CENTER DIRECTOR

DutiesThe incumbent is a recognized authority and leader in a specialized field of livestock or forage production, climate science, hydrology, agricultural engineering, plant physiology, plant genetics/breeding, or plant pest management.Serves in a leadership role for research program planning, as well as implementation of the overall research missions, goals, and policies of ARS.Keeps the Area Director fully informed of program and related considerations having a significant bearing on the development of research priorities and projections, budgets, and use of facilities.Participates with the Area Director and other research program leaders in developing criteria for budgetary priorities and projections. Provides leadership in developing and coordinating research program projections.Provides leadership, direction, and systematic approaches to identify research needs of stakeholders. Fosters and develops cooperative relationships to address the needs of ARS and the Center.Supervises scientists and other technical/administrative staff across all facilities and work sites.Has responsibility for ensuring the quality of all project plan proposals and their preparation for review by the Office of Scientific Quality Review (OSQR).Has responsibility for reviewing and approving all research papers, including peer-reviewed journal articles, prior to submission and dissemination of results.Provides the Area Director and other officials with advice on highly technical problems in the areas of livestock or forage production, climate science, hydrology, plant physiology, plant genetics/breeding, and plant pest management.As appropriate, supports the Agency programs concerning humane care and use of all vertebrate animals.Provides administrative and financial leadership to the location in partnership with the Administrative Officer, the Plains Area Office, and Administrative and Financial Management (AFM).Collaborates with the Office of National Programs and the Plains Area Office in planning, coordinating, and evaluating joint research established to fulfill the need for integrated, multidisciplinary approaches across the Agency strategic plans.Serves as a representative of the Agency on various policy boards, committees, and advisory groups that develop policy guidance and guidelines within the broad area of plant genetics/physiology and entomology.Develops written scientific and administrative reports and related peer-review research publications.As appropriate, actively participates in research activities related to OCPARC.Requirements Conditions of EmploymentVeterans Preference is applicable in the Senior Science and Technology Service.Initial appointments are required to serve a 1-year probationary periodYou must upload your responses to the SSTS Professional Recognition Documentation.Background Investigation required and security clearance required.U.S. Citizenship, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the US is required. QualificationsYou must: - Have conducted and published outstanding research in livestock or forage production, climate science, hydrology, soil science, remote sensing, plant physiology, plant genetics/breeding, or plant pest management, or a combination of some of the above, as determined by a Qualifications Assessment Board (QAB); - Have earned a doctoral level degree at an institution of higher education [as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.1001)]; - Have national or international recognition as an authority and provide leadership in an area of widespread scientific interest an investigation; and - Meet the qualification standards prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management for appointment to a position at the GS-15 level of the General Schedule.Education Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, plant physiology, plant genetics, entomology, plant pathology, pest management, molecular biology, soil science, agronomy, agricultural engineering, remote/proximal sensing or plant pest management, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. A Ph.D. in any of the disciplines listed above is required. Additional informationConsideration for competitive selection for this position is open to all persons within the area of consideration who meet the basic qualifications. Race, color, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, political beliefs, religion, marital or family status, disability, and other non-merit factors will not be considered. 1. This position is covered under the post-employment restriction of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-521). This law also requires the selectee to file an Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report (Standard Form 278), within 30 days of appointment. 2. Applications sent in U.S. Government postage-paid envelope and submitted through Federal Agency courier services will not be considered. 3. The 1993 Hatch Act Reform Amendments prohibit oral and written political recommendations for Federal jobs. 4. Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System before they can be employed by an executive agency of the Federal government. This requirement does not apply to Agency employees appointed before November 8, 1985. 5. All application forms are subject to the provisions of the Privacy Act and become the property of USDA. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. USDA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).Reasonable Accommodation: This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency at 202-260-8128. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis. Effective January 1, 2010, OPM must authorize any employment offers we make to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office. Help 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 windowLearn 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.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. YOU MUST UPLOAD YOUR RESPONSE TO THE FIVE CRITERION QUESTIONS in the SSTS Professional Recognition Documentation Form as described below. You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Evaluation Method: Applicants must meet the qualification requirements as outlined above to be eligible for further consideration and must submit written statements in response to SSTS criteria listed below (also referred to as the SSTS Professional Recognition Documentation) detailing evidence of the experience, knowledge, skill, ability, and other personal characteristic requirements and show how and when they were used. This evidence must include clear, concise examples that show level of accomplishments and degree of responsibility. Qualification determinations will be based on the information supplied by the applicant. Senior Science and Technology Service Professional Recognition Documentation Form Name of Applicant: _______________ Date: ______ _ Criterion 1: List and describe personal honors and awards received from major national or international organizations for accomplishments; publications in prestigious journals (e.g.; Science, Nature, PNAS); and significant impacts on livestock or forage production, animal science, climate science, agricultural engineering, soil science, ecology, environmental science, hydrology, plant physiology, plant genetics/breeding, entomology, or plant pathology through basic and/or applied research, and related technology transfer. Criterion 2: List recent instances in which you have been sought out as an advisor and consultant on scientific and technological programs or problems, reflecting either personal accomplishments or research leadership of the programs you oversee. Criterion 3: List evidence of how your personal stature and recognition, and/or scientific leadership, has attracted visiting scientist, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and applications for scientific positions in the programs you oversee. Criterion 4: Describe how your research and/or leadership accomplishments have impacted livestock or forage production, Agroclimate and Hydraulics research, cereal crop germplasm, animal science, climate science, and basic biological science research programs, policy, practices, or funding in the public or private sectors. Criterion 5: Provides examples where your ability to lead people and manage financial and information resources (technology and data) have contributed to the impact of your scientific and/or technological accomplishments. To view the application form, visit: