exposed to extreme cold temperatures and moderate noise levels on a regular basis. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus

Working Conditions:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

EEO Statement
Fresh From Texas does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

APPLY AT

Email: vanessa.lozano@freshtx.com

Blue Book: Informed by a century of experience, relationships and cutting-edge technology, we provide the connections and data you need to manage your business, limit your financial risk, and accelerate your growth.  We offer a suite of services oriented around: Trade Intelligence, Sales Intelligence and Business Intelligence.

Trade Intelligence

We have the most complete data in the world specific to the produce, transportation, and forestry industries.  Using cutting-edge technology and proprietary algorithms, our data scientists analyze 620,000 credit references and business profiles a year, representing $46 billion of transactions, and turn that into actionable insights to help our customers make smart trading decisions, faster.

Sales Intelligence

Technology informs decisions, but relationships build businesses. Our data provides tens of thousands of qualified leads throughout the supply chain, making it easier than ever to find and build lasting trading connections.

Market Intelligence

Our real time industry news and analysis empowers 60,000 industry leaders to identify better connections, make better decisions, and drive better outcomes.

Role Description

This is a full-time, hybrid role as a data Subscription Seller. Join a dynamic team leading change across Blue Book. You will be responsible for conducting sales activities, including prospecting, lead generation, and relationship management with prospective customers. The role also involves driving customer satisfaction and achieving sales targets through phone and in-person sales. This role is in Rio Grande Valley Texas area with potential trips to other cities in Texas and allows for remote work.

Qualifications

• Self-starter, change agent with a passion to sell and meet a customer’s needs
• Bilingual – English & Spanish
• 1-2 years of sales and negotiation skills
• Relationship builder
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of the wholesale produce industry a plus
• Proficient in using CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Agriculture or related field

Send resume with cover letter to Jeff Lair, Director of Membership Sales, jlair@bluebookservices.com.

Amex Distributing Co., LP specializes in cold storage and warehousing services for the fresh produce industry. Among the items we handle are mango, avocado, cucumber, pepper, squash, onion, green beans, and more. We are located just a few miles from the USA/Mexico border in Pharr, Texas.

The Inventory Control Supervisor is responsible for supporting the Inventory Control Manager on all matters relating to inventory control, including proper planning, storage, rotation, and handling. The position holder must have a keen understanding of Famous software to analyze daily supply levels, anticipate problems or shortages, and ensure product flows in and out of the cold storage facility with minimal interruptions. The Inventory Control Supervisor liaises between those in sales and those in operations, and he/she is responsible for accurate and timely end-of-day balanced inventory reporting. A successful candidate is produce savvy, solutions-focused, and a strong communicator.

Key Responsibilities Include:

1. Prepare closing physical inventory count and reporting.
2. Support coordination efforts between the cold storage facility and team to align over arrivals, shipments, work activities and priorities.
3. Use Famous (dispatch modules) to troubleshoot, add / correct information relative to orders and inventory as needed.
4. Be a point of contact for anyone who has questions on inventory, allocations, changes, and priorities.
5. Ensure orders ship out correctly (with correct pick tickets, communicating with team on changes).
6. Promote efforts to improve communication between the warehouse and sales.
7. Support inventory allocation, staging, and rotation efforts.
8. Perform other operational duties as needed (e.g., restacking, repalletization, tagging).
9. Stay on top of customer specs and QC requirements and support the Inventory Control Manager on managing QC efforts.
10. Coordinate with the QC team on inspection sampling, and support with moving products to/from the cold room.
11. Responsible for afternoon and end-of-day inbound/outbound transportation updates
    1. Know who the carriers are
    1. Communicate with the team/others to stay posted on truck updates
12. Prepare for and present during the morning operations calls as needed.
13. Support with repack supervision, including coordinating between the repackers, warehouse, accounting, and sales teams on product; maintaining a good working relationship with the repacking company; estimating crew needs and scheduling; ensuring paperwork accuracy; and making sure pallet tags and PTI labels are printed, and product is tagged accordingly.

Core Skills and Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to develop/maintain good relationships.
• Ability to interact with others in a professional manner.
• Solid understanding of cold storage handling and inventory rotation of fresh fruit and vegetables. Experience with mangos a plus.
• Experience working with Excel, Word, Outlook.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Famous Software experience is a plus.
• Bi-lingual (English / Spanish) a must.
• Targeted area is within 20 miles of Pharr or McAllen, TX.

Amex Distributing Company., LP           
www.AmexDistributing.com
Tel: 956-464-9300
7741 103 N 17th St., Donna, TX 78537

jenny@pennrosefarms.com

Opening Date: October 11, 2023 

Closing Date: Open Until Filled 

Position Title: Natural Resource Specialist IV-Project Manager 

Number of Positions: One (1) 

Group/Class: 2685 / B21 

Monthly Salary: $6,968.00 

Work Location: Headquarters, Temple, Texas 

Travel: As needed. 

Reports to: On-The-Ground Program Manager 

Position Description: The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB)  is seeking applicants for one position to serve as Project Manager for the TSSWCB’s  contracted role in the Texas Climate-Smart Initiative (TCSI). The TCSI is a statewide  multiagency initiative lead by Texas A&M AgriLife Research that is seeking to incentivize climate-smart conservation practice implementation across the state. Funding for the  TCSI is being provided by the United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) through Texas A&M AgriLife Research  to the TSSWCB. 

Position Term: Funding for these TEMPORARY positions will terminate on May 29,2028 along with the positions. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES 

Performs advanced (senior-level) natural resources work. Work involves overseeing  and/or performing conservation, management, protection, preservation, or utilization of  natural resources work of the TSSWCB. The TCSI will expand markets for climate smart commodities, leverage the greenhouse gas benefits of climate-smart commodity  production, and provide direct, meaningful benefits to production agriculture, including  for small and underserved producers. 

Position will supervise and coordinate five conservation planners hired through the TCSI  that will be involved in recruiting participation in the project, as well as facilitating the 

completion and submittal of applications, conservation plans, contracts, and on-site  meetings for preliminary planning discussions. 

Position will coordinate the activities performed by the conservation planners such as  providing consultation on climate-smart planning options for participants, particularly  when calculating incentive payment amounts during contracting. Position will also  coordinate status reviews and performance certifications prior to payment distribution. 

Position will oversee project budget management and coordinate with TCSI partners. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED 

Participates in the recruitment of participants for the TCSI. 

Facilitates the completion and submittal of project applications. 

Consults with participants on planning options and impacts to potential incentive  payments. 

Conducts planning discussions with participants and develops a climate-smart  conservation plan that results in increased climate-smart conservation practice  implementation. 

Utilizes the USDA-NRCS COMET Model; training will be offered through project  partners. 

Participates in the ranking of TCSI applications. 

Facilitates the completion of project contracting for each participant, including the final  payment schedule and contract terms. 

Schedules and performs performance certifications and status reviews to measure  adherence to the climate-smart conservation plan implementation schedule and terms  of the contract. 

Performs other duties as assigned. 

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION 

Applicants should have at least 5-years experience in natural resources conservation  fieldwork involving the development and implementations of conservation plans and  have graduated from a college or university with a degree in agriculture or a natural  science field. 

Applicants must be certified as Level II Conservation Planners by the USDA-NRCS as  defined by their National Planning Procedures Handbook.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

Selected applicants will be those familiar with USDA-NRCS climate-smart mitigation  categories, particularly soil health, agroforestry, and forestry, and the specific conservation practices associated with them. Specific practices include, but are not  limited to, conservation cover, conservation crop rotation, residue and tillage  management (no-till and reduced till), cover crop, filter strips, nutrient management,  waste separator facilities, pasture and hay planting, irrigation water management,  wetlands restoration, and a variety of forestry-related practices. 

