Location: Portland,OR, USA
Summary The incumbent makes final grade determinations on products standardized under the Acts and may perform weighing activities at grain handling facilities. The incumbent may rotate between all facilities within his/her assigned area and is responsible for knowledge of those facilities where Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) services are provided. Responsibilities The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Determines the grade of grain and related commodities and makes independent decisions on difficult and borderline grade determinations. Monitors and interacts with multiple automated control and data dissemination and collection systems. Conducts stowage examinations on ship holds, barges, hopper cars, and other containers to insure cleanliness and acceptability of storage and handling facilities. Reviews fumigant documentation and verifies count of canisters and placard seals on all entry hatches. Documents deviations in grading results, explains to elevator personnel options when grain does not meet specified grade and documents actions to correct deviations. Samples, check weighs, and check loads processed products and non-processed products under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946. Inspects and check tests equipment and diverter samplers used for official inspection. Ensures accurate weights and accurate documentation of events that support the official weight certificates Requirements Conditions of Employment 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. FOR THE GS-05 LEVEL: Applicants must have three years of progressively responsible experience, one year of which was equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the next lower level in the Federal Service (equivalent to the GS-04 level) (experience may have been obtained in private or public sectors), that demonstrates the ability to: analyze problems, gather pertinent data, recognize solutions, and communicate effectively orally and in writing. OR Successfully completed a 4-year course of study, from an accredited college or university, leading to a bachelor's degree. Note: Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Applying official U.S. grade standards for grain and/or grain products. Utilizing specific elements of product processing, transportation, storage, or conditions that affect the grain and/or grain products grade, acceptability, and quality. Applying the procedures, techniques, and methods required to determine the grain/grain products acceptability or grade, and skill in performing various types of inspections. Establishing, maintaining, and developing effective interpersonal relationships with employees, operating supervisors, and managers of the grain/grain products processing firms and facilities. OR 1 full year of graduate level education in Agriculture, Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Business, Economics, or related subjects; OR Superior Academic Achievement: To qualify based on superior academic achievement, you must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution AND 1) have a class standing in the upper third of the graduating class, 2) membership in a national scholastic honor society (excluding Freshman honor societies), or 3) must meet certain GPA requirements. GPA requirements: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on official transcripts or as computed based on 4 years of education, or courses completed during the final 2 year of the curriculum; OR 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required course completed in the major field or courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum (GPA will be rounded to one decimal place, e.g., 2.95 rounds to 3.0 and 2.94 rounds to 2.9).Note: Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Explaining and demonstrating equipment maintenance, calibration, and testing techniques and principles in order to instruct field office and OA personnel on proper procedures, to provide advice to interested parties, and to take or recommend corrective actions on misinterpretations of established procedures. Applying quality assurance principles and methods in order to maintain the integrity of the equipment program. Utilizing official grain weighing and inspection processes including making independent decisions regarding normal daily weighing operations and evaluation. Applying chemical and physical test procedures in order to accurately and safely provide grading information. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree in Agriculture, Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Business, Economics, or related subjects; OR 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree. Note: Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. You are qualifying for this position based on Superior Academic Achievement. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-05/07/09 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that 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 Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP 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/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Works frequently in Grain Dust environments. 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 will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. Promotion Potential: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. Worksite Information: This position is located at the duty station(s) listed in this vacancy announcement and is not eligible for telework or remote work.