Announcement Type: ALL SOURCES/ALTERNATIVE MERIT PROMOTION
Position Title: Research Plant Pathologist
Series/Grade: GS-0434-11/12
Salary: GS-11: $48,451 to $62,991 per year
GS-12: $58,070 to $75,492 per year
Type of Appointment: Permanent (Federal career/career-conditional), full-time
Location of Position: Beltsville Area, U.S. National Arboretum, Floral &
Nursery Plants Research Unit, Beltsville, MD
Announcement Number: ARS-X4E-0016
Opening Date: November 3, 2003
Closing Date: January 12, 2004
** This announcement has been amended to extend the closing date from January 12th to January 26th, 2004 **
Area of Consideration: This is a competitive announcement open
to all U.S. citizens.
APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM USDA SURPLUS AND FEDERAL
DISPLACED EMPLOYEES IN THE COMMUTING AREA.
POSITION INFORMATION
DUTIES: You will be responsible for planning and conducting
a research program on soilborne diseases of floral and nursery crops in
greenhouse, laboratory, and field sites that will lead to discovery and
development of biologically-based and reduced-risk chemistries, including
the integration of biorational and conventional chemical controls, as
alternatives to the use of methyl bromide as a pre-plant fumigation in
the production of ornamental plants. Your approach will combine
1) investigation of the interactions between saprophytic soilborne
organisms and pathogenic root-infecting fungi; 2) investigation of
the differential (selective) activity of both natural plant products
and synthetic fungicides on saprophytic organisms and fungal pathogens;
and 3) investigation of combinations of natural plant products,
reduced-risk synthetic fungicides, and modified cultural practices
with the specific aim of developing practical effective alternatives
to the use of pre-plant fumigation with methyl bromide. Your
responsibilities will include consulting with the Research Leader
to identify specific project areas, plan activities, and prepare
annual reports; identify projects for cooperative research with
other scientists; and oversee the Minor Use Pesticide program for
pathology, entomology, and weed control projects to obtain
registration label expansions for use by the floral and nursery
crop industries; and develop phytotoxicity and efficacy data for
label expansion.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
You must have or be able to obtain a pesticide applicator's license.
If you already have a license, please include a copy in your
application package. Some travel may be required, generally no more
than 1-5 days per month.
QUALIFICATIONS: To qualify for this position, you must
possess all of the following. You must submit a copy of your
academic transcripts to verify education.
Basic Requirements: A bachelor's degree in plant
pathology; or a related scientific discipline that included at least
20 semester hours in basic botany or plant science, and 10 semester
hours in plant pathology.
In addition:
For the GS-11 level: You must have a master's or equivalent
graduate degree OR one year of specialized experience equivalent to
at least the GS-09 level in the federal service; OR an appropriate
combination of graduate education and specialized experience.
For the GS-12 level: You must have a Ph.D or equivalent
doctoral degree; OR one year of specialized experience equivalent to
at least the GS-11 level in the federal service: OR an appropriate
combination of graduate education and specialized experience.
(Time-in-grade restrictions are applicable for Alternative Merit Promotion applicants.)
Graduate Education: To be creditable, graduate education must have been in plant pathology, or in one of the recognized subject-matter fields of plant pathology, e.g., plant viruses, fungal or bacterial diseases, host-plant relationships, biotic or chemical controls, environmental or physiological diseases, parasitic diseases, etc.
Specialized Experience Requirements: This is professional research experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to perform successfully the duties of the position and that is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled. The required KSAs for this position are as follows:
1. Knowledge of the principles, concepts, methods, and techniques
used in plant pathology research (e.g., immunological, molecular and
chemical/biochemical; differential in vitro culture; and
histochemical staining methods used to detect, isolate and identify
plant pathogens; etc.).
2. Ability to plan, conduct, and document (e.g., in peer-reviewed
journals) a plant pathology research project using appropriate
experimental design, procedures, techniques, and statistical analyses
to identify and quantify critical variables that impact on successful
integrated control methods for soilborne fungal diseases of
ornamental crops.
3. Knowledge of the chemistry of pesticides, their modes of action
and methods to evaluate phytoxicity.
4. Knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM) and the interactions between biological control organisms and pesticide applications.
5. Knowledge of soil chemistry and microbiology and their interactions.
Selective Placement Factors:
1. Knowledge of commercial floral and nursery management and production practices.
NOTE: YOUR EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE WILL BE EVALUATED AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs) AS OUTLINED ABOVE UNDER SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AND SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR(S). A SPECIFIC RESPONSE TO THE REQUIREMENTS OUTLINED UNDER SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AND SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR(S) IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO ENSURE ADEQUATE CONSIDERATION IN THE EVALUATION PROCESS.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
HOW TO APPLY: Send a resume, Curriculum vitae, Optional
Application for Federal Employment (OF-612), or SF-171, to the
contact address listed below. The following information is required
to evaluate applicant qualifications and to determine if applicants
meet legal requirements for Federal employment:
- Announcement number, title, and grade(s) for the position
- Full name, mailing address (including zip code) and day and
evening phone numbers (with area code)
- Social security number
- Identify country of citizenship (U.S. Citizenship
required)
- Veterans' Preference (If applicable--see “Veterans' Preference” below for required forms and documentation)
- Highest Federal civilian grade held (it applicable)
- Current Federal employees must submit their most recent
performance appraisal.
- Current Federal employees and reinstatement eligibles should submit an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, to verify competitive eligibility
- Highest education level achieved. Specify:
-- Name, city, state, zip code (if known)
-- Date or expected date (month/year) of completion of degree requirements
-- Type of degree received
-- Graduates of foreign universities must include proof of foreign
education equivalency to an accredited U.S. college/university
- Copy of college transcripts or list of college courses.
- Paid and nonpaid work experience related to the position. For
each work experience include:
-- Job title
-- Series/grade (if Federal employment)
-- Duties and accomplishments
-- Employer's name and address
-- Supervisor's name and address
-- Starting and ending dates
-- Hours per week
-- Salary
-- Indicate if we may contact current supervisor/employer
- Job-related:
-- Training courses (title and year)
-- Skills (e.g., other languages, typing speed, computer
software/hardware, tools, etc.)
-- Certificates/licenses (current)
-- Honors, awards, and special accomplishments
- A one-page abstract of MS thesis and/or PhD dissertation.
- List of:
-- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with
applicants stature, contributions, and recognition;
-- Honors and awards;
-- Memberships in professional or honor societies;
-- Invitations to make presentations at scientific/
-- Technical meetings;
-- Scientific society office and committee assignments;
-- Presentations (other than invitations); and
-- Publications.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
- All status candidates who wish to be considered under both alternative merit promotion and non-status competitive examining must submit two (2) complete applications. When only one (1) application is received, it will be considered under the alternative merit promotion procedures if the applicant is a current or former Federal employee with reinstatement eligibility.
- This position is being filled in accordance with the Alternative
Merit Promotion system. All merit promotion principles remain in
effect.
- Applicants will be evaluated based on the quality and extent of
their experience, education, and accomplishments. This may include
factors such as number of credits in directly related subjects, grade
point average, relatedness of work experience, and any other evidence
of ability to do the work of the position. For current and former
Federal employees, the performance evaluation may also be taken into
consideration. Please be sure that your application or resume
contains all of the information we need to determine if you are well
qualified.
- Vacant research positions may be filled at any one of several
grade levels depending upon the scientific impact of the person
selected. A peer review may be required to determine the appropriate
grade level of the position and supplemental materials from the
selectee may be required.
- Relocation Expenses: Payment of relocation expenses will
be determined in accordance with P&P 412.5 Recruitment and
Retention Incentives and Other Special Pay, Sections 6 and 7, which
may be found at http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/jobs/index.htm and click
on, “Policy on Payment of Relocation Expenses” under
General Information.