Applicants should be familiar with the traditional conservation planning partnership in  Texas between 216 local soil and water conservation districts, the Texas NRCS, and the  TSSWCB. Additionally, applicants should have the ability to communicate (in-person)  directly with landowners and agricultural producers about their current activities and the  potential impacts of a climate-smart conservation plan on their existing operations. 

Applicants must be able to keep records of meetings, sufficient to document participant  planning decisions, and produce a physical conservation plan formatted to TSSWCB  specifications. Applicants must be able to coordinate their activities with multiple TCSI  partners as well as other TSSWCB program staff and local soil and water conservation  districts. 

Applicants should have experience managing grants and contracts and monitoring  project budgets. 

Applicants should have experience supervising staff and coordinating their activities  toward the completion of project goals. 

Applicants should have general knowledge of local, state, federal laws related to  TSSWCB program areas. 

Travel is required, as well as the availability to work extended and/or irregular hours.  

Excellent written and verbal communications skills are required along with the ability to  work in an office and outdoor environments. Knowledge of computer software programs  and other office equipment is needed. 

Incumbent must be able to safely and legally operate a motor vehicle, safely accomplish  moderate lifting (15 to 44lbs), maintain moderate physical activity with full range of  motion and possess the ability to work alone and as a member of a group. 

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, OR LICENSURE 

Must have or obtain a valid Driver’s License.

Must be certified as a Level II Conservation Planner by the USDA-NRCS as defined by  their National Planning Procedures Handbook. 

APPLICATION PROCESS 

A completed, signed State of Texas application for Employment is required for this  position. Mail  

an original application to the address below. Resumes may be submitted but will not be  accepted in lieu of the application. A State of Texas application for Employment may  also be completed on the WorkInTexas website at http://www.workintexas.com. 

For additional information, visit our website at http://www.tsswcb.texas.gov or contact: 

Human Resource Department 

Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board 1497 Country View Lane Temple, TX 76504-8806 

Veteran’s Preference 

Veterans or members of the Reserve or National Guard with an MOS or additional  duties that fall in the fields of OS, YN, YNS, 611X, 612X, 641X, OSS or other related  fields pertaining to the minimum experience requirements may meet the  minimum qualifications. Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at:  https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManagement.pdf 

Selection Information 

Criminal background checks maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety  (DPS) will be  

conducted before an offer of employment is extended. Evidence of a criminal conviction  or other relevant information obtained from the DPS shall not automatically disqualify an  individual from employment with the TSSWCB. 

At the time of hire, selected applicants must show proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. All males who are age  18 through 25 and are required to register with the Selective Service may be asked to  present proof of registration or exemption from registration upon hire. 

TSSWCB participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration  (SSA) and, if  

necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each  new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

****Important Notice**** 

This temporary position exists due to Federal Grant funds available to the Texas State  Soil and Water Conservation Board toward the execution of the provisions of an  interagency contract with Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the lead entity administering  the Texas Climate-Smart Initiative.  

The Texas Climate-Smart Initiative is a grant project funded by USDA-NRCS’  Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Grant Announcement USDA-NRCS COMM-22-NOFO0001139.  

These TEMPORARY positions will terminate on May 29, 2028. Applicants should  realize that, if selected, their employment may terminate with the unexpected  cancellation of federal grant funds prior to May 29, 2028. 

All other employment policies and procedures are the same as those that apply to all  Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board employees. 

The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board is an equal opportunity employer  and does not discriminate against job applicants or employees on the basis of race,  color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability. In compliance with the Americans  with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you require reasonable accommodation in the interview  and selection process, please call the agency's ADA Coordinator at (254)773-2250x227.

Opening Date: October 11, 2023
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Position Title: Natural Resource Specialist IV-Conservation Planner
Number of Positions: Five (5)
Group/Class: 2685 / B21
Monthly Salary: $5,301.00

Work Location: Service areas will be determined by a number of factors including
candidate preference and willingness to relocate, project priority areas, agency regional
office locations, and location of project participants. TSSWCB will assign all selected
candidates to an agency regional office for administrative support. Service areas will be
negotiated cooperatively with selected candidates. Qualified individuals interested in
these positions should apply as the TCSI is a statewide project.

Travel: EXTENSIVE: These positions will be engaged directly with each project
participant on their property numerous times during the project period.

Reports to: TSSWCB’s Texas Climate-Smart Initiative Project Manager

Position Description: The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB)
is seeking applicants for five (5) positions to serve as Climate-Smart Conservation
Planners in support of the Texas Climate-Smart Initiative (TCSI). The TCSI is a
statewide multiagency initiative lead by Texas A&M AgriLife Research that is seeking to
incentivize climate-smart conservation practice implementation across the state.
Funding for the TCSI is being provided by the United States Department of Agriculture –
Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) through Texas A&M AgriLife
Research to the TSSWCB.

Position Term: Funding for these TEMPORARY positions will terminate on May 29,
2028 along with the positions.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Performs advanced (senior-level) natural resources work. Work involves overseeing
and/or performing conservation, management, protection, preservation, or utilization of natural resources work of the TSSWCB. The TCSI will expand markets for climate-smart commodities, leverage the greenhouse gas benefits of climate-smart commodity production, and provide direct, meaningful benefits to production agriculture, including for small and underserved producers.

Planners hired through this announcement will be involved in recruiting participation in
the project, as well as facilitating the completion and submittal of applications,
conservation plans, contracts, and on-site meetings for preliminary planning
discussions. The primary function of the planners will be climate-smart conservation
plan development, therefore, experience in soil health and other climate smart practices
will be important during candidate selection.

Planners may be required to utilize the USDA-NRCS CarbOn Management & Emissions
Tool (COMET) to estimate greenhouse gas emissions reductions and carbon
sequestration benefits (training will be provided).

Planners will be involved in providing consultation on climate-smart planning options for
participants, particularly when calculating incentive payment amounts during
contracting. Planners will also coordinate status reviews and performance certifications
prior to payment distribution.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Participates in the recruitment of participants for the TCSI.

Facilitates the completion and submittal of project applications.

Consults with participants on planning options and impacts to potential incentive
payments.

Conducts planning discussions with participants and develops a climate-smart
conservation plan that results in increased climate-smart conservation practice
implementation.

Utilizes the USDA-NRCS COMET Model; training will be offered through project
partners.

Participates in the ranking of TCSI applications.

Facilitates the completion of project contracting for each participant, including the final
payment schedule and contract terms.

Schedules and performs performance certifications and status reviews to measure
adherence to the climate-smart conservation plan implementation schedule and terms
of the contract.

Performs other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Applicants should have at least 5-years experience in natural resources conservation
fieldwork involving the development and implementations of conservation plans and
have graduated from a college or university with a degree in agriculture or a natural
science field.

Applicants must possess a Level III planning certification from USDA-NRCS (formerly
known as Certified Conservation Planner). This planner certification builds on the Level
I coursework with additional AgLearn courses and three in-person courses requiring
space reservations to attend.

NRCS planner level certifications and requirements may be viewed at this website:
https://www.wactd.org/certification/nrcs-certification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Selected applicants will be those familiar with USDA-NRCS climate-smart mitigation
categories, particularly soil health, agroforestry, and forestry, and the specific
conservation practices associated with them. Specific practices include, but are not
limited to, conservation cover, conservation crop rotation, residue and tillage
management (no-till and reduced till), cover crop, filter strips, nutrient management,
waste separator facilities, pasture and hay planting, irrigation water management,
wetlands restoration, and a variety of forestry-related practices.

