Agriculturist (Trade Director)

About this role

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.

BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, entomology, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: post high school education with courses equivalent to a major, which is defined as 24 semester/36 quarter hours, in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources management, chemistry or related disciplines appropriate to the position, PLUS appropriate experience or additional course work.

FOR THE GS-4 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-13 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the steps of the Federal rule making process related to the Federal Administrative Procedure Act, the Plant Protection Act, and other statutory and regulatory authorities.

Familiar with the Federal Register notice and comment process. Communicate and consult effectively and tactfully to lead, mediate and resolve complex problems with domestic and international stakeholders, industry groups, or non-governmental organizations. Considers and plans for possible outcomes, both best case scenarios and acceptable alternatives. Participate in or lead pre-negotiation and/or bilateral negotiations with foreign governments by applying international agreements such as WTO, IPPC, NAFTA, with particular attention to the plant health aspects of these agreements and with a thorough grasp of the cultural intricacies and customs that are an inherent part of high-level international negotiations.

Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. 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).