USA Staffing

Position Title: Biological/Social Science Specialist (National Program Leader)
Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Announcement Number: NIFA-DHA20TAB-10794752-KLZ Opens in new window
Open Period: Friday, April 24, 2020 to Wednesday, September 30, 2020

For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.

1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?

A. No, I do not claim Veterans' Preference

B. 0-point Sole Survivorship Preference (SSP)

C. 5-point preference based on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (TP)

D. 10-point preference for non-compensable disability or Purple Heart (XP)

E. 10-point preference based on a compensable service connected disability of at least 10% but less than 30% (CP)

F. 10 point preference based on widow/widower or parent of a deceased veteran, or spouse or parent of a disabled veteran (XP)

G. 10-point preference based on a compensable service connected disability of 30% or more (CPS)

Are you a current USDA employee who meets the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee, in which received official notice that your job is no longer needed or that you will lose your job by Reduction-in-Force (RIF)? If yes, confirm:

• you are located in the same local commuting area as the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.

For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.

A. Yes

B. No

Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a Federal agency other than USDA? If yes, confirm:

• you are located in the same local commuting area as the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.

For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.

A. Yes

B. No

4. Have you registered for reemployment consideration AND meet one of the below:

• Are you a current or former competitive service USDA employee who will be or was separated by Reduction-In-Force (RIF) and received a rating of satisfactory or above as your last annual performance rating?
OR
• Are you a former USDA competitive service employee who separated due to a compensable injury or disability?

A. Yes

B. No

1. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position.

2. Select all of the series you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one series.

A. 0101 - Social Science

B. 0401 - General Natural Resources Management And Biological Sciences

Your responses to the questions below will be used in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Your resume and application materials must support the level of experience and/or education you claim in this questionnaire. If, after a complete review of your application package, a determination is made that you have overstated your qualifications, you may be rated ineligible for this position.

1. This position requires applicants to meet basic education and experience qualifications for the GS-0401 Biological Science series Your transcript(s) MUST be supplied to support the response you selected.

A. I have completed a degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

B. I have a combination of education and experience that included course work equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

C. I do not meet the basic education requirements as described above.

2. Select the statement below which best describes your basic qualifications for the GS-0101 Social Science series. Your transcript(s) MUST be supplied to support the response you selected.

A. I have a degree in behavioral or social science; or a related discipline appropriate to the position.

B. I have a combination of education and experience that provided me with knowledge of one of more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

C. I have four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one of more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to the major in the field

D. I do not meet the basic education requirement as described above.

3. From the choices below, please select the response that best describes how your experience meets the minimum qualification requirements for this position at the GS-13 level. Your resume must clearly support the response you select or you will be rated as not qualified.

A. I possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level; or its non-Federal equivalent that included experience coordinating and analyzing data for the development of policies to implement programs to enhance food and agriculture; collaborate with various stakeholders to gather information on the performance of agricultural research, extension, or education activities; and assisting in conducting program evaluations to improve the administration and efficacy of research, education, and extension programs.

B. I do not meet or exceed the specialized experience as described above.

4. From the choices below, please select the response that best describes how your experience meets the minimum qualification requirements for this position at the GS-14 level. Your resume must clearly support the response you select or you will be rated as not qualified.

A. I possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level; or its non-Federal equivalent that included experience developing and providing input and direction for regional or national food and agricultural science programs; participating in the development of policies to implement programs to enhance food and agriculture; leading workgroups with various stakeholders in the performance of agricultural research, extension, or education activities; and participating in conducting program evaluations to improve the administration and efficacy of research, education, and extension programs.

B. I do not meet or exceed the specialized experience as described above.

5. From the choices below, please select the response that best describes how your experience meets the minimum qualification requirements for this position at the GS-15 level. Your resume must clearly support the response you select or you will be rated as not qualified.

A. I possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 level; or its non-Federal equivalent that included experience directing and leading regional or national food and agricultural sciences programs; formulating policies to implement programs to enhance food and agriculture ; providing policy direction and coordinating work with various stakeholders in the performance of agricultural research, extension, or education activities; and conducting program evaluations to improve the administration and efficacy of research, education, and extension programs.

B. I do not meet or exceed the specialized experience as described above.

6. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001); my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied an appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in my not being considered for this position.

A. Yes, I certify that the information provided in this questionnaire is true, correct and provided in good faith, and I understand the information provided above.

B. No, I do not certify/understand the information provided above.

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