Biological Scientist/ Agriculturalist

Find Your Future With Us at USDA – Animal Plant Health Inspection Service Job Summary In this position, you will work with scientists and technical personnel in the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Agricultural Research Service, universities, the private sector, and foreign organizations to develop, evaluate, enhance, and maintain the quality of Plant Protection and Quarantine's exclusion, detection, quarantine, eradication, treatment, inspection, and response programs. Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: post high school education with courses equivalent to a major, which is defined as 24 semester/36 quarter hours, in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources management, chemistry or related disciplines appropriate to the position, PLUS appropriate experience or additional course work. FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:???? Supporting the work of researchers in conducting scientific investigations related to biological systems. Designing and conducting scientific studies in plant protection, biological control, plant pest diagnostics/identification, survey, eradication, exclusion, molecular biology, omics or related areas. Interpreting, evaluating, or analyzing scientific publications, reports, datasets, or similar information related to the plant sciences, which may include a wide range of disciplines (biology, ecology, microbiology, entomology, molecular genetics/genomics). Preparing reports, guidance documents, position papers, articles or presentations on different aspects of plant science. Analyzing scientific data and preparing technical documentation in plant science. Using computer software for statistical analysis which includes GIS, mathematical modeling, or other specific software to develop and analyze quantitative data. OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in biological sciences, or closely related. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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. Major Duties 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:Provides scientific leadership in qualitative and quantitative biomolecular data analyses in support of the management of invasive species, including arthropods, diseases and other plant pests.Determines from a scientific standpoint, the likelihood of invasion, establishment, and movement of quarantine-significant exotic pests in the United States.Obtains, validates, and biomolecular analyzes data related to pest identification and diagnostics.Develops methods of detection and inspection including scientific and statistically sound sampling procedures for survey of quarantine-significant pests.Estimates spatially dependent probabilities of presence or absence of pests using multivariate statistical analysis of sampling data and factors associated with infestation.Reviews work plans, research proposals, experimental plans, manuscripts, and proposed PPQ protocols to ensure that procedures are statistically valid and meaningful.Performs other duties, as assigned. Position Start Date: 10/22/2026 Position Close Date: 10/28/2026 Salary Offered: 74678 - 121511 USD Per Year You can make a difference! The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) needs bright, energetic and committed professionals to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. We operate in domestic and global markets. Be part of an organization that protects the health and agriculture of the American people. Join our team! To learn more about what it's like to work at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, what the agency does, and the types of careers, please visit the APHIS careers site. APHIS is an emergency response agency. This means that all Agency employees may be asked or assigned to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments to support emergency programs at some time during their careers with APHIS. For details click: APHIS Emergency Response Please see the full announcement on USAJobs by clicking on the APPLY button!