Applicants should be familiar with the traditional conservation planning partnership in
Texas between 216 local soil and water conservation districts, the Texas NRCS, and the
TSSWCB. Additionally, applicants should have the ability to communicate (in-person)
directly with landowners and agricultural producers about their current activities and the
potential impacts of a climate-smart conservation plan on their existing operations.
Planners may be required to utilize the USDA-NRCS COMET tool to estimate
greenhouse gas emissions reductions and carbon sequestration benefits (training will
be provided).

Planners must be able to keep records of meetings, sufficient to document participant
planning decisions, and produce a physical conservation plan formatted to TSSWCB
specifications. Applicants must be able to coordinate their activities with multiple TCSI
partners as well as other TSSWCB program staff and local soil and water conservation
districts.

Applicants should have general knowledge of local, state, federal laws related to
TSSWCB program areas.

Extensive travel is required, as well as the availability to work extended and/or irregular
hours.

Excellent written and verbal communications skills are required along with the ability to
work in an office and outdoor environments. Knowledge of computer software programs
and other office equipment is needed.

Incumbent must be able to safely and legally operate a motor vehicle, safely accomplish
moderate lifting (15 to 44lbs), maintain moderate physical activity with full range of
motion and possess the ability to work alone and as a member of a group.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, OR LICENSURE

Must have or obtain a valid Driver’s License.

Applicants must possess a Level III certification from USDA-NRCS (formerly known as
Certified Conservation Planner). This planner certification builds on the Level I
coursework with additional AgLearn courses and three in-person courses requiring
space reservations to attend.

APPLICATION PROCESS

A completed, signed State of Texas application for Employment is required for this
position. Mail an original application to the address below. Resumes may be submitted but will not be
accepted in lieu of the application. A State of Texas application for Employment may
also be completed on the WorkInTexas website at http://www.workintexas.com.
For additional information, visit our website at http://www.tsswcb.texas.gov or contact:
Human Resource Department
Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board 1497 Country View Lane
Temple, TX 76504-8806

Veteran’s Preference
Veterans or members of the Reserve or National Guard with an MOS or additional
duties that fall in the fields of OS, YN, YNS, 611X, 612X, 641X, OSS or other related
fields pertaining to the minimum experience requirements may meet the
minimum qualifications. Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at:
https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManag
ement.pdf

Selection Information
Criminal background checks maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety
(DPS) will be
conducted before an offer of employment is extended. Evidence of a criminal conviction
or other relevant information obtained from the DPS shall not automatically disqualify an
individual from employment with the TSSWCB.
At the time of hire, selected applicants must show proof of eligibility to work in the
U.S. in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. All males who are age
18 through 25 and are required to register with the Selective Service may be asked to
present proof of registration or exemption from registration upon hire.
TSSWCB participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration
(SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each
new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Important Notice

These temporary positions exist due to Federal Grant funds available to the Texas
State Soil and Water Conservation Board toward the execution of the provisions of an
interagency contract with Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the lead entity administering
the Texas Climate-Smart Initiative.
The Texas Climate-Smart Initiative is a grant project funded by USDA-NRCS’

Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Grant Announcement USDA-NRCS-
COMM-22-NOFO0001139.

Applicants must understand these are TEMPORARY positions that will terminate
on May 29, 2028. Applicants should realize that, if selected, their employment may
terminate with the unexpected cancellation of federal grant funds prior to May 29,
2028.
All other employment policies and procedures are the same as those that apply to all
Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board employees.

The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board is an equal opportunity employer
and does not discriminate against job applicants or employees on the basis of race,
color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability. In compliance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you require reasonable accommodation in the interview
and selection process, please call the
agency's ADA Coordinator at (254)773-2250x227.

McAllen, Texas, United States Of America  Job ID: R150060

Apply Here

Position Overview

At PNC, our people are our greatest differentiator and competitive advantage in the markets we serve. We are all united in delivering the best experience for our customers. We work together each day to foster an inclusive workplace culture where all of our employees feel respected, valued and have an opportunity to contribute to the company’s success. As a Personal Banker, you will strengthen customer relationships with a defined sales process. You will spend most of your time as a personal banker, engaging customers in sales conversations in order to identify appropriate financial solutions. This position, within PNC's Retail Branch Banking Network, is based in McAllen, TX at the McAllen South Jackson branch.

Bilingual (Spanish) Preferred

Job Description

• Acquires and deepens the branch customer base through a variety of proactive sales and service activities. Manages the customer experience by identifying opportunities to improve the customer's financial wellbeing. Collaborates with ecosystem partners to grow customer's share of wallet. Positions PNC solutions to drive new revenue and customer loyalty.
• Drives proactive sales conversations through internal and outbound interactions with a defined sales process including outbound calling, service to sales, teller interactions, appointment setting and effective lobby engagement, ultimately elevating client loyalty. Delivers a full PNC conversation with every client interaction to identify appropriate PNC solutions. Leverages ecosystem partnerships as well as community Centers of Influence to acquire, expand and retain relationships.
• Creates customer loyalty and grows customer share of wallet through a differentiated customer experience. Performs lobby engagement activities to connect with customers and position PNC products to meet their needs. Educates customers on options for managing financial transactions by leveraging technology, tools and resources.
• Applies product and procedural knowledge to identify, mitigate and solve customer problems effectively to drive customer loyalty.
• Manages risk through adherence to all policies and procedures, demonstrating sound judgment within established limits. Demonstrates a heightened scrutiny to identify and avoid loss. Participates in branch daily operations, ensuring they are completed in an efficient and accurate manner.

PNC Employees take pride in our reputation and to continue building upon that we expect our employees to be:

• Customer Focused - Knowledgeable of the values and practices that align customer needs and satisfaction as primary considerations in all business decisions and able to leverage that information in creating customized customer solutions.
• Managing Risk - Assessing and effectively managing all of the risks associated with their business objectives and activities to ensure they adhere to and support PNC's Enterprise Risk Management Framework.

To learn more about this opportunity, please watch this video.

Competencies

Banking Products – Knowledge of and ability to provide products and services available through the retail banking branch.

Digital Awareness – Shares, shows and supports clients on a variety of technological digital and online tools and resources allowing them to explore solutions to achieve their financial goals and financial well-being through the PNC conversation.

Effective Communications – Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.

Managing Multiple Priorities – Ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities, making effective judgments as to prioritizing and time allocation.

Matrix Management – Ability to build and use effective working relationships within own department and across department, functional, and geographic reporting lines.

Problem Solving – Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply this knowledge appropriately to diverse situations.

Prospecting. – Knowledge of prospecting principles, processes and skills; ability to identify and engage potential customers in the market. Build relationships and create opportunities. Plan, strategize and target the right industries. Create value propositions with impact.

Retail Lending – Knowledge of and ability to design and develop retail lending products and services, manage and evaluate operational processes and procedures and ensure compliance with local and company policies.

Selling. – Applies knowledge of banking products and services to meet customer needs and enable them to achieve their financial goals. Identifies prospecting approaches to identify potential customers and create opportunities to sell financial solutions and ideas to customers.

Understanding Customer Needs – Knowledge of and the ability to recognize and be sensitive to the different perspectives and priorities of different customers.

Work Experience

Roles at this level typically do not require a university / college degree, high school diploma or GED, but do require related experience or product knowledge to accomplish primary duties. Typically requires 1+ years of related experience. In lieu of a degree, a comparable combination of education, job specific certification(s), and experience (including military service) may be considered.

Education

No Degree

Additional Job Description

Benefits

PNC offers employees a comprehensive range of benefits to help meet your needs now and in the future. Depending on your eligibility, options for full-time employees include medical/prescription drug coverage (with a Health Savings Account feature); dental and vision options; employee and spouse/child life insurance; short- and long-term disability protection; maternity and parental leave; paid holidays, vacation days and occasional absence time; 401(k), pension and stock purchase plans; dependent care reimbursement account; back-up child/elder care; adoption assistance; educational assistance and a robust wellness program with financial incentives. To learn more about these and other programs, including benefits for part-time employees, visit pncbenefits.com > New to PNC.

Disability Accommodations Statement:

If an accommodation is required to participate in the application process, please contact us via email at AccommodationRequest@pnc.com. Please include “accommodation request” in the subject line title and be sure to include your name, the job ID, and your preferred method of contact in the body of the email. Emails not related to accommodation requests will not receive responses.  Applicants may also call 877-968-7762 and select Option 4: Recruiting for accommodation assistance. All information provided will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

At PNC we foster an inclusive and accessible workplace.  We provide reasonable accommodations to employment applicants and qualified individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to perform the essential functions of their positions.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO):

PNC provides equal employment opportunity to qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other categories protected by law.

California Residents

Refer to the California Consumer Privacy Act Privacy Notice to gain understanding of how PNC may use or disclose your personal information in our hiring practices.Explore Location

Summary

This is an interdisciplinary position; you may be a Physical Scientist/Chemist or Food Technologist. The incumbent serves as a laboratory scientist/analyst conducting a wide range of physical, chemical, and/or biological analysis of agricultural commodities, food, and other sample types.

This job is open to

• Recent graduatesIndividuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans.

Clarification from the agency

Recent graduate who has, within the previous two years, completed a qualifying Associate's, Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate, professional, vocational or technical degree or certificate program. Veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree due to military service obligation have up to six years after degree completion to apply.

Duties

• The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.
• Performs routine sample preparation, sample analysis, and evaluations using established methods and procedures.
• Operates analytical instrumentation along with other laboratory equipment to perform various analysis techniques.
• Utilizes a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for sample login, sample results entry and sample report generation.
• Evaluates sample data to make decisions about the presence of analytes based on predetermined protocols.
• Generates laboratory reports and certificates and reviews for completeness, accuracy of computations, and reasonableness of results.
• Prepares packages of analytical data and test results according to standard protocols for review by the supervisor and quality management staff.
• Compiles and maintains chain-of-custody documentation for sample data sets and reviews for completeness and accuracy.
• Communicates and consults with stakeholders and is responsible for maintaining good customer relations.
• Evaluates and recommends repairs, updates, or replacement of analytical instruments and equipment as needed.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Satisfactory Background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year trial period.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.BASIC REQUIREMENT: Physical Science Series (1301): Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.

OR: Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.BASIC REQUIREMENT: Chemistry Series (1320): Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics.OR: Combination of education and experience -- course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education.BASIC REQUIREMENT Food Technology Series (1382): Degree: food technology, or dairy technology, microbiology, biology, chemistry, physics, or a related discipline or field of biological or physical science. The course work must have been comprised of at least 30 semester hours in the basic biological and physical sciences, and included at least 20 semester hours in food technology and closely related subjects, or 20 semester hours in subjects that can be applied directly to food technology.OR: Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major, including the course work specified, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:

• Experience operating instrumentation utilized for chromatographic analysis.
• Experience troubleshooting and maintaining chromatographic instrumentation.
• Experience and skill utilizing analytical testing equipment such as balance, pipets, glassware, etc. in order to proficiently execute testing assays.

OR: 1 year of graduate-level education in courses relating to each individual basic requirement per job series.OR Superior Academic Achievement: To qualify based on superior academic achievement, you must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution AND must meet certain GPA requirements.

TRANSCRIPTS are required if:

• This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified.
• You are qualifying for the position based on education.
• You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.
• You are qualifying for this position based on Superior Academic Achievement.
• This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-07/09 GRADE LEVELS: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.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 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

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Additional information

• Recent Graduate appointments are intended to last for 1 year. Recent Graduates who satisfactorily complete all the USDA Recent Graduates Program requirements may be non-competitively converted to a Term or Permanent appointment in the competitive service. Conversion is not guaranteed. Recent Graduates converted to Term appointments may later be non-competitively converted to a Permanent competitive service position.
• If selected, official transcripts will be required prior to entrance on duty.
• A Pathways Participant Agreement will be required if you are selected for a position. The agreement must be signed by all applicable parties prior to entrance on duty.
• First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected.
• Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee.
• Promotion Potential: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed.
• Selection will be at GS-7 with the possibility of conversion to a term or permanent position with promotion potential to the GS-9 level. Conversion eligibility and position is not guaranteed and depends upon the program unit's needs.

CONVERSION REQUIREMENTS Recent Graduates may be non-competitively converted to a term or permanent position in the competitive service. To be eligible for conversion the Recent Graduate must meet all of the following:

• Successfully complete at least 1-year of continuous service in addition to all requirements of the Program as outlined in the Participant Agreement.
• Demonstrate successful job performance.
• Meet the qualifications for the position to which the Recent Graduate will be converted.
• Worksite Information: This position is located at the duty station(s) listed in this vacancy announcement and is not eligible for telework or remote work.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

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.

Category rating procedures will be used to rank and select eligible candidates. The following quality categories will be used: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, and Qualified. Within each quality category, veterans' preference eligibles will receive selection priority over non-veterans. Your final category placement will be based on your responses to the assessment questionnaire.

Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may be found ineligible. 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.

To preview the application questionnaire, please visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12159442

Required Documents

The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, your system failure or downtime, 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 major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) other qualifications; and 5) supervisors name and phone number for each work period listed and whether or not they may be contacted for reference checks.
• College Transcripts: 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 you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program. For further information, visit the following: Foreign Education Evaluation. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
• If claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a 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 within 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. Veterans' 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 veterans' 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 visit FEDSHIREVETS

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.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 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, 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.

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact the Agency Contact to request this.

Step 1: Create a USAJOBS account (if you do not already 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. You may want to 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. In addition, 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. Simply log into your USAJOBS account and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application" to continue.

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.

Agency contact information

 MRP Human Resources

Phone

612-336-3227

Email

MRP.Application.Help@usda.gov

Address

Agricultural Marketing Service
USDA APHIS MRPBS
250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410
Minneapolis, MN 55401

• Salary$47,549 - $61,813 per year
• Pay scale & gradeGS 7

Summary

This position is located in the Specialty Crops Program, Specialty Crops Market News Division field office. The assigned office is responsible for collecting, analyzing, preparing, and releasing market news data for fresh fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops. In this position, you will serve as a Market Reporter responsible for covering a large portion of assigned markets with increasing responsibility at each grade level.

This job is open to

• Recent graduatesIndividuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans.

Clarification from the agency

Recent graduate who has, within the previous two years, completed a qualifying Associate's, Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate, professional, vocational or technical degree or certificate program. Veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree due to military service obligation have up to six years after degree completion to apply.

