Supervisory Biological Science Specialist (Division Director)

This position is located in the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Institute of Food Production and Sustainability (IFPS); Plant Science Branch As Division Director incumbent will provide technical and administrative supervision of a staff including National Program Leaders, Program Specialists, and Program Assistant.

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 the time in grade requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

Education Requirements:

4-year Degree in: Biological Sciences, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. (e.g., plant production and protection, including agronomy, entomology, integrated pest management, plant science, plant pathology, or weed science). OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education AND Specialized Experience One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 level; that included experience conducting or applying biological science disciplines to food or agriculture research, education or extension programs; leading multidisciplinary teams comprised of scientific professionals that administer programs relevant to the listed areas below; collaborating with scientific professionals to identify food and agriculture research, education, and extension priorities; and fostering partnerships between university scientists, government agencies, and industry.

Listed areas:

Food and agricultural science areas include (but are not limited to): Plant production and protection, including agronomy, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, IPM, weed science, and forestry 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.