CBP Agriculture Specialist -Open & closing dates 09/20/2018to09/26/2018 -Service Competitive -Pay scale & grade GS 5 - 9 -Salary $33,394 to $65,778 per year -Appointment type Permanent -Work schedule Full-Time -Location -Relocation expenses reimbursed No -Telework eligible No -Duties -Summary Discover a challenging and rewarding career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the sole organization responsible for securing the nation's borders. CBP employees protect our Nation's borders from terrorism, human and drug smuggling, illegal migration, and agricultural pests while simultaneously facilitating the flow of legitimate travel and trade. -Responsibilities Locations offered are based on operational and mission requirements, and critical agency hiring needs as determined by the CBP Office of Field Operations. Although the following locations will most likely be available, the duty location offered in your final offer letter may include a duty location in another geographic location that meets agency mission critical needs: -, -, and -, CA; -and -, GA; -, LA; -, NJ; -, and -, NY; and -, PA. Note: If you accept this position in San Francisco, CA, you may be eligible to receive an additional 25% of your salary each year for the first 3 years of employment in addition to any overtime pay. This incentive only applies to new federal employees and is dependent upon the availability of funds. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The CBP Agriculture Specialist (AGS) primary responsibilities are: -Serve as a consultant in the areas of inspection, analysis, intelligence gathering, examination, and law enforcement activities regarding the importation of agricultural/commercial commodities and conveyances at ports of entry -Apply laws and regulations when determining the admissibility of agriculture commodities while preventing the introduction of harmful pests, diseases, and potential agro-terrorism into the United States -Participate in special enforcement, targeting or analysis teams charged with collecting and analyzing information and identifying high-risk targets -Plan and conduct remedial actions such as treating, disinfecting, and decontaminating prohibited commodities, conveyances, contaminants or agricultural materials -Travel Required Occasional travel - Travel may be required based on operational needs. -Supervisory status No -Promotion Potential 12 -Conditions of Employment -Probationary Period:You must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of your initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Formal Training:You will start your training at the Professional Development Center located in Frederick, MD, for USDA training. Upon successful completion of this training, you will transition to the Field Operations Academy located at the -in Glynco, GA, for additional training. Successful completion of both training environments is required. Uniforms:This position requires you to wear an officially-approved uniform while in a duty status. Shift Work/Overtime:You must be willing and available to work rotating shifts. You may also be rotated between assignments and work units. You may be required to work overtime on a regular and recurring basis. Residency: If you are not currently a CBP employee, you must meet one or more of the following primary residency criteria for the last three years prior to applying to this announcement: 1. Resided in the United States or its protectorate or territories (excluding short trips abroad, such as vacations); 2. Worked for the United States government as an employee overseas in a federal or military capacity; or 3. Been a dependent of a United States federal or military employee serving overseas Exceptions may be granted if you provide complete state-side coverage information regarding participation in "Study Abroad" programs, overseas church missions, or state-side addresses of anyone who worked or studied with you overseas. You must provide information and related documentation at the time of application. Driver's License:You must possess a valid driver's license. Current Federal Employees:Current federal employees who apply to this announcement will be required to serve a probationary period in accordance with 5 CFR 315 and may be required to accept a change to lower grade, which may reduce their salary based on Federal pay regulations. Note: If you are a current GS-12 step 1, your salary may be reduced to a GS-5 step 10, which equates to an approximate $29,961 salary reduction (based on locality). Re-promotion is not guaranteed. Timeframes and grade level re-promotion is at the discretion of the agency and will be subject to a probationary period. All agency employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments. -Qualifications Basic Qualification Requirement for All Grades (GS-5/7/9):You must have successfully completed a full four-year course of study from an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that includes a major field of study such as agronomy, botany, entomology, plant pathology, horticulture, pest management, plant science, soil science, crop science, microbiology, mycology, nematology, weed science, ecology, biology, agriculture, animal science, natural resource management, environmental resource management, chemistry or related disciplines. If you have not completed the above described education, you must have completedat least 24 semester hoursin biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry or a related discipline at an accredited college or universityplushave appropriate work experience. You qualify for the GS-5 grade level (starting salary $33,394) if you possess one of the following: Experience:One year of general work experience that demonstrates the ability to take charge, make sound decisions and maintain composure in stressful situations; learn enforcement regulations, methods and techniques through classroom training and on-the-job instruction; maintain logs and gather factual information through questioning, observation, and examination of documents and recordsANDtranscripts whichincludes at least 24 semester hoursof biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry or a related discipline from an accredited college or university;OR Education Substitution: A full four-year course of study (at least 120 semester credits) at an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's degree thatincludes a major in a field of study listed above;OR A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university thatincludes a major in a field of study listedabove;OR Will receive a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement and the transcripts must show that you are on track to graduate within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement thatincludes a major in a field of study listed above. Combination of Experience and Education:A combination of general work experienceANDsuccessfully completed college education thatincludes a major in a field of study listed above. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application. You qualify for the GS-7 grade level (starting salary $41,365) if you possess one of the following: Experience:One year of specialized work experience that demonstrates the ability to deal effectively with individuals or groups of persons in a courteous, tactful manner in connection with agricultural matters; research information for reports and provide information to others; analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions or take prompt and appropriate action enforcing regulations when inspecting vessels, vehicles, aircraft and/or baggage for the presence of restricted plant materials, pests or diseases and reviewing/analyzing passengers and/or commodity documents to assess the agricultural risk of their entry into the United StatesANDtranscripts whichincludes 24 semester hoursof biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry or a related discipline from an accredited college or university;OR Education Substitution: One full year of graduate level education (equivalent to 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours) from an accredited college or university leading to a master's degree thatincludes a major in a field of study listed above;OR A bachelor's degree with -(i.e., GPA 3.0 or higher of a possible 4.0 scale), which is based on one of the following: class standing, grade-point average, or honor society membership from an accredited college or university thatincludes at least 24 semester hours in a major in a field of study listed above;OR Will receive a bachelor's degree with -(i.e., GPA 3.0 or higher of a possible 4.0 scale) from an accredited college or university within 9 months from the closing date of the job announcement, whichincludesat least 24 semester hours in a major in a field of study listed aboveand the transcripts must indicate you are on track to graduate within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement;OR Combination of Experience and Education:A combination of graduate level education completed in afield of study listed abovefrom an accredited college or universityANDspecialized work experience listed in a. above. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application You qualify for the GS-9 grade level (starting salary $50,598) if you possess one of the following: Experience:One year of specialized work experience that demonstrates the ability to coordinate, plan and execute inspection assignments, investigate violations, prepare investigative reports and provide testimony, compile data, logs and prepare reports of work accomplishments and inspection operations, coordinate and assist with school or media events and plan, conduct and oversee treatments such as disinfection, sterilization and decontamination treatmentsANDtranscripts whichincludes 24 semester hoursof biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry or a related discipline from an accredited college or university;OR Education Substitution: A Master's degree from an accredited college or university thatincludes a major in a field of study listedabove;OR Will receive a Master's degree from an accredited college or university within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement inone of the fields of study listed aboveand the transcripts must show that you are on track to graduate within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement;OR Combination of Experience and Education:A combination of graduate level education completed ina field of study listed abovefrom an accredited college or universityANDspecialized work experience listed in above. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application;ORa combination of one year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade listed above andtwoyears of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree inone of the fields of study listed above. Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement. National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer 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, and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Political Appointees:The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resource office. -Education See theQualificationssection for education substitution. -Additional information -. Background Investigation -Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring.These authorities are subject to change. -We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience and training will be rated using an online self-assessment questionnaire that is based on the competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below. You will receive a score ranging from 70-100 based on your responses. Your entire application package will then be reviewed. -Security clearance -Drug test required Yes -Resume:A resume in English is required. It must contain your full legal name, address, phone number, complete work history, a detailed description of your duties, the dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), as well as yourhours worked per week.Please see the -for specific information. Transcripts:Required if basing any part of your qualifications on education and must be in English from an accredited institution. Transcripts fromallcolleges/universities attended are required. Official transcripts are preferred but will accept unofficial at the time of application. Official transcripts are required upon receipt of a final offer of employment. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualifications requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See -for more information. For a listing of accrediting agencies, please see -or -. Veterans' Preference:If you claim Veterans' Preference you will be required to submit proof of eligibility (DD 214, Member-4 copy, Certificate of Release or Discharge). Those applying for 10-Point preference must submit documentation that demonstrates preference eligibility. Please see the documentation as listed on the -. Statement of Service (Certification letter):If you are still on active duty you must submit certification from the Armed Services showing you will be discharged or released from active duty. This certification should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; (2) campaign badges and expeditionary medals earned; and (3) the character of service. View more -. Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)?Submit: -a copy of your agency notice; -a copy of your most recent performance rating; and -a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.Are you a current or former political appointee?If you are or have been a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential appointee employee you must submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: -Position title -Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee) -Agency -Beginning and ending dates of appointment -and follow the online prompts to fill out the questionnaire and submit your application. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, transcripts and any applicable and/or required supporting documentation. Please see the -Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may not update assessment responses after submitting an application. You must submit your resume, application questionnaire, transcripts and any supporting documents at the time of application. Please see theNext Steps -: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP and/or ICTAP eligible. View information about -DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package. For more information, go to the -Next steps -If you are already in the pre-employment process for a CBP Agriculture Specialist position and you reapply under this announcement and are subsequently referred for a position, your new referral may replace any existing CBP Agriculture Specialist referral regardless of preference location for which you are currently in process, and may delay your pre-employment processes. -A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.