Biological Scientist

Find Your Future With Us at USDA – Animal Plant Health Inspection Service Job Summary The incumbent serves as a Biological Scientist for the Division of Agricultural Select Agents and Toxins (DASAT). DASAT regulates the possession, use, and transfer of biological select agents and toxins (BSAT) that have the potential to pose a severe threat to animal or plant health, or animal or plant products. 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 & EXPERIENCE: 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. 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: Applying a wide range of biological and agricultural science principles to oversee and evaluate regulated entities, ensuring adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and compliance requirements. Making informed decisions and recommendations affecting regulated biological materials by integrating knowledge across disciplines such as epidemiology, microbiology, pathology, immunology, toxicology, and public or animal health. Assessing the implementation of new policies, procedures, and program guidance to determine entity compliance, supporting consistent enforcement of regulatory standards. Delivering briefings, presentations, and written reports to convey program activities, inspection outcomes, and policy recommendations in a clear, concise, and professional manner. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. 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. 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.Enforces APHIS policies, procedures, and regulations pertaining to the entity registration for the possession, use and transfer of APHIS listed pathogens.Reviews biosafety and containment protocols; security infrastructure; incident response procedures and protocols; records; and other requirements for compliance with the select agent regulations.Provides biological advice on the uniform and accurate application of national standards for biosafety.Identifies and documents actual or potential violations of ABPA and other pertinent Acts.Serves as a consultant to industry and government officials at various levels on select agent issues.Inspects and provides oversight over an established number of entities applying to register, or registered entities which possess, use, or transfer select agents, to ensure compliance. Position Start Date: 09/11/2026 Position Close Date: 09/17/2026 Salary Offered: 89508 - 137128 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!