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Summary Agricultural Marketing Service's Specialty Crops Inspection Division is responsible for developing U.S. grade standards and providing inspection, grading, certification, and audit-based services nation-wide on a user-fee basis for fresh and processed fruits and vegetables and related products. The incumbent serves as Inspector-in-Charge of a large volume and/or complex inspection point, processing facility or area office lab, which may involve coordinating the work of other inspection personnel. Responsibilities The duties may include, but are not limited to: Selects representative samples from the product lots in accordance with prescribed sampling guidelines and plans. Inspects products to determine the quality, condition and/or compliance with U.S. Grade Standards or stated contract specifications. Prepares inspection reports based on examination of product. Plans and coordinates the day-to-day work at a(n) processing plant/inspection point/area office lab. Draws and examines representative samples of the finished products and conclusively determines grade, condition and/or wholesomeness. Makes observations to determine if plant facilities, operating methods, processing equipment and personnel are in compliance with SCI Division sanitation requirements and FDA regulations. Observes the raw product material to establish the suitability for processing and advises plant management of the results, and takes corrective action if necessary. Instructs inspectors, technicians and aids in proper grading and inspection techniques. Performs a number of administrative duties related to inspection and grading work. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. FOR THE GS-10 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: Independently grades and/or inspects fresh and processed fruits, vegetables and related products, including difficult assignments. Independently inspects products for compliance with all types of contract specifications and recognizes nearly all rare product defects or diseases. Independently makes, explains, or defends nearly all grade and/or inspection determinations. Independently inspects or evaluates complicated processing equipment and procedures, and conditions of storage or transportation, such as is typical of most processed products production, and advises industry employees on product quality control procedures. Plans and coordinates work by setting priorities. Communicates logically and concisely in both oral and written form. Interacts in a tactful and diplomatic manner to maintain good working relations with co-workers and industry. OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Agriculture, Mathematics, Engineering, Economics, Business, Science or related field. OR 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree. OR LL.M., if related. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: 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-10 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. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP 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 applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. The work requires periods of physical exertion to lift and move boxes, cartons and heavy packages of product (often weighing over 50 pounds); prolonged periods of standing, walking, stooping, bending, and climbing; physical coordination and finger dexterity in at least one hand to perform digital examinations of commodities. The work environment includes exposure to freezing and/or hot temperatures, fumes, dust and odors from coolants, slippery surfaces, moving materials, handling equipment, high noise level and similar risks. Requires working in close proximity to others and/or alone; working on weekends and overtime; traveling for extended periods of time; working multiple shifts and changing/rotating shifts (i.e., first, second and third); and operating a motor vehicle via a valid driver's license.