Supervisory Agricultural Commodity Grader (Cotton) (Assistant Area Director)
Summary
The Cotton Classing Office administers assigned programs on cotton and related commodities provided for in legislative and administrative requirements in connection with standards, marketing services, and allied regulatory responsibilities. As Assistant Area Director of a large, complex classing office, you will assist the Area Director in directing, administering, and carrying out programs and activities assigned to the office.
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Duties
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Requirements
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Conditions of employment
Qualifications
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.
FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 grade level) that demonstrates:
There is no education substitution for this grade level.
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
This position does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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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.
The Cotton Classing Office administers assigned programs on cotton and related commodities provided for in legislative and administrative requirements in connection with standards, marketing services, and allied regulatory responsibilities. As Assistant Area Director of a large, complex classing office, you will assist the Area Director in directing, administering, and carrying out programs and activities assigned to the office.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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- The duties may include, but are not limited to:
- Participates in the formulation of programs within the assigned territory and in national policies by contributing ideas, suggestions, and recommendations with respect to the cotton classing services.
- Responsibility for the classification of samples submitted in connection with the Program's cotton classification program.
- Oversees the High Volume Instrument (HVI) operations to insure that readings are within tolerances, instruments are properly calibrated, and repairs are made on a timely basis.
- Represents the Program in assigned geographical area in contacting state and local officials on the Smith-Doxey Act, other applicable governing legislation, and other assigned functions.
- Plans and assigns the work of the group with the assistance of subordinate supervisors so as to minimize the backlog of samples to be classed.
- Reviews the work of field representatives, including their market information reports.
Requirements
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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.
- 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 https://www.e-verify.gov/.
- Selectee will be subject to a pre-employment medical statement and/or exam.
- 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.
- Prior to an official offer, selectee will be required to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) acknowledging/accepting that geographic mobility is a condition of employment. Failure to sign the MOU will result in withdrawal of the job offer.
- 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.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.
FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 grade level) that demonstrates:
- Leading, directing and supervising a diverse work staff of permanent and seasonal employees working multiple shifts.
- Experience in Cotton Classing standards, Quality Management Program, High Volume Instrument grading, data analysis, equipment and building maintenance.
- Leading operations, providing communications and facilitating the priorities, mission and vision of the organization.
- Providing written and oral communication on technical matters, operational and personnel matters to large and small groups and to individuals.
There is no education substitution for this grade level.
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
This position does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
- Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Reemployment Priority List (RPL): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP or RPL eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP 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 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 may be paid.
- Locality pay will vary based upon the selectee's duty location. A final salary determination will be made upon selection.
- Weekend and federal holiday work required during peak season.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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.