Duties

• The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.
• The duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Collect, analyze and disseminate daily market information for fruits and vegetables.
• Contacts the many firms by face-to-face or telephone interviews, in collecting and analyzing information relative to general and specific market conditions.
• Reconciles each price quotation to the originating growing area by commodity unit of sale, size, variety, grade and other distinguishing factors.
• Studies daily and seasonal operations as well as market reports from various widely scattered and distant production areas.
• Prepares and disseminates a number of daily, weekly, monthly, and special market reports covering local sales on the wholesale market or information that may be of interest to the trade.
• Keeps abreast of general economic informational material and new developments and trends in the marketing of fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Satisfactory Background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year trial period.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Selectee will be subject to a pre-employment medical statement and/or exam.
• Prior to an official offer, selectee will be required to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) acknowledging/accepting that geographic mobility is a condition of employment. Failure to sign the MOU will result in withdrawal of the job offer.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license as a condition of employment.

Qualifications

To qualify, you MUST meet all program and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following requirements,

• Completed all requirements for an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two (2) years,

OR

• Individuals who, due to military service obligation, were precluded from applying to the Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period described above shall have a full 2-year period of eligibility upon release or discharge from active duty. This eligibility period cannot extend more than 6 years from the date on which the requirements for the academic course of study were met.

QUALIFYING WITH GENERAL EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-05 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants must have three years of general experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the next lower level in the Federal Service (GS-04). This experience may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors, may have been gained in administrative, professional, technical, investigative, or other responsible work, and it demonstrates the ability to:

1. Analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions.
2. Plan and organize work.
3. Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

OR

QUALIFYING EDUCATION SUBSTITUTION AT THE GS-05 GRADE LEVEL: Bachelor's degree or 4 years of successfully completed education above high school leading to a bachelor's degree.

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-05 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-07 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the next lower level in the Federal Service (GS-05). This experience may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors. Examples of qualifying experience include, but are not limited to:

• Demonstrated knowledge of the methods, principles, techniques and requirements pertaining to the reporting of market news covering agricultural products; use of information technology to compile, track, and analyze data.
• Reconciling quotations to the originating growing area by commodity, unit of sale, size, variety, and other distinguishing factors.

OR

Education Substitution for GS-07: One full year of graduate level education in Marketing, Agriculture, Horticulture, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Business, or related field. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.

OR

Superior Academic Achievement: Successful completion of a 4-year degree with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher for all courses or 3.5 or higher for courses within the major field or standing within the top third of a graduating class, or membership in a national scholastic honor society.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-09 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the next lower level in the Federal Service (GS-07). This experience may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors. Examples of qualifying experience include, but are not limited to:

• Demonstrated knowledge of the methods, principles, techniques and requirements pertaining to the reporting of market news covering agricultural products; use of information technology to compile, track, and analyze data.
• Reconciling quotations to the originating growing area by commodity, unit of sale, size, variety, and other distinguishing factors.
• Working knowledge of the agricultural commodity market reporting and analysis process.
• Recognition of types of commodity containers, the production areas which they are provide, the grade and quality, color, pack, size, appearance, unit of sale, and price inclusion services.

OR

Education Substitution for GS-09: Two full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited college or university with a major field of study in Marketing, Agriculture, Horticulture, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Business, or related.

Combining Education and Experience at GS-07/09 levels: Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. Computed by first determining the applicant's total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining the applicant's education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grades GS-09.

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 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

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Transcripts including the date your degree was conferred are required. Applications will not be considered without this documentation.

Additional information

• Recent Graduate appointments are intended to last for 1 year. Recent Graduates who satisfactorily complete all the USDA Recent Graduates Program requirements may be non-competitively converted to a Term or Permanent appointment in the competitive service. Conversion is not guaranteed. Recent Graduates converted to Term appointments may later be non-competitively converted to a Permanent competitive service position.
• If selected, official transcripts will be required prior to entrance on duty.
• A Pathways Participant Agreement will be required if you are selected for a position. The agreement must be signed by all applicable parties prior to entrance on duty.
• First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected.
• Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee.
• This position is eligible for telework within the local commuting area of the duty location of the position. Employee participation is at the discretion of the supervisor.
• Possibility of conversion to a term or permanent position, with promotion potential to the GS-11 level. Conversion eligibility and position is not guaranteed and depends upon the program unit's needs.
• Market news work requires prolonged periods of standing, walking, and climbing, as well as the ability to detect abnormalities in commodities being offered for sale.
• The majority of work is performed in a typical office setting but some work may be performed outside with exposure to inclement weather, slippery docks, power lift equipment, high noise levels and similar risks. Occasional visits to farms and packing sheds and travel to perform temporary relief in other offices is required.

CONVERSION REQUIREMENTS Recent Graduates may be non-competitively converted to a term or permanent position in the competitive service. To be eligible for conversion the Recent Graduate must meet all of the following:

• Successfully complete at least 1-year of continuous service in addition to all requirements of the Program as outlined in the Participant Agreement.
• Demonstrate successful job performance.
• Meet the qualifications for the position to which the Recent Graduate will be converted.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

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.

Category rating procedures will be used to rank and select eligible candidates. The following quality categories will be used: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, and Qualified. Within each quality category, veterans' preference eligibles will receive selection priority over non-veterans. Your final category placement will be based on your responses to the assessment questionnaire.

Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may be found ineligible. 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.

To preview the application questionnaire, please visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12167082

Required Documents

The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, your system failure or downtime, 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 major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) other qualifications; and 5) supervisors name and phone number for each work period listed and whether or not they may be contacted for reference checks.
• College Transcripts: 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 you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program. For further information, visit the following: Foreign Education Evaluation. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
• If claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a 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 within 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. Veterans' 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 veterans' 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 visit FEDSHIREVETS

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.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 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, 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.

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact the Agency Contact to request this.

Step 1: Create a USAJOBS account (if you do not already 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. You may want to 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. In addition, 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. Simply log into your USAJOBS account and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application" to continue.

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.

Agency contact information

 MRP Human Resources

Phone

612-336-3227

Email

MRP.Application.Help@usda.gov

Address

Agricultural Marketing Service
USDA APHIS MRPBS
250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410
Minneapolis, MN 55401

• Salary$41,996 - $82,720 per year
• Pay scale & gradeGS 5 - 9

Summary

The Specialty Crops Market News Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, carries out a nationwide market news reporting service on fruits, vegetables, nuts, ornamental crops, and related commodities. In this position, you will serve as a Program Specialist and will be responsible for carrying out a variety of assignments pertaining to activities related to the market reports generated by the Market News Information System.

This job is open to

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
• Internal to an agencyCurrent federal employees of this agency.
• Special authoritiesIndividuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted only from current permanent USDA employees with competitive status within the Local Commuting Area of Washington, DC, and CTAP/RPL eligible candidates and permanent Farm Service County Office employees.

Duties

• The duties described are for the full-performance level.
• The duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Gathers data from automated software programs concerning fruits, vegetables, ornamental crops, and other commodities.
• Prepares regular and specifically scheduled reports for nationwide dissemination.
• Monitors performance factors such as time statistics, unusual problems encountered in data entry or report compilation.
• Develops, writes, and maintains program and functions for enhancements to the system that are unique to the individual field offices.
• Compiles shipment information received from field offices and consolidates the information for release.
• Performs various other related duties as required.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• Prior to an official offer, selectee will be required to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) acknowledging/accepting that geographic mobility is a condition of employment. Failure to sign the MOU will result in withdrawal of the job offer.

Qualifications

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: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates ability to:

• Experience gathering and analyzing management, administrative and program data.
• Experience receiving, coordinating, and processing shipping requests per established supply management guidelines.
• Experience in government travel and purchasing systems, procedures, and applicable software.
• Experience interpreting laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Experience communicating orally and in writing to a variety of uses, stakeholders and other groups.

OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree; or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in Marketing, Economics, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Business, Mathematics, Statistics or related field, or LL.B. or J.D.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.

