Job Description
Summary
This position is located in the Microbiology Branch of a Field Services Laboratory, Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS). The incumbent supervises the technical operations of one of the Microbiology Sections; provides scientific expertise in this area of specialization to FSIS, the Department of Agriculture, other agencies, and industry; and provides expert witness testimony as required in the area of specialization and represents FSIS at meetings on matters concerning microbiology.
Duties Help
- Participates with the Microbiology Branch Chief and/or Director in formulating and recommending policies and objectives relative to the operation of the Microbiology Branch.
- Plans, directs, and/or performs complex analyses of meat, poultry, pasteurized egg products for the isolation, enumeration, and identification of bacteria.
- Utilizes extensive analytical expertise in performing or directing various serological and biochemical tests, genetic-based tests (such as PCR or LAMP),and other microbiological techniques.
- Provides effective leadership, direction, and coordination of those activities related to the function of the laboratory as well as the entire Microbiology Branch.
- Plans and assigns work to subordinates, organizes work schedules as needed; evaluates performance of subordinates; assures quantity and quality of work is performed timely; corrects deficiencies in employees' performance.
- Approves leave and reviews time and attendance of subordinates.
- Reviews, evaluates, and interprets all analytical reports related to area of specialization for technical accuracy.
- Plans, develops and administers the analyst training and qualification programs for testing meat, poultry, and pasteurized egg products in the Microbiology Branch.
- Advises In-Plant Personnel (IPP) and other FSIS personnel in a consultative capacity when needed for assistance in collection of samples at the processing plant according to FSIS directives and/or notices.
- Maintains a workforce proficient in microbiology methods outlined in the Laboratory Quality System. Oversees microbiologists' analyses of laboratory proficiency test samples.
- Supports all related science and public health programs and initiatives as assigned to accomplish the mission of OPHS.
- Provides counsel and advice on quality systems issues following the ISO/IEC 17025 standard or CLIA requirements.
- Provides leadership to modernize microbiology technologies deployed into FSIS Laboratories.
- Reviews and assists in updating the Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook, the FSIS Laboratory Quality Manual, Standard Operating Procedures, and related documents on laboratory procedures and analytical testing methods.
Requirements Help
Conditions of employment - You must be a US Citizen or US National.
- Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
- Subject to one year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period.
- Direct Deposit: 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 check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit .
- False statements or responses on a resume or application can jeopardize employment and may be grounds for disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service.
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 (e.g., one year at the GS-12 grade level for consideration at the GS-13 grade level.)
For the GS-13 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that demonstrates experience:
- Performing microbiological analyses in a laboratory setting.
- Performing method modification or validation projects on microbiological analyses.
- Providing oral briefings, laboratory updates, or presentations involving microbiology.
- Leading a group of professionals or technical personnel in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory.
For more information on the Individual Occupational Requirements for this position, click here.
- 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.
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.
Education The microbiology series has an education Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) that must be met to be eligible to work in the 0403 series. You must submit a copy of ALL your college transcripts that show how you meet the IOR requirements. Do not simply submit your highest degree of education as many times the courses required are not always from that degree. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application if it includes your name, name of college or university, and the necessary course information; however, if you are selected, official transcripts will be required prior to entering on duty if not already available within your eOPF. 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), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP 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/ICTAP 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.
This position is eligible for telework and other flexible work arrangements. Employee participation is at the discretion of the supervisor.
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 management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed.
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 RA 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 RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Job Tags
Full time, Part time, Work at office, Remote work, Flexible hours,