- USDA surplus/Federal displaced employees must submit
documentary evidence of eligibility. Well qualified surplus and
displaced employees within the local commuting area will receive
selection priority as provided by OPM regulations. Well-qualified
means the applicant meets the basic qualification and eligibility
requirements and all selective placement factors; is rated above
minimally qualified against the knowledge, skills, and abilities or
quality criteria; and is able to satisfactorily perform the duties of
the position upon entry. Applicants must submit the
following:
-- a copy of their RIF Separation Notice (for displaced employees)
OR Certification of Expected Separation or other documentation
identifying you as surplus;
-- evidence of full performance level of current position;
-- a copy of their most recent performance appraisal; and
-- a copy of their most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel
Action, to verify reassignment eligibility.
- Promotion Potential: Research scientists have open-ended
promotion potential. Research accomplishments and their impact on the
duties and responsibilities of positions are evaluated periodically.
The grade level is limited only by the individual's demonstrated
ability to perform research of recognized importance to science and
technology.
- Males over age 18 who were born after December 31, 1959, must
have registered with the Selective Service System (or have an
exemption) to be eligible for a Federal job.
- If applications do not contain all of the requested
information, applicants may lose consideration for the job.
- If applicants make a false statement in any part of their
application, they may not be hired; may be fired after they begin
work; or may be fined or jailed.
- Applicants will not be notified of the status of their
application until a final selection has been made.
- Applications submitted via Government envelopes will not be
accepted.
- Financial Disclosure. Federal employees are subject to
prohibitions against officially dealing with outside organizations in
which they have a financial interest. The incumbent of this
position:
[ ] will be required to submit a
financial disclosure report within 30 days of their effective date of
appointment and annually thereafter.
[X] may be required to submit a
financial disclosure report.
- APPLICATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THE
ANNOUNCEMENT.
SPECIAL HIRING AUTHORITIES: If you meet the basic eligibility requirements and you are eligible for a noncompetitive appointment (a list of who may be eligible for noncompetitive appointments can be found at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/a1.htm, please indicate the type of special appointment you are seeking on your application and follow all other instructions in this announcement. If you do not indicate the type of special appointment you are seeking, you will be considered under competitive procedures. If you wish to be considered under both noncompetitive and competitive procedures, please submit two (2) complete applications.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If applicants served on active duty in the United States military and were separated under honorable conditions, they may be eligible for veterans' preference. To claim 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other proof of eligibility. To claim 10-point veterans' preference, attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans Preference, plus the documentation required by that form. For further details, call the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) at 912-757-3000. Select "Federal Employment Topics" and then "Veterans." Or, dial OPM's electronic bulletin board at 912-757-3100 or visit their VetGuide web site: http://www.opm.gov/employ/html/vetguide.htm.
EEO STATEMENT: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the
basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age,
disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or
family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for
communication of program information (Braille, large print,
audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600
(voice or TDD).
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202)720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
ACCOMMODATION: This agency provides reasonable
accommodations to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If
you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application
and hiring process or have questions/concerns regarding reasonable
accommodation and/or accessibility for any part of the application
and hiring process, please contact Sue Dixon, ARS, Civil Rights
Staff, 202-690-0372, DC Relay Service: 202-855-1234 (TDD), or email:
sdixon@ars.usda.gov. The decision on granting reasonable
accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
CONTACT:
For a copy of this vacancy announcement and/or applications forms,
call 301-504-1482.
For specific questions regarding this vacancy only, call: Liz
Parker, servicing Human Resources Specialist, 301-504-1351
Submit applications to:
USDA, Agricultural Research Service
Human Resources Division/ESB
ATTN: Liz Parker
5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Mail Stop #5104
Beltsville, MD 20705-5104
FAX applications to: 301-504-1535
E-MAIL applications to: scirecruit@ars.usda.gov
(If submitting applications via E-mail, be sure to mail or fax other
required documentation such as college transcripts, SF-50, most
recent performance appraisal, and/or DD-214/SF-15 separately and
include the vacancy announcement number of the position.)
For employment information and current job opportunities:
INTERNET ADDRESS: www.ars.usda.gov
DIAL-A-VACANCY: 301-504-1482
DC RELAY SERVICE: 202-855-1234 (TDD)
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Last Updated January 21, 2004 12:16 PM
URL = http://www.usna.usda.gov/Research/PlantPathPosition.html