TRANSCRIPTS are required if:

• You are qualifying for the position based on education.
• You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.
• This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-09 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.

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 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

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Additional information

• Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Reemployment Priority List (RPL): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP or RPL eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP 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 applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
• 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.
• For more information on applying under special hiring authorities such as the Veteran's Recruitment Act (VRA), 30 percent disabled veterans, certain military spouses, Schedule A Disabled, etc., explore the different Hiring Paths on the USAJOBS website.
• Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee.
• Worksite Information: This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Additional information regarding ad hoc, occasional, or reoccurring telework may be obtained at a later time from the hiring manager or program during the hiring process.

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:

• Computer 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. 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 only 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 score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may be found ineligible. 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.

To preview the application questionnaire, please visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12161459

Required Documents

The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, your system failure or downtime, 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 major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) all supervisors' phone numbers and if they may be contacted; and 5) other qualifications.
• If education is required or being used to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient if it includes your name and all course information. If selected, official transcripts will be required prior to entering on duty. Education must have been obtained from an accredited institution. Education completed in a foreign institution must include an evaluation by an organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs that it was deemed equivalent to an accredited U.S. education program. For further information, see: Foreign Education Evaluation. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
• Current and former career/career-conditional Federal employees, including those who are claiming eligibility under the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA):
  • Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing you are/were in the competitive service (block 24 must contain a 1 or 2 and block 34 must contain a 1), highest grade held (or promotion potential) on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade. If your current grade is not your highest permanent grade, submit an additional SF-50 showing your highest grade.
  • Most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable (e.g., length of time in current position). A performance plan is not an acceptable substitute. Screenshots or printouts of electronic systems, including EHR Apps(ePMA), will not be accepted; the actual appraisal form or screenshot of the appraisal form itself is needed.
• Current permanent FSA County employees must submit your most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing your 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.
• If claiming 10-point veterans' preference you must provide the DD214 or certification (see above) plus the documentation listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. Failure to submit these documents could result in a finding that 10-point preference cannot be awarded.
• Schedule A, Persons with Disabilities Appointment: Letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u).
• Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: 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), last performance appraisal, and the most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.
• If applying under a special hiring authority or an interchange agreement with another merit system not listed above, see the requirements for that authority and submit the required supporting documentation. Go to: USAJOBS Hiring Path for Special Authorities or Special Hiring Authority for more information.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.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 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, 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.

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact the Agency Contact to request this.

Step 1: Create a USAJOBS account (if you do not already 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. You may want to 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. In addition, 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. Simply log into your USAJOBS account and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application" to continue.

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.

Agency contact information

 MRP Human Resources

Phone

612-336-3227

Email

MRP.Application.Help@usda.gov

Address

Agricultural Marketing Service
USDA APHIS MRPBS
250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410
Minneapolis, MN 55401

• Salary$64,957 - $84,441 per year
• Pay scale & gradeGS 9

Summary

Serves as a senior grader at an inspection point, processing facility or area office lab, which may involve coordinating the work of other inspection personnel. The incumbent may perform audit verifications on the production and processes at warehouses, railroad sidings, packing plants, ports of entry, primary production operations, farms and similar facilities.

This job is open to

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
• Internal to an agencyCurrent federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted only from current permanent AMS Specialty Crops employees with competitive status; and CTAP/RPL eligible candidates.

Duties

• The duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Selects samples from product lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in accordance with prescribed sampling and plans.
• Inspects products to determine the quality, condition, and/or compliance with U.S. Grade Standards or stated contract specifications.
• Prepares inspection reports based on examination of product.
• Draws and examines samples of the finished products of processed fruits and vegetables and determines grade, condition and wholesomeness.
• Makes observations to determine if plant facilities, operating methods, processing equipment and personnel are in compliance with sanitation requirements and regulations.
• Coordinates activities, schedules and work assignments for other inspection personnel assigned to the plant.
• Inspects raw product material to establish the suitability for processing.
• Conducts various audits and prepares audit reports.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
• Selectee will be subject to a pre-employment medical statement and/or exam.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license as a condition of employment.
• Prior to an official offer, selectee will be required to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) acknowledging/accepting that geographic mobility is a condition of employment. Failure to sign the MOU will result in withdrawal of the job offer.
• Multiple shifts and changing/rotating shifts.
• Travel for training and work may be required.
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.

Qualifications

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: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:

• Independently grades and/or inspects fresh and processed fruits, vegetables and related products, including difficult assignments.
• Performs the full range of grading and/or inspection tasks involved in directly supplying grading services to producers or members of the trade.
• Inspects products for compliance with all types of contract specifications and recognizes all but the extremely rare product defects or diseases.
• Makes, explains, or defends nearly all grade and/or inspection determinations, only rarely requiring technical assistance in borderline cases.
• Inspects or evaluates complicated processing equipment and procedures, and conditions of storage or transportation, such as is typical of most processed products production, and advises industry employees on product quality control procedures.

OR: Successful completion of at least a Master's, or equivalent degree, or at least 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in Agriculture, Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Business, Economics or related field.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.

TRANSCRIPTS are required if:

• You are qualifying for the position based on education.
• You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.
• This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-09 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.

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 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

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Additional information

• Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP 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 applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
• Worksite Information: This position is located at the duty station(s) listed in this vacancy announcement and is not eligible for telework or remote work.

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:

• Commodity Grading
• Specialty Crop/Fruit and Vegetable Grading

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 only 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 score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may be found ineligible. 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.

To preview the application questionnaire, please visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12154972

Required Documents

The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, your system failure or downtime, 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 major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) all supervisors' phone numbers and if they may be contacted; and 5) other qualifications.
• If education is required or being used to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient if it includes your name and all course information. If selected, official transcripts will be required prior to entering on duty. Education must have been obtained from an accredited institution. Education completed in a foreign institution must include an evaluation by an organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs that it was deemed equivalent to an accredited U.S. education program. For further information, see: Foreign Education Evaluation. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
• Current and former career/career-conditional Federal employees, including those who are claiming eligibility under the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA):
  • Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing you are/were in the competitive service (block 24 must contain a 1 or 2 and block 34 must contain a 1), highest grade held (or promotion potential) on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade. If your current grade is not your highest permanent grade, submit an additional SF-50 showing your highest grade.
  • Most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable (e.g., length of time in current position). A performance plan is not an acceptable substitute.
• Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, priority must provide: 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), last performance appraisal, and the most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.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 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, 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.

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact the Agency Contact to request this.

Step 1: Create a USAJOBS account (if you do not already 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. You may want to 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. In addition, 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. Simply log into your USAJOBS account and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application" to continue.

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.

Agency contact information

 MRP Human Resources

Phone

612-336-3227

Email

MRP.Application.Help@usda.gov

Address

Agricultural Marketing Service
USDA APHIS MRPBS
250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410
Minneapolis, MN 55401

• Salary$57,118 - $74,250 per year
• Pay scale & gradeGS 9

Summary

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Specialty Crops Inspection (SCI) Division is responsible for developing U.S. grade standards and providing inspection, grading, certification, and audit-based services nation-wide on a user-fee basis for fresh and processed fruits and vegetables and related products. In this position, you will serve as a grader at an inspection point, processing facility or area office lab.

This job is open to

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
• The publicU.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen. Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position. Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.

