Safety and Occupational Health Specialist (Select Agent Manager)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service • Ames, IA

26d • Onsite

About The Position

This unit provides technical consultation on environmental, health, safety, and security matters to help ensure a safe and healthful environment for employees and visitors at the National Centers for Animal Health (NCAH) in Ames, Iowa. At the full-performance level, the incumbent manages the NCAH Internal Select Agent Compliance program under the supervision of the Biosafety Manager. The role creates and implements policies and activities to ensure compliance with regulations governing the possession, use, and transfer of biological select agents and toxins. It develops, evaluates, and implements comprehensive compliance programs incorporating federal, state, and local regulations; recommends policy; sets goals and objectives; and assesses program effectiveness. The position applies biosafety knowledge and professional judgment to resolve novel or obscure compliance issues, sometimes using unconventional methods. It also maintains liaison with federal, state, and local agencies on select agent matters and emergencies, and investigates reports of theft, loss, releases, or inventory discrepancies involving select agents and toxins. At developmental grade levels, assignments are more limited in scope, independence, and complexity.

Requirements

• Meet the basic education requirement: relevant undergraduate or graduate study in safety or occupational health fields, or another related field supplemented by at least 24 semester hours in specified or closely related disciplines; alternatively, have qualifying specialized experience in or related to safety and occupational health.
• For the GS-11 level, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, including laboratory work at BSL-2 or BSL-3 with biological agents, reviewing safety regulations and policies to identify program needs, and interpreting and implementing federal guidelines governing select biological agents and toxins; alternatively, possess a qualifying Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may qualify.
• Meet applicable time-in-grade requirements: current federal employees seeking promotion must have 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the normal line of progression.
• Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Individuals born male after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Satisfactorily complete the required background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Complete a one-year probationary period unless previously served.
• Pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Submit to pre-appointment urinalysis and random drug testing thereafter; appointment and continued employment require negative results for illegal drug use.
• Have a valid state driver's license at the time of application.
• Enroll in Continuous Vetting as required for USDA employees.
• Meet any facility-entry immunization requirements and periodic health monitoring, including biologic and serologic tests and physical examinations.
• Provide transcripts when qualifying through required education or a combination of education and experience; education must be completed at an accredited school, college, or university.

Responsibilities

• Manage the NCAH Internal Select Agent Compliance program under the supervision of the Biosafety Manager.
• Create and implement policies and activities for compliance with regulations governing possession, use, and transfer of biological select agents and toxins.
• Develop, evaluate, and implement comprehensive select agent compliance programs incorporating federal, state, and local regulations.
• Recommend policy, set program goals and objectives, and assess the overall effectiveness of the Select Agent Office.
• Apply biosafety knowledge and professional judgment to resolve novel or obscure compliance issues.
• Maintain liaison with federal, state, and local agencies on select agent matters and related emergency situations.
• Investigate reports of theft, loss, releases, or inventory discrepancies involving select agents and toxins.

Benefits

• Federal employees receive access to a comprehensive benefits package for employees and their families; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree