PPQ Officer/Canine Handler

The incumbent performs a specialized duty that provides a comprehensive approach to biosecurity, minimizing the risk of biological and economic damage caused by exotic, non-native plant and animal organisms to agriculture, natural resources and U.S. trade initiatives.

Major duties

• 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:
• Utilizes a detector dog in conducting inspections of commodities and conveyances in traditional and non-traditional settings and environments.
• Applies traditional and non-traditional canine training theory and practices to establish or modify canine behaviors to meet challenging operational environments where no precedent exists.
• Maintains detailed records of canine utilization and training activities, reviews records, draws conclusions, and adjusts training or utilization based on information contained in records.
• Performing daily animal husbandry tasks.
• Preparing for and executing travel with canine partner.
• Using the area’s climatological, topographical and biological data and other information, predicts and plans canine operational activities to achieve the goals of PPQ programs.
• Plans, coordinates, and conducts canine operational activities including special programs, newly emerging programs or operational functions with cooperators, other government entities, industries, private citizens, and other stakeholders.

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 in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, entomology, animal sciences, environmental sciences, forestry, animal husbandry, canine sciences, veterinary sciences, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: post high school education with courses equivalent to a major, which is defined as 24 semester/36 quarter hours, in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources management, chemistry or related disciplines appropriate to the position, PLUS appropriate experience or additional course work. 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: Applying training theory and practices to establish or modify animal behaviors to meet challenging operational environments. Maintaining detailed records of utilization and training activities and using records to inform training and performance. Performing animal husbandry tasks including but not limited to health, maintenance, training, hygiene, exercise and enrichment. Tracking the progress of the programs for which the incumbent is responsible to provide technical assistance in program operations. Using specific knowledge of pest identification and control measures within scope of activities to inform operations. OR 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in the fields of biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, entomology, animal sciences, environmental sciences, forestry, animal husbandry, canine sciences, veterinary sciences, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Applying training theory and practices to establish or modify canine behaviors to meet challenging operational environments. Maintaining and using detailed records of canine utilization and training activities to draw conclusions and adjust training or utilization based on information contained in records. Experienced with project management including planning, coordinating and conducting all aspects of newly emerging programs or operational functions with stakeholders. Using specific knowledge of pest identification and control measures within scope of canine activities to inform operations. Planning, coordinating, and conducting all aspects of canine operational activities for deployments including coordinating with other stakeholders and using the area's climatological, topographical and biological data and other information to safely achieve the goals of PPQ programs. OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, entomology, animal sciences, environmental sciences, forestry, animal husbandry, canine sciences, veterinary sciences, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-9/11 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.