Summary The Office of Public Health Science (OPHS) brings public health leadership to the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the USDA to assure the establishment and support of scientifically sound food safety programs. OPHS develops (i.e. collects, analyzes, and reports) scientific information from conception to consumption for meat, poultry, eggs, and related products and uses that information to assess potential for human health risks at different points throughout the farm-to-table continuum. Responsibilities Administers the microbiology program in a FSIS Field Service Laboratory, in accordance with U.S. and international standards. Provides scientific expertise in microbiology to plan, develop, and update analytical and laboratory standards to meet the needs and priorities of the Agency's microbiology testing program. Applies scientific expertise in microbiology that enhances the reliability of data generated by the laboratories. Manages a microbiology staff that provides data, technical expertise and support to other FSIS programs, including field operations and other government agencies. Provides scientific expertise and consultations for FSIS and other government agencies regarding special investigations and evaluations of product safety and quality. Reviews submitted technical information and provides advice on its accuracy and validity. Formulates and recommends regulations, policies, programs, and procedures for microbiological examination of poultry and meat products and reporting findings from those examinations. Maintains up-to-date methodologies and equipment necessary for the laboratory programs. Directs new and revised microbiology programs and communicates these changes to appropriate officials. Evaluates findings for the purpose of providing technical guidance for the inspection and disposition of poultry and meat products and their ingredients. Reports orally and in writing on program assignments; prepares and presents reports of investigations at scientific meetings. Maintains contact with the scientific community in areas of specialization through personal contacts, reviews of current technical literature, and by attending and participating in scientific meetings. Provides counsel and advice on quality systems issues. Accomplishes these duties through close collaboration with counterparts at the other FSIS laboratories. Participates with other officials in planning and coordinating long-range objectives and resolving scientific problems relative to the inspection of meat products and poultry and poultry products to protect the health and welfare of the consumer. Initiates requests for procurement of new equipment, supplies, repair, and maintenance services, and for disposal of obsolete and surplus property. Oversees quality assurance program to meet ISO 17025 standards for measurement of laboratory analytical performance and adherence to official program methodology. Plans, develops, and administers the microbiology analyst training and qualification programs. Serves as an expert witness in microbiology and other laboratory related issues. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements including the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 0403 series, time-in-grade restriction, and specialized experience requirement by the closing date of the announcement, as defined below: Time in grade: Applicants must have completed one year at the GS-13 grade to meet the time-in-grade requirement. To qualify for the Microbiology series 0403, you must meet the following Individual Occupational Requirement: Degree: microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent. or Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown in 1. above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. For more information about the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 0403 series, click here: For the GS-14 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level that demonstrates the following: (your resume MUST show demonstrated experiences of these requirements): Experience leading a team to develop or modify laboratory methods to perform microbiological analyses. Experience leading a team that conducts microbiological or data analyses under ISO 17025 standards in a regulatory environment. Experience improving workflow in a regulatory laboratory environment. (Examples include increased efficiency or cost effectiveness). Experience communicating technical issues to stakeholders. (Examples include presentations at scientific, agency, or public meetings). Experience presenting strategic public health information to leadership. 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 employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education College transcripts: You must submit a copy of your college transcripts as this series has an education requirement. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application if it includes your name, the schools name, and the necessary course information; however, if you are selected, official transcripts are required prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. If 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.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the NACES website. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation. Additional Information This announcement may be used to fill additional like vacancies should any occur in the announced duty location(s). 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 and experience requirements. 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. It is the policy of the government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. To see more information visit CHCO Council. If selected, you will be required to submit Form OGE-450 within 30 days of your initial appointment date, and annually thereafter. Selectee is subject to financial disclosure requirements in accordance with 5 CFR, Part 2635, Sub part E regarding business or personal transactions with applicants, borrowers, or business contacts who have or who are seeking business with this Agency. This position is eligible for telework and other flexible work arrangements. Employee participation is at the discretion of the supervisor. Assignment Restrictions: FSIS Directive 4735.9, Office of Field Operations Assignment Restrictions and Rules on Gifts from Regulated Industry, sets out the Agency's requirements regarding employee assignment restrictions, as it pertains to family and personal relationships. Please read before applying. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.