Supervisory Agriculturalist (State Plant Health Director)

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Bismarck (ND); On-site; USD 90,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA APHIS is seeking a specialist to perform scientific and administrative plant regulatory duties across the state, including risk analysis, export certification for plant products and by-products, survey program design, and eradication efforts. Position involves coordinating with SPRO and other stakeholders to protect plant health.

The role starts on 10/30/2026 with a closing date of 11/05/2026 and offers a salary between 89,508 and 116,362 USD per year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and experience as described for GS-012 level.
• Experience planning and coordinating inspections, treatments, survey/eradication programs.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to pest and disease risk analysis and export certification programs.
• Direct program activities including inspections, quarantine applications, and regulatory compliance.

Skills

GS-012 level experience

Education

Biological sciences / agriculture degree

Job description

Find Your Future With Us at USDA – Animal Plant Health Inspection Service

Job Summary

If selected for this position, you will be responsible for APHIS scientific and administrative plant regulatory activities within the state, to include: pest and disease risk analysis; exclusion and prevention effective export certification program for plant products and animal by-products, design and implementation of survey programs, eradication of pest or disease outbreaks; and conducting regulatory programs for domestic pests.

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. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. FOR THE GS-012 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, 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. 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.

Major Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to: Contribute to effective outreach programs to importers, travelers and industry on importation requirements. Directs/administers federal export certification program for plants, plant products, and animal by-products within the state. Cooperates with State Plant Regulatory Officials (SPRO) to develop and document state emergency management plans. Determines strategies to control or manage invasive species based on risk and data analysis, chemical or biological control, and availability of funding. Manages all administrative and programmatic activities while complying with appropriate Federal and state regulations and guidelines. Oversees the identification of plant pest pathways through analysis and utilization of risk data.

Position Start Date: 10/30/2026

Position Close Date: 11/05/2026

Salary Offered: 89508 - 116362 USD Per Year

You can make a difference! The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) needs bright, energetic and committed professionals to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. We operate in domestic and global markets. Be part of an organization that protects the health and agriculture of the American people. Join our team! To learn more about what it's like to work at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, what the agency does, and the types of careers, please visit the APHIS careers site. APHIS is an emergency response agency. This means that all Agency employees may be asked or assigned to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments to support emergency programs at some time during their careers with APHIS.