Description

Position MUST be applied for at USAJobs.gov using this link > USAJOBS - Job Announcement

Summary
As a National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) Associate Coordinator, you will focus on direct project management, managing/coordinating communications with and advisement of the NAHLN laboratories, representation of NAHLN internal and external stakeholders and supervision of staff members as a nationally recognized technical authority within the assigned area of expertise.

Duties
The duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Supervising subordinates more than 25% of the time including, but not limited to, recruitment, selecting, appraising, rewarding, and addressing performance problems.
• Assigns, reviews, monitors progress the work of staff to ensure timely performance, soundness, and value.
• Responsible for employee training, leave, and any conduct matters along with recruitment of new hires.
• Provides technical consultation on laboratory issues related to animal health/surveillance; initiates/maintains networks, liaisons, and collaborations with internal/external partners and stakeholders.
• Provides leadership in assuring that laboratory procedures meet international standards; developing policies, standards, and operating procedures pertaining to approval of diagnostic laboratories
• Serves as a nationally recognized technical expert to industry and government at various levels in overall laboratory network processes and methodologies
• Prepares and presents technical and general briefings to a variety of audiences

Requirements

Requirements
Conditions of Employment

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male 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. Refer to the Next Steps section for more information.
• Subject to one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period.
• 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/
• Testing Designated Position: Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• In accordance with Office of Government Ethics regulations concerning conflict of interest, the incumbent will be required to submit a financial disclosure report within 30 days of their effective date of appointment and annually thereafter.
• All USDA employees are required to be enrolled in Continuous Vetting, which authorizes government agencies to receive notifications of criminal activity on individuals who hold low risk, public trust, or national security positions.
• Criminal Justice Information Services database check required for work involving Biological Select Agents and Toxins.
• Selection and retention in this position is contingent on a successfully adjudicated FBI National Criminal History Check (fingerprint check) and a background investigation
• Your work may include travel and performing laboratory audits may occasionally require an extended workday and/or work week.
• Your duties may include conducting procedures that would require safety devices (glasses, gloves, aprons, lab coats, fume hood, etc.).

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: Biologist (0401):

• Degree: Successfully completed bachelor's or higher degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position;
  OR Combination of education and experience: post high school education with courses equivalent to a major, which is defined as 24 semester/36 quarter hours, in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources management, chemistry or related disciplines appropriate to the position, PLUS appropriate experience or additional course work. The quality of the combination must demonstrate that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work of the position and is comparable to that normally acquired through the completion of a full four-year course of study with a major as described above.

BASIC REQUIREMENT: Veterinary Medical Officer (0701):

• All applicants to 0701 series must meet the Basic Requirement outlined in the Education section below.
• FOR THE 0401 AND 0701 SERIES GS-14 LEVEL: In addition to the Basic Requirements, applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-13 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
• Working in a diagnostic laboratory system with exposure to accessioning cases through reporting results.
  Developing, evaluating, and/or applying molecular, serological, and other diagnostic assays.
  Researching new diagnostic techniques including completing relevant literature reviews.
  Leading a team to develop and accomplish goals.
  Planning for emergency response including drills and exercise planning and participation.

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.
This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.

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.