Current and former Federal employees, disabled Veterans, candidates with 3 or more years of active duty military service, and candidates eligible for special hiring authorities may also apply to Merit Promotion announcement 6PQ-APHIS-MA-2015-0187.

The incumbent Data Manager reports to the State Plant Health Director (SPHD) or designee and provides technical expertise in data collection and automated field survey processes. Designs, develops, and maintains data applications and data in support of PPQ operations at the State level.

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. For details click: APHIS Emergency Response

TRAVEL REQUIRED

• Occasional Travel
• Occasional travel may be required.

RELOCATION AUTHORIZED

• No

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• US Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Subject to satisfactory completion of one year probationary period.

DUTIES: Back to top The duties may include, but are not limited to:

• The incumbent plans, implements and administers systems for the acquisition, storage and retrieval of data for the assigned PPQ offices.
• Provides technical support in the use of USDA, APHIS and PPQ applications, and provides guidance in the support of PPQ programs within the state.
• Provides support to the SPHD and state work unit staff in the application of data systems to the collection and validation of program data and systems.
• Incumbent analyzes and defines data requirements for ensuring data are derived through surveys that incorporate approved data collection protocols per PPQ National Programs, using PPQ and Stakeholder data and systems.
• Is an advocate for all PPQ data management, providing assistance when needed in marketing and outreach within PPQ.
• Provides onsite data management expertise and consultation to State level PPQ managers during emergent situations and assists in determining effective response measures.
• Provides data management expertise and consults with State level managers in order to effectively implement PPQ programs. Analyzes requirements for data, determines appropriate data collection and validation, and ensures accuracy of data and operation of data systems to effectively respond to daily operations within the State. Develops templates, queries and reports to assist State level managers in determining effective responses.
• Provides, creates and may develop various analysis and data reports as needed for use in Pest management activities.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Back to top Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including the following specialized experience and/or education, as identified by grade level.

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:

• Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing to audiences of varying understanding of data management systems, data quality, protocols, and other related technical information.
• Ability to effectively train others of varying skill sets and backgrounds on data collection, data entry, database design, and development of reports.
• High level of technical competency with database design, including the development of data schema, data views, and reporting mechanisms.
• Flexibility to develop effective and workable databases as well as data collection and data management protocols in adherence with requirements identified in applicable Agency and Program Directives and utilizing available software and hardware
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively in a team with Federal and State cooperators.

OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Science, Information Systems Mgmt., Mathematics, Operations Research, Statistics, or Technology Mgmt. 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.
• You are qualifying for this position based on Superior Academic Achievement.[ONLY FOR GS-7 TWO GRADE INTERVAL POSITIONS] This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. For more information on submitting transcripts, click: Transcripts

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-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.

Special Conditions:

• This position is designated a public trust position and is subject to satisfactory completion and favorable adjudication of initial background investigation and reinvestigation as a condition of employment.
• Position may be eligible for telework.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED: The category rating procedure is used to rank and select eligible candidates. Under category rating, applicants who meet basic minimum qualification requirements established for the position and whose job related competencies have been assessed are ranked by being placed in one of the following categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, and Qualified. Preference eligibles are listed ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category.

You will be evaluated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the education, experience, and training you described in your application package, as well as the responses to the Occupational Questionnaire to determine the degree to which you possess the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies listed below:

• Communication Skills
• Organizations Skill & Teamwork
• Data Management

We will review your application, including the online Occupational Questionnaire, to ensure you meet the job requirements and assess your ability to perform this job. Before any certificate can be issued to the selecting official, the resume and supporting documents are reviewed to ensure that (a) minimum qualification requirements are met and (b) the resume supports the answers provided to the job-specific questions. Your answers will be verified against information provided in your online resume and application. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all the questions addressing experience and education relevant to this position.
Note : If, after reviewing your resume and / or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your score can / will be lowered to more accurately reflect the submitted documentation. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Deliberate attempts to falsify information may be grounds for not selecting you.

To view the application form, visit: https://aphis.usda.ntis.gov/cp/?event=jobs.previewApplication&jobid=28b16283-ee4a-464b-a41a-a40600ece168

BENEFITS: Back to top You can review our benefits at: http://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/enrollment/new-federal-employee-enrollment/

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Career Transition Assistance Plan(CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, provide proof of eligibility to include your most recent performance appraisal, SF-50 showing the full performance level or career ladder of your current or previous position, and proof of eligibility such as a RIF separation notice or letter from OPM/your agency. CTAP/ICTAP eligibles will be considered well-qualified if achieving a rating of 85 or above. Information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility is at: OPM’s Career Transition Resources website .
• More than one selection may be made if another vacancy occurs within 90 days of the issuance of the certification of eligibles.
• Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc) should contact: USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).
• Direct Deposit – Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choosing.
• E-Verify: Federal law requires agencies to use the E-Verify system to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. If you are selected as a newly hired employee, the documentation you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form 1-9 on your entry-on-duty date will be verified through the DHS ‘E-VERIFY’ system. Under the system, the new hire is required to resolve any identified discrepancies as a condition of continued employment.