CROP ASSESSMENT SPECIALIST

Summary The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides leadership on food and agriculture issues based on public policy, the best available science and effective management. The USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) links U.S. agriculture to the world, improves foreign market access for U.S. food and agricultural products, builds new markets, improves the competitive position of U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace, and provides food aid and technical assistance to foreign countries. Learn more about this agency Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a US Citizen or US National Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served. Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/ Requires ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance. 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. FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience of crop condition assessment techniques and methodologies, and understanding of agronomic factors affecting plant growth, to include basic crop phenology; AND/OR Experience of the principles and theories of GIS and remote sensing, to include satellite imagery analysis, used to apply analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to agronomic issues; AND Skilled in conducting research and gathering documentation in order to compile comprehensive reports; AND Familiarity with the field of database management. OR a master's or equivalent graduate degree in agronomy, plant science, soil science, botany, biology, meteorology, geography, cartography, geographic information systems, or similar field of study OR 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.B. or J.D., if related. Note: Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. 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: Experience of crop condition assessment techniques and methodologies, and understanding of the complex interrelationships of agronomic factors affecting plant growth, to include crop phenology; AND/OR Experience of complex principles and theories of GIS and remote sensing, to include satellite imagery analysis, enabling the application of analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to resolve challenging agronomic issues or assess global agronomic conditions; AND Advanced skill in conducting research and gathering documentation in order to compile comprehensive reports to decision makers; AND Familiarity with the field of database management, various computer languages and programs, and related applications. OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in agronomy, plant science, soil science, botany, biology, meteorology, geography, cartography, geographic information systems, or similar field of study OR 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.M., if related. Note: Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this 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: Thorough experience of crop condition assessment techniques and methodologies, and advanced understanding of the complex interrelationships of agronomic factors affecting plant growth, to include crop phenology; AND/OR Thorough experience of complex principles and theories of GIS and remote sensing, to include advanced satellite imagery analysis, and the application of analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to resolve challenging agronomic issues or assess global agronomic conditions; AND Advanced experience in the field of database management, various computer languages and programs, and utilization of related applications; AND The ability to do analyses and to arrive at sound solutions to complex, sensitive issues; ability to develop, modify, and adapt methods and techniques to fit specific situations; AND The ability to prepare clear and concise written reports; to communicate effectively in an oral format; and to present facts and recommendations in clear, concise, and logical terms. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: 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-09/11 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. To learn more about combining education and experience for this series, click the following: Combining Education and Experience for Administrative and Management Positions 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. Education Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. This position is eligible for telework within the local commuting area of the duty location of the position. Employee participation is at the discretion of the supervisor. Read more Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal benefits. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.