Biological Scientist

US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in Salt Lake City is seeking a Biological Scientist to work in the Division of Agricultural Select Agents and Toxins (DASAT). The role involves applying biological and agricultural science to oversee regulated entities and ensure compliance with BSAT regulations and laws.

Applicants should have a degree in biological sciences or related disciplines, or a combination of education and experience.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of biological and agricultural science principles as applied to regulatory oversight.
• Ability to integrate epidemiology, microbiology, pathology, immunology, toxicology, and public or animal health concepts.
• Experience or education combination to meet GS-12 qualification requirements.
• Ability to deliver briefings, presentations, and written reports on program activities and inspection outcomes.

Education

Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines

Job description

The incumbent serves as a Biological Scientist for the Division of Agricultural Select Agents and Toxins (DASAT). DASAT regulates the possession, use, and transfer of biological select agents and toxins (BSAT) that have the potential to pose a severe threat to animal or plant health, or animal or plant products. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

BASIC REQUIREMENT:

Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

OR

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

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.

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:

• Applying a wide range of biological and agricultural science principles to oversee and evaluate regulated entities, ensuring adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Making informed decisions and recommendations affecting regulated biological materials by integrating knowledge across disciplines such as epidemiology, microbiology, pathology, immunology, toxicology, and public or animal health.
• Assessing the implementation of new policies, procedures, and program guidance to determine entity compliance, supporting consistent enforcement of regulatory standards.
• Delivering briefings, presentations, and written reports to convey program activities, inspection outcomes, and policy recommendations in a clear, concise, and professional manner.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.

Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.

TRANSCRIPTS

are required if:

• This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified.

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.