Duties

• The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.
• The duties may include, but are not limited to: Inspects products to determine the quality, condition, and/or compliance with U.S. Grade Standards or stated contract specifications.
• Prepares inspection reports based on examination of product.
• Applies the official standards and regulations to determine the product’s grade and/or condition and directly issues the certificate.
• In difficult or unusual cases, prepares a drafts certificates with a tentative determination and submits it for higher-level review.
• Draws and examines representative samples of products and determines grade, condition and wholesomeness in accordance with official grade standards, buyer-seller contracts or other specifications.
• Makes observations to determine if plant facilities, operating methods, processing equipment and personnel are in compliance with sanitation requirements and Food and Drug Administration regulations.
• Observe the raw product material to establish the suitability for processing and advises plant management of the results.
• Performs a limited number of analytical determinations by prescribed methods and techniques, often under the direction of an inspector of higher grade.
• Instructs technicians and aids in proper grading and inspection techniques.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Selectee will be subject to a pre-employment medical statement and/or exam.
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• Prior to an official offer, selectee will be required to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) acknowledging/accepting that geographic mobility is a condition of employment. Failure to sign the MOU will result in withdrawal of the job offer.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

FOR THE GS-05 LEVEL: Applicants must have 3 years of general, progressively responsible experience, one year of which was equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the GS-4 level in the Federal service. Examples of experience may include:

• Analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions, plan, and organize work.
• Skill in making decisions using logical and concise oral and/or written communication. This should include establishing rapport and demonstrating a tactful and diplomatic manner to maintain good working relations and productive interpersonal relationships
• Administrative skills such as filing, routine clerical processes and logical administrative decision making.

OR
Applicants must have successfully completed a 4-year course of study, from an accredited college or university, leading to a bachelor's degree.

FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 grade level) that demonstrates:

• Performs grading, sampling and/or inspection assignments of a simple and routine nature.
• Displays greater knowledge of grading principles, standards, and regulations, increased skill in identifying and describing product defect, and/or skill and knowledge in inspecting facilities.
• Draws samples of product, performs mechanical tests, attends formal training courses in grading agricultural commodities, and grades samples.
• Grades and inspects distinct products for comparison with clear standards and common contract specifications.
• Identifies and describes common product defects or diseases.

OR
One full year of graduate level education in Agriculture, Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Business, Economics or a related field;

OR Superior Academic Achievement: To qualify based on superior academic achievement, you must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution AND 1) have a class standing in the upper third of the graduating class, 2) membership in a national scholastic honor society (excluding Freshman honor societies), or 3) must meet certain GPA requirements. GPA requirements: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on official transcripts or as computed based on 4 years of education, or courses completed during the final 2 year of the curriculum; OR 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required course completed in the major field or courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum (GPA will be rounded to one decimal place, e.g., 2.95 rounds to 3.0 and 2.94 rounds to 2.9).

Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.

TRANSCRIPTS are required if:

• You are qualifying for the position based on education.
• You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.
• You are qualifying for this position based on Superior Academic Achievement.

This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-05/07 GRADE LEVELS: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.

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 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

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

• Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. 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 well qualified, which means having knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or competencies that exceed the minimum qualification requirements for this position.
• First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected.
• Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee.
• Promotion Potential: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed.
• Worksite Information: This position is located at the duty station(s) listed in this vacancy announcement and is not eligible for telework or remote work.
• The work environment includes exposure to freezing and/or hot temperatures, fumes, dust and odors from coolants, slippery surfaces, moving materials, handling equipment, high noise levels and in close proximity to others.
• The work requires periods of physical exertion to lift and move boxes, cartons and heavy packages of product (often weighing over 50 pounds); prolonged periods of standing, walking, stooping, bending, and climbing.
• The work further requires working on weekends and overtime; traveling for extended periods of time; working multiple shifts and changing/rotating shifts.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

This is a Direct-Hire Authority position, all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, to include any specialized experience and/or selective placement factor(s), if applicable, will be referred to the selecting official. Before a certificate is issued to the selecting official, your application is reviewed to ensure that you meet all the qualification requirements. A rating will not be used; veteran's preference does not apply due to the existence of the Direct Hire authority for this position.

Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may be found ineligible. 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.

To preview the application questionnaire, please visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12157187

Required Documents

The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, your system failure or downtime, 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 major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) other qualifications; and 5) supervisors name and phone number for each work period listed and whether or not they may be contacted for reference checks.
• 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 if it includes your name and the necessary course information; 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 you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program. For further information, visit the following: Foreign Education Evaluation. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
• Although veterans' preference doesn't apply under Direct Hire Authority, applicants are encouraged to provide documentation of their eligibility. If claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a 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 within 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.
• If claiming 10-point veterans' 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 visit FEDSHIREVETS
• Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: 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), last performance appraisal that is at least fully successful or its equivalent, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.
• Worker's Compensation Separation: Agency certification of inability to place employee AND Notification of Separation OR Separation SF-50.
• Disability Annuity Termination: Notification from OPM of disability annuity termination AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held. Military Reserve or National Guard Technician Special Disability Retirement Annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456: Certification of special disability retirement annuity from a military department or National Guard Bureau AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.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 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, 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.

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact the Agency Contact to request this.

Step 1: Create a USAJOBS account (if you do not already 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. You may want to 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. In addition, 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. Simply log into your USAJOBS account and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application" to continue.

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.

Agency contact information

 MRP Human Resources

Phone

612-336-3227

Email

MRP.Application.Help@usda.gov

Address

Agricultural Marketing Service
USDA APHIS MRPBS
250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410
Minneapolis, MN 55401 US

Learn more about this agency

• Salary$42,404 - $68,285 per year
• Pay scale & gradeGS 5 - 7

Apply Here

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Description

Where the Chemistry Happens

As a Senior Account Manager you will develop, plan and execute the sales initiatives towards the strategic accounts aiming to start, maintain and increase business over the years. You will also build up a long-term relationship with international or national customers in line with the Marketing and Sales (M&S) strategy and within BASF Vegetable Seeds to realize profitability and partnership.

This is a remote role. Ideal candidate should reside in the Coastal California area.

As a Sr. Account Manager, you will...

Plan, review, adapt and execute the annual sales plan for the selected key accounts. Customer Plan, sales targets, key performance indicators, and crop marketing plan to contribute to crop annual Basic PlanRepresent the company and introduce value-based proposals according to the needs of the Key customer while building longing term partnership and generate sustainable sales.Manage connections customers have with Top retailers in the regionManage customer teams to provide solutions to customers' needs/challenges, improve customer facing processes, create and share information, and overcome objections with the result of enhancing the customer experience with NunhemsProvide market, price, product, grower, and consumer insight to contribute to the formulation of the vision and strategy plans for the crop.

Qualifications - BASF recognizes institutions of Higher Education which are accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or equivalent

Your formula for success...

Education

Bachelor's Degree8 years of agriculture sales experienceProject management experience preferredWell-rounded knowledge of vegetable seed businessStrong agronomic skillsAdvanced consultative selling skills, including negotiation and closing sales planStrong entrepreneurial spirit combined with a good ability to influence decisions of people with different backgrounds and in various functionsStrong connection/knowledge of Top Retailers in USA

You @ BASF

At BASF you get more than just compensation, Medical & Dental. Our total offer includes a wide range of elements you need to be your best in every stage of your life. That's what we call you@BASF. Our Periodic Table of Benefits includes some additional perks below for starters...

Flexible Work Arrangements whenever possibleRetirement BenefitsMaternity/Paternity Leave, Infertility & Adoption reimbursementMentoring & Development ProgramsEmployee DiscountsPet insuranceMatching Donations to your favorite causeAccess to our BASF Wine Cellar

What are you waiting for? Click Apply now to BELONG@BASF!!

