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Plant Protection and Quarantine Officer (PPQ Officer/ PHSS)



This job is open to

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Individuals with disabilities

Internal to an agency

Military spouses

Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista

Special authorities

Veterans

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted only from current permanent USDA employees with competitive status; and CTAP/RPL eligible and permanent Farm Service County Office employees, VEOA eligibles, Farm Service Agency permanent county employees, 30% or More Disabled Veterans, Certain Former Overseas and Foreign Service Employees, Military Spouses, Interchange Agreement and Other Miscellaneous Authorities, People with Disabilities, Peace Corps and VISTA, Reinstatement and VRA eligible candidates.






If selected you will serve in a vital role to safeguard U.S. agriculture and natural resources in coordination with state officials, other agencies, industry, and colleges, as a federal liaison for plant quarantine programs. The primary work includes import exclusion, complex treatments, export activities, permitting and compliance, as well as pest detection.




Responsibilities

  • The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.
  • The duties may include, but are not limited to:
  • Duties are performed at Plant Inspection Stations, International Ports of Entry, and other geographical areas within the United States.
  • Provide specialized inspection, regulation and clearance of propagative plant material, plant products and pest diagnostic identification services at plant inspection stations and other facilities.
  • Interpret and enforce Federal and State domestic quarantines and regulatory orders restricting the inter/intra-state movement of plants, plant products, animal byproduct and other materials.
  • Plan, conduct, and/or supervise various treatments such as disinfection, sterilization, fumigation, cold treatment, hot water treatment, irradiation for plant and animal pests and diseases.
  • Manage multiple program areas such as: post entry quarantine, biological control, gypsy moth, grasshopper/cricket, noxious weeds, boll weevil, or other pests.
  • Review permits, conduct inspections, prepare and execute compliance agreements, enforce policies regarding quarantine, and identify inspection sites.
  • Serve as accredited certifying officials regarding export certification for trade facilitation.
  • Track the progress and submit reports regarding program operations in specific geographical area assigned.