JOBSEARCHER

Supervisory Agriculturist (State Plant Health Director)

UsdaLas Cruces, NMApril 12th, 2026
Help HelpRequirementsConditions of EmploymentYou 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 E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/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.Must be able to perform work while wearing a respirator to oversee fumigations and may be required to maintain certification to wear a respirator such as Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).Must maintain valid pesticide certification.Writing exercise may be required.Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.QualificationsApplicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.Basic RequirementDegree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.ORCombination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.In addition to meeting the basic requirement you will also need to meet the following:FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:Planning and coordinating and conducting all aspects of operational activities for a plant pest and disease program, including special programs, newly emerging programs or operational functions with subordinates, cooperators, industry and other government entities.Analyzing data and developing recommendations regarding solutions to technical problems.Managing the work of subordinates, developing and monitoring short and long-range work plans.Planning and managing the technical approach for inspections, treatments, survey/eradication programs, and quarantine applications. Initiating and modifying techniques and procedures to meet changing program requirements.Evaluating and reviewing the work of subordinates to meet program requirements through direct observation, report review, periodic spot-checks of work in progress and following up on problematic situations as they arise.Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.TRANSCRIPTS Are Required IfThis 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.EducationPlease see above for education qualification requirement information.Additional informationCareer 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.First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected.Locality pay will vary based upon the selectee's duty location. A final salary determination will be made upon selection.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 may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Additional information regarding ad hoc, occasional, or reoccurring telework may be obtained at a later time from the hiring manager or program during the hiring process.Read more Help 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.