Lead Supervisory Agriculturist - Lab Science & Plant Health

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Buzzards Bay (MA); On-site; USD 168,000 - 197,000; Full time

Job summary

The incumbent directs a large laboratory charged with scientific research and technology development critical to USDA's mission of safeguarding plant and animal resources from exotic pests and diseases.

For the GS-15 level, the role requires extensive experience managing staff and budgets, coordinating with universities and public/private partners, and applying leadership to solve complex organizational challenges.

Qualifications

• BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
• Combination of education and experience allowed to meet total qualifications.
• GS-15 level requires one year of specialized experience at GS-14 level demonstrating leadership, budgeting, and complex problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Formulates and achieves short- and long-range goals for laboratory operations.
• Establishes laboratory priorities, develops project plans, allocates resources, and manages formal agreements.
• Collaborates with national and international partners to meet customer needs and improve plant health outcomes.
• Designates project leaders and oversees assignment of work to scientists and support staff.
• Reviews resource needs and administers budgets and staffing proposals.
• Analyzes laboratory processes and ensures efficient operations and utilization of resources.
• Oversees work measurement tools and maintains quality across outputs.
• Ensures coordination with PPQ safeguarding efforts and agency-wide initiatives.

Job description

The incumbent directs a large laboratory charged with scientific research and technology development critical to USDA's mission of safeguarding plant and animal resources from exotic pests and diseases.

For the GS-15 level, the role requires extensive experience managing staff and budgets, coordinating with universities and public/private partners, and applying leadership to solve complex organizational challenges.