BASF is committed to pay transparency practices. The competitive base pay range for this role is $88.800 - $122,210. Actual pay will be determined based on education, certifications, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact ~~~ to report fraud.

A unique total offer: you@BASF

At BASF you get more than just compensation. Our total offer includes a wide range of elements you need to be your best in every stage of your life. That's what we call you@BASF. Click here to learn more.

Auniquetotal offer: you@BASF

At BASF you get more than just compensation. Our total offer includes a wide range of elements you need to be your best in every stage of your life. That's what we call you@BASF. Click here to learn more.

At BASF, we believe that people are the key to our long-term success and that talent is in everyone.

We thrive on giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfil personal ambitions...that's how we create chemistry. #belongatBASF

About BASF

Find out what BASF has to offer as an employer and why you should join our team.

Your application

Here you find anything you need to know about your application and the application process.

Contact us

You have questions about your application or on how to apply in Europe? The BASF Talent Acquisition Europe team is glad to assist you.

Please note that we do not return paper applications including folders. Please submit copies only and no original documents.

Please note that we do not return paper applications including folders. Please submit copies only and no original documents.

Acampo, CA, US, 95220

BASF Corporation

SALE - Sales

Standard

EN_US_2302159

ATS_TALEO_NA

Nearest Major Market: Stockton

Apply Here

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DepartmentSoil & Crop Sciences

Proposed Minimum SalaryCommensurate

Job LocationWeslaco, Texas

Job TypeFaculty

Job Description

Extension Specialists serve as subject matter experts and use their expertise to fulfill the mission of the Agency, providing support to the Extension network at the county, district, region, and state levels. Extension Specialists both individually and in team settings plan, coordinate, develop, implement, and evaluate curricula extension education programs, and educational resources. Additionally, they are expected to perform scholarly work including, but not limited to, applied research related to their subject matter area.

Extension Soil/Agronomy Specialist

Position Description:  The Texas A&M Department of Soil and Crop Sciences announces a vacancy for the position of an Assistant Professor and Extension Soils Specialist located at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Weslaco, TX.  The position is a 12-month, non-tenure track position responsible for leadership in development of educational programs and materials related to environmentally sustainable management of crops in the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas.  The successful candidate will interact with extension Regional Program Leaders, county extension agents, and other extension specialists and research faculty to develop successful programs and educational materials designed for Texas crop growers producing crops such as, but not limited to, cotton, citrus, vegetables, grain sorghum, corn, sugarcane, forages, and other crops of interest to the region, in a sustainable manner, through improved soil, soil nutrient, and soil water management. 

The successful candidate will also be expected to interact with other Soil and Crop Science Extension specialists, Extension specialists from other disciplines, and research scientists from across Texas A&M AgriLife, other universities, and state and federal agencies to develop and translate new knowledge regarding the science of crop production.  The successful candidate will be expected to lead an extramurally funded program in soil and crop production management, publish results in refereed journals, and train graduate students as appropriate. 

Roles and responsibilities of Assistant Professors and Extension Specialists are typically as follows, but can vary depending on the department and expectations of the Associate Department Head, Department Head/Unit Leader and/or Agency leadership:

Responsibilities:

People

• Collect and synthesize information from county, regional, and statewide program development committees, clientele needs assessments, trend data, clientele organizations, and key industry leaders to guide the content, quality, and priority of programming
• Support agents with programming and content related to the subject matter expertise through program planning meetings, individual consultation, site visits with clientele, speaking at educational programs, and in other educational roles
• Coordinate with RPLs and appropriate agents programming efforts, result/demonstrations, and other activities when performed in counties
• Provide professional development opportunities and trainings and mentor and coach agents as requested by Regional Program Leaders (RPLs), District Extension Administrators (DEAs), and Associate Department Heads (ADHs) in subject matter, issues identification, and program planning areas
• Work with Agents and Agency leadership to develop and implement volunteer training activities.

Programs

• Understands the type of programmatic approaches needed to meet the needs and capabilities of different audiences for effective program planning and implementation.
• Develop and participate in disciplinary and interdisciplinary programming efforts as appropriate to adequately address the priority issues facing our stakeholders
• Work to effectively coordinate and integrate programs and, as appropriate, contribute to an Extension Coordinated Program Area
• Develop and implement evaluation strategies to assess outcomes from Extension educational programs and demonstrate evidence of program impacts (i.e., knowledge gain, behavior change, adoption of new technologies and best practices, economic impact) as measured by well-designed program evaluations
• Participate in program planning at the multi-county or regional level and convey insights to their ADH or unit leader as appropriate

Partnerships

• Provide timely and effective coordination, cooperation, and scheduling of activities with colleagues and personnel within Extension and across AgriLife, including but not limited to District Extension Administrators, Regional Program Leaders, Associate Department Heads/Program Leaders, other departmental or unit faculty/staff, County Extension Agents/staff, and AgriLife Research and College personnel.
• Engage with external groups including state and federal government agencies and stakeholder organizations and other entities to better understand issues and potential partner in addressing stakeholder needs.
• Seek grants, contacts, and other revenue sources to advance and sustain programmatic efforts in the subject area
• Member of professional organizations and societies
• Demonstrate collegiality by serving on departmental/unit, Extension and AgriLife committees, and demonstrating a track record of building effective working relationships across departments, agencies, and/or colleges

Scholarly Efforts

• Develop, implement, and evaluate innovative educational programs resources and materials (e.g., fact sheets, instruction manuals, educational videos, online courses, computer software programs, apps, etc.)
• Conduct applied or translational research that is in line with the Extension programming effort
• Publish creative and scholarly work in refereed journals appropriate to the faculty member’s subject matter area, and present research findings at relevant industry meetings, professional meetings, or conferences
• Support academic pursuits in the subject matter area through activities such as guest lectures, undergraduate student mentorship, student club activities, student competitive team activities, graduate student mentorship, and serving on graduate student committees.

Education and Experience:

• Preferred - doctoral degree that aligns with the programmatic work of the agency, unit and/or position
• Preferred – published research results in refereed journals

Requirements: Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Crop Science, Weed Science, or closely related field. Candidates need to be proficient in leadership and have excellent oral and written communications skills; is skilled in the use of computers; and will be required to pass a criminal background check.  Land Grant University and Extension experience is preferred.  Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is an equal opportunity employer. 

Justification:  The economic impact of crop production in four counties in the Rio Grande Valley exceeds $1.6 billion annually.  Additional crops in other parts of South Texas are also an important contributor to the overall Texas economy.  Agricultural production has grown steadily in the past decade, providing income not only to growers, but the entire economy.  A scientist who understands climate smart farming practices that sustain soil health while enhancing carbon capture and reducing greenhouse gas emissions will be an important asset to agriculture in South Texas.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Experience in area of specialization, ability to write grant proposals to secure external funding; development and implementation of extension programming; evidence of publishing in peer-reviewed journals; and participation in professional societies.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language. 
• Competence in the use of personal computers; navigating communications, team collaboration, word processing and spreadsheet software; and using appropriate statistical-analysis software is required.

For More Detailed Information:

Review the most recent edition of the Professorial Career Ladder System for Extension Specialist Faculty for more detailed information.

Reporting Line:

Extension Specialists and Program Specialists, depending on their home unit, report to an Associate Department Head and respective Department Head or Unit Leader. As applicable Regional Program Leaders and Program Area Coordinators will provide input in the specialist’s annual review.

Required:

Letter of general interest regarding Extension and the position.

Current CV

Names and e-mail addresses of three references

Position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. Will begin reviewing applications November 1, 2023.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.

Apply Here: