The incumbent is a member of the Senior Scientist and Technology Service (SSTS) and serves as the Center Director and Location Coordinator of the USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Western Regional Research Center (WRRC) and Albany Location Coordinator in Albany, California. The mission of WRRC is to conduct innovative research and provide scientific solutions to stakeholders in support of California and U.S. agriculture.
Duties
- The incumbent serves in a leadership role and is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating research programs designed to accomplish the organizational mission and research objectives of ARS/WRRC.
- The incumbent is a nationally and/or internationally recognized authority and leader in a specialized field of chemistry, food science, biochemistry, plant genetics, post-harvest biology, agricultural engineering, crop production, or food safety.
- Keeps the Area Director (AD) and the Office of National Programs (ONP) 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. Providing leadership in developing and coordinating research program projections.
- Provides leadership, direction and systematic approaches to identify research needs of stakeholders. Fosters and develops cooperative and productive relationships to address the needs of ARS, the Albany location and WRRC.
- Provides the AD and other officials with advice on highly technical problems in the areas of chemistry, food science, entomology, biochemistry, crop production, food safety, plant genetics, post-harvest biology, and agricultural engineering.
- Provides administrative, facility and financial leadership to the Albany location in partnership with the Administrative Officer, the Area Office, and Administrative and Financial Management (AFM).
- Collaborates with the Office of National Programs and the 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 areas of crop protection, crop improvement, and crop production.
- As Agency representative, the incumbent will also keep up to date on emerging concerns and policies in the areas of chemistry, food science, biochemistry, plant genetics, post-harvest biology, agricultural engineering, and food safety.
- Provides written scientific and administrative reports as needed.
- As appropriate, participates in research activities related to at least one discipline associated with the Center's research program.
- Provides leadership to foster and develop cooperative relationships to increase the effectiveness of WRRC's scientific programs and explores partnerships.
- Has the responsibility for administrative oversight for institutional biosafety and animal use and care programs. Supervises scientists and other technical/administrative staff.
Requirements
- Veterans' preference is applicable in the Senior Science and Technology Service.
- Initial appointments are required to serve a 1-year probationary period.
- You must upload your responses to the SSTS Professional Recognition Documentation.
- Background Investigation and a security clearance are required.
- U.S. Citizenship, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the US is required.
Qualifications
You must have:
- Conducted outstanding research in the fields of animal or plant science, chemistry, food science, biochemistry, plant genetics, post-harvest biology, agricultural engineering, crop production, food safety, as determined by a Qualifications Assessment Board.
- 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 authority and leadership in an area of widespread scientific interest and 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. Have conducted outstanding research in the fields of animal or plant science, as determined by a Qualifications Assessment Board.
- Have directed the work of an organizational unit.
- Having ensured the success of one or more specific major programs or projects.
- Monitoring progress toward strategic organizational goals, evaluating organizational performance and taking action to improve performance; and
- Supervising the work of employees; and exercising important policymaking, policy determining, or other executive functions.