Job details
Salary $82,232 - $97,784 a year job type full-time
Full job description
Duties
Apply plant pathology principles to benefit the health and resilience of forest resources
Lead in grant proposal preparation for plant pathology research projects
Develop new methods, conceptual approaches, and modifications or adaptations of new combinations of methods in plant pathology research
Identify, develop, and implement solutions for forest health, such as disease resistance research
Engage partners and other researchers to define forest health-related research needs in the short-term and long-term
Act as an authority on the interactions of native and introduced pathogens with pacific island species
Use innovative techniques, such as dna analyses, to study population structure
Requirements
Conditions of employment
Must be a u.sCitizen or national.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for selective service or exempt.
Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
Successful completion of 3-year probationary period, unless previously served.
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 checkTo learn more about e-verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver?s license
Qualifications
This is a research scientist position and is classified under the scientist career planResearch scientists have open-ended promotion potentialResearch accomplishments and their impact on the duties and responsibilities of positions are evaluated periodicallyThe grade level is limited only by the individual`s demonstrated ability to perform research of recognized importance to science and technologyFinal grade level will be determined by a peer review panelThe purpose of the initial review panel is to determine the grade level upon entry into a positionCandidates being considered for this research position should provide a list of publications for which you have been an author, co-author, or contributorIf providing curriculum vitae, please incorporate all resume requirements identified in the required documents section of this announcement, or submit a supplemental resume which includes all information required in addition to the curriculum vitae.
In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcementFor more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the office of personnel management`s general schedule qualification standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirementsTranscripts must be provided for qualifications based on educationProvide course descriptions as necessary.
Basic education requirement for 0434 plant pathologist series:
Degree: 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.
Graduate education: must have been in plant pathology, or in one of the recognized subject-matter fields of plant pathology, or have followed a curriculum or pattern of training that placed major emphasis on plant pathology or one of the recognized subject-matter fields of plant pathology, such as those dealing with particular types of pathogens, diseases of particular kinds of crops, or chemical or biological controlsGraduate study in related fields such as microbiology, entomology, plant physiology, genetics, agronomy, horticulture, forestry, or chemistry may also be qualifying, provided it placed a sufficient amount of emphasis on plant pathology.
Evaluation of education: courses in botany, plant physiology, plant taxonomy, plant pathology, agronomy, forestry, horticulture, or similar subjects may be used to meet the 20-semester-hour requirement in basic botany or plant scienceTo meet the specific 10-semester-hour requirement in plant pathology, the courses must have been in plant pathology, or have dealt with specific subject matter areas of plant pathology such as those concerned with viruses, fungal or bacterial diseases, host-plant relationships, biotic or chemical controls, environmental or physiological diseases, parasitic diseases, etc.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education in the amounts listed below.
Specialized experience requirement:
For the gs-12: one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the next lower grade level (gs-11)Specialized experience at this level includes all of the following:
Conducting the full cycle of scientific research (including identifying research topics, defining study objectives, organizing and conducting the research, interpreting the results, and presenting the findings in the form of reports, demonstrations, manuscripts, and other appropriate technology transfer activities) from in one or more of the following areas: (1) development of research tools or methods that address solutions to disease processes that degrade native and non-native pacific island tree species or that otherwise impact the ability to restore or maintain healthy pacific island ecosystems - for example: resistance breeding, using pathogens as biocontrol agents, etc; (2) identification of the pathology, biology, and population structure of non-native, invasive organisms and how they relate to human-created changes in the forest environment; or (3) adaptation and application of existing techniques to address issues related to forest pathology, such as interactions among pathogens, microbial communities, host tree, and the biotic/abiotic environment.
Conducting data analyses and interpretation of data in support of plant pathology research as it relates to the restoration and maintenance of pacific island ecosystems.
Forming, leading, and participating in research teams, regional, and/or national importance
Disseminating research findings at conferences or scientific meetings and publishing results in peer-reviewed journals.
Or
Conferred ph.dDegree that included scientific research in areas related to the work of the position which is genetics, microbiology, forest pathology, and plant pathology and/or includes coursework in areas such as plant pathology, genetics, microbiology, or forest pathology.
For the gs-13: one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the next lower grade level (gs-12)There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for the gs-13 levelSpecialized experience at this level includes all of the following:
Conducting a diversity or body of research in plant pathology as a principal investigator or project member on multiple studies that include the full cycle of scientific research (i.eIdentifying research topics, defining study objectives, organizing and conducting the research, interpreting the results, and presenting the findings in the form of reports, demonstrations, manuscripts, and other appropriate technology transfer activities)as it pertains to: (1) development of research tools or methods that address solutions to disease processes that degrade native and non-native pacific island tree species or that otherwise impact the ability to restore or maintain healthy pacific island ecosystems - for example: resistance breeding, using pathogens as biocontrol agents, etc; (2) identification of the pathology, biology, and population structure of non-native, invasive organisms and how they relate to human-created changes in the forest environment; or (3) adaptation and application of existing techniques to address issues related to forest pathology, such as interactions among pathogens, microbial communities, host tree, and the biotic/abiotic environment.
And leading data analyses and interpretation of data in support of plant pathology research as it relates to the restoration and maintenance of pacific island ecosystems.
And developing and disseminating research findings in collaboration with resource managers and planners for presentation at conferences or scientific meetings and publishing results in peer-reviewed journals.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through national service programs (e.g., peace corps, americorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social)Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employmentYou will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
See above for education that may be qualifying for the specific grade level.
Additional information
Career transition assistance plan (ctap), reemployment priority list (rpl), or interagency career transition assistance plan (ictap): to exercise selection priority for this vacancy, ctap/rpl/ictap candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factorsCtap/ictap eligibles must meet the agency`s definition for a quality candidate as provided in the how you will be evaluated section of this announcement to be considered.
Completion of a three-year probationary period required in accordance with the usda demonstration project authorityDuring this time, employee`s conduct and performance will be monitored in order to determine if employee will be retained.
The usda forest service has legislative authority to recruit and fill permanent (career/career-conditional), temporary, and term appointments under the usda demonstration projectUnder this authority, any u.sCitizen may apply.
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 managementHowever, promotion is not guaranteed.
This position may be eligible to telework, based upon the duties of the position.
The forest service may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the federal government, to attract highly qualified candidatesAdditional information is available at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-and-leave-flexibilities-for-recruitment-and-retention/
This is a non-bargaining unit position.
Salary will be adjusted to include a cost of living allowance (cola)Over the next three years, locality will be phased in and a gradually reducing cola will continue to be paid after the three year phase in periodSee the u.sOffice of personnel management website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-systems/nonforeign-areas/#url=cola-rates for additional information.`
Benefits
A career with the u.sGovernment provides employees with a comprehensive benefits packageAs a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewardingOpens in a new windowlearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittentContact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications.
You will be evaluated in accordance with the category rating procedure as defined in the usda demonstration project planApplicants who meet the basic minimum qualification requirements established for the position will be placed in the eligible categoryYou will be further evaluated against criteria for placement in the quality categoryThis evaluation is based on the level of your experience, education, and/or training as determined by your responses to the assessment questionnaireIndividuals with veterans` preference are listed ahead of applicants who do not have veterans` preference within each category.
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 ineligiblePlease follow all instructions carefullyErrors or omissions may affect your ratingProviding inaccurate information on federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the federal service.
To view the application form, visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/viewquestionnaire/11490205
Benefits
A career with the u.sGovernment provides employees with a comprehensive benefits packageAs a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewardingOpens in a new windowlearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittentContact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefitsYour benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you`re a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employeeYou may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you`re eligible under their policies.
The following documents are required for your applicant package to be completeOur office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, your system failure, etcEncrypted documents will not be acceptedFailure 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 responsibilities section including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) supervisor`s phone number and whether or not the supervisor may be contacted for a reference check; 5) other qualifications.
If education is required or you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcriptsAn unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on dutyEducation must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or universityIf any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the u.sDepartment of education as equivalent to u.sEducation standardsThere are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this serviceAll transcripts must be in english or include an english translation.
If claiming veteran`s preference, you must submit a dd214, certificate of release from active duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditionsIf currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submittedVeteran`s preference must be verified prior to appointmentWithout 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 veteran`s 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` preferenceThe sf-15 should be included but is not requiredFailure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preferenceFor 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), and your most recent sf-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 cfr 330.
Apply Now
Please view tips for applicants - a guide to the forest service application process.
Read the entire announcement and all instructions before you beginYou must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.mEastern time (et) on the closing date of this announcement.
Applying online is highly encouragedWe are available to assist you during business hours (8:00a.m- 4:00p.m(mst), monday - fridayIf applying online poses a hardship, contact the agency contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate methodAll hardship application packages must be returned to human resources no later than noon et on the closing date of the announcement in order for it to be entered into the system prior to the closing date.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basisContact the agency contact to request this.
To begin, in usajobs click `apply` and follow the instructions to attach your resume and required documents, complete the assessment questionnaire, and submit your application.
Note: if a document is resubmitted, it replaces the previous submission, which means the previous document is no longer available to the human resources officeIf you are adding to, rather than replacing a previous submission, you must upload both the old document and the new documentYou must verify that uploaded documents from usajobs transfer into the agency`s staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferredHowever, once in the agency`s staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documentsApplicants may combine all like required documents (e.gSf-50s or veteran docs) into one or more files and scan for uploading into the applicationEach file must not exceed 5mbGrouping like documents into files will simplify the application processDocuments must be in one of the following formats: gif, jpeg, jpg, pdf, png, rtf, or word (doc or docx)Uploaded documents may not require a password, digital signature, or other encryption to open.
Agency contact information
Hrm contact center
Phone
1-877-372-7248 x2
Email
Sm.fs.fsjobs@usda.gov
Address
Usda forest service hrm contact center
Do not mail in applications, see instructions in the announcement.
Albuquerque, nm 87109
Us
Next steps
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting officialIf further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contactedLog in to your usajobs account to check your application status.
You must choose to turn on email notifications in your usajobs profile if you want to receive important email notifications that may impact your applicant experience (e.gIf you start an application and do not submit it prior to the closing date, usajobs will send an email reminder that the closing date is approaching and your application is in an incomplete status).
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the federal government will take no action to implement or enforce the covid-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to executive order 14043 on requiring coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination for federal employeesTherefore, to the extent a federal job announcement includes the requirement that applicants must be fully vaccinated against covid-19 pursuant to e.o14043, that requirement does not currently applyFederal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
Fair and transparent
The federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparentPlease read the following guidance.
Equal employment opportunity (eeo) policy
Reasonable accommodation policy
Financial suitability
Selective service
New employee probationary period
Signature and false statements
Privacy act
Social security number request
Required documents
The following documents are required for your applicant package to be completeOur office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, your system failure, etcEncrypted documents will not be acceptedFailure 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 responsibilities section including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) supervisor`s phone number and whether or not the supervisor may be contacted for a reference check; 5) other qualifications.
If education is required or you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcriptsAn unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on dutyEducation must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or universityIf any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the u.sDepartment of education as equivalent to u.sEducation standardsThere are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this serviceAll transcripts must be in english or include an english translation.
If claiming veteran`s preference, you must submit a dd214, certificate of release from active duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditionsIf currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submittedVeteran`s preference must be verified prior to appointmentWithout 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 veteran`s 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` preferenceThe sf-15 should be included but is not requiredFailure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preferenceFor 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), and your most recent sf-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 cfr 330.
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