Biologist

Agricultural Marketing Service•Blakely, GA

About The Position

The Science and Technology Program (S&T) improves the quality, wholesomeness, and marketing of agricultural commodities by overseeing regulatory programs and providing scientific, certification, and analytical services. These programs and services support domestic and international marketing and trade of U.S. agricultural commodities and products. At the full-performance level, the Biologist works with laboratory staff and management to ensure Quality Management Systems (QMS) are suitable and fit for purpose. The role monitors operations for compliance with quality plans and requirements, investigates adverse quality trends or conditions, and initiates and monitors corrective actions. It also organizes and conducts audits and management reviews, maintains records supporting the accuracy and defensibility of operations, data, and decisions, communicates findings to management, and coordinates QMS improvements while ensuring mission specifications are consistently met. Duties at developmental grade levels are narrower in scope, performed with less independence, and less complex.

Requirements

Meet the basic education requirement: a degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a related discipline appropriate to the position; or coursework equivalent to a major in one of these areas combined with appropriate experience or additional education.
For GS-9, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-7, including experience testing, regulating, or reviewing analytical methodologies or principles in relevant scientific fields; working within a standards-based Quality Management System; performing quality assurance functions; and working with or reviewing laboratory quality assurance practices. Alternatively, have two years of progressively higher-level graduate education toward a related master's degree, a related master's or equivalent graduate degree, or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
For GS-11, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-9, including administering a standards-based accredited Quality Management System under direction; initiating, investigating, conducting root cause analysis, or implementing corrective actions with limited supervision; evaluating quality data, validation or verification data, practices, or functions and reporting nonconformities; and maintaining defensible records. Alternatively, have three years of progressively higher-level graduate education toward a related Ph.D., a related Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
Submit transcripts when qualifying based on education or a combination of education and experience; required education must have been successfully completed at an accredited school, college, or university.
Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
If born male after December 31, 1959, be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
Successfully complete the required background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
Successfully complete a one-year probationary period unless previously served.
Pass E-Verify employment verification.
Enroll in Continuous Vetting, as required for USDA employees.

Responsibilities

Interact with laboratory staff and management to ensure Quality Management Systems are suitable and fit for purpose.
Monitor operations for adherence to quality plans and requirements.
Analyze and investigate adverse quality trends or conditions, and initiate and monitor corrective actions.
Organize and conduct audits and/or management reviews.
Develop, coordinate, and maintain records that support the accuracy and defensibility of operations, data, and decisions.
Communicate findings to management.
Coordinate improvements to the QMS while ensuring mission specifications are consistently met.