Biological Scientist/Agriculturist

Find Your Future With Us at USDA – Animal Plant Health Inspection Service Job Summary This position will serve as an Agriculturist or a Biological Scientist within an APHIS program. Biological Scientist: This position is in Biotechnology Regulatory Services' Regulatory Operations Programs (ROP), in one of the Compliance Assurance Branches (CABs). Agriculturist: Plant Protection and Quarantine, which protects the nation's agricultural resources from the introduction and spread of plant pests and diseases, includes this position within its Emergency and Domestic Programs (EDP). 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: 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. In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must demonstrate the below: FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Applied expert knowledge of plant diseases and pests to analyze critical plant-health issues and support program decisions. Using advanced agricultural and biological science skills across areas such as plant science, ecology, entomology, molecular biology, and related disciplines to address complex scientific problems. Combined plant-health expertise with broad biological knowledge to provide recommendations, guide technical work, and strengthen agriculture and plant protection efforts. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. 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:BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST: Assists the supervisor in the implementation and processing of inspection and compliance activities, defining legal standards, andrecognizing the need for new compliance approaches to align with regulations, and policies for strengthening ROP’s compliance and inspection programs.AGRICULTURIST: Assists an EDP Director and/or the National Policy Manager(s) or other EDP staff personnel in leading, managing, and coordinating projects, program(s), andother related activities, which support domestic and emergency program activities.BOTH POSITIONS: OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED Position Start Date: 09/11/2026 Position Close Date: 09/17/2026 Salary Offered: 93468 - 129742 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!