Forest Service Logo
Position Title
Plant Pathologist
Agency
Forest Service
Announcement Number
21-R4R1GVMAR-0434-DP-TW Opens in new window
Open Period
Friday, April 2, 2021 to Monday, April 12, 2021
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2.
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.
 
 
(limit characters)
3.
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.
 
 
(limit characters)
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?
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the locations you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location. (limit characters)
2. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in the Plant Pathologist, GS-0434-9/11/12 positions with the USDA Forest Service. (limit characters)
Your responses to the questions in the questionnaire and the information provided in your completed application will be evaluated to determine your qualifications for this position. PLEASE NOTE: You must attach all transcripts that document the required course work and/or degree completed listed below. Transcripts must show the college or university, semester or quarter hours earned, grade received, and date completed. If you do not submit specific course work information described below, your application will be rated not qualified for consideration. Your resume or application materials must support the answers you select. (limit characters)
Basic Requirements for Plant Pathology series (0434) (limit characters)
1. From the descriptions below, select the response that best describes how your background meets the basic requirements for a Plant Pathologist position, GS-0434. (limit characters)
2. From the descriptions below, select the response that best describes your education and/or experience as it pertains to meeting the specialized experience requirements for the Plant Pathologist, GS-0434-9 position. (limit characters)
3. From the descriptions below, select the response that best describes your education and/or experience as it pertains to meeting the specialized experience requirements for the Plant Pathologist, GS-0434-11 position. (limit characters)
4. From the descriptions below, select the response that best describes how your background meets the specialized experience requirements for the Plant Pathologist, GS-0434-12 position. (limit characters)
For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. Please select only one response for each item. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
5. Conduct forest pathology training programs, presentations, and seminars for internal and external customers. (limit characters)
6. Provide technical assistance concerning forest diseases to land managers. (limit characters)
7. Provide recommendations to land users regarding ways they can best use land, promote plant growth, or avoid or correct problems. (limit characters)
8. Organize pilot projects and field tests. (limit characters)
9. Make recommendations on pathogen management methods to internal and external customers. (limit characters)
10. Provide technical assistance concerning forest pathogens to cooperators or customers. (limit characters)
11. Make recommendations on proven reforestation, harvesting, and silvicultural practices that will reduce losses. (limit characters)
12. Coordinate evaluation surveys to determine the status of forest pathogens. (limit characters)
13. Participate in suppression and prevention projects where the conduct of the projects can reduce the adverse effects of a pathogen. (limit characters)
14. Identify pathogens to determine damage caused by organisms. (limit characters)
15. Develop control methods to suppress or prevent pest infestations. (limit characters)
16. Coordinate and implement all aspects of a pathogen detection, evaluation, prevention, and control program. (limit characters)
17. Analyze collected data in consultation with other professionals. (limit characters)
18. Develop disease management alternatives to reduce pathogen effects. (limit characters)
19. Conduct evaluations to gain knowledge concerning disease biology, ecological relationships, parasitic effects, survey methodology, or new control techniques. (limit characters)
20. Write guidelines related to plant pathology that are incorporated into project plans or other management documents. (limit characters)
21. Develop quality and efficiency guidelines for biological evaluations based on research findings and experience. (limit characters)
22. Analyze data and prepare complete and comprehensive reports. (limit characters)
23. Prepare technical reports and manuscripts based on analyzed data to incorporate into resource project plans. (limit characters)
24. Implement technology transfer plans to provide information to specialists and resource managers. (limit characters)
25. Please select the statement(s) that reflect your educational achievement(s). Transcripts, certificates, or other appropriate documentation must be included with this application to verify GPA, coursework, and degree. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
26. I certify, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all the information submitted by me with my application for employment is true, complete, and made in good faith, and that I have truthfully and accurately represented my work experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and education (degrees, accomplishments, etc.). I understand that the information provided may be investigated. I understand that misrepresenting my experience or education, or providing false or fraudulent information in or with my application may be grounds for not hiring me or for terminating me after I begin work. I also understand that false or fraudulent statements may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (18 U.S.C. 1001). (limit characters)