Safeguard American Agriculture: Join the USDA APHIS Team
Are you looking to apply your scientific expertise to a mission that protects the nation's food supply and natural resources? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is hiring for multiple positions within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of biological science, risk management, and federal policy.
Job Responsibilities
These positions are designed for individuals who thrive on analytical challenges.
- Agriculturalist (Risk Analyst): Focuses on quantitative risk analysis, modeling, and economic impact assessments. You will help determine the likelihood of invasive species introduction and spread.
- Biological Scientist: Provides laboratory and diagnostic support. You will develop detection methods and help interpret scientific data to protect against plant pests.
Core Duties Comparison
| Feature | Agriculturalist (Risk Analyst) | Biological Scientist |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Risk Modeling & Simulation | Diagnostic Methods & Research |
| Work Location | Raleigh, NC | Edinburg, TX |
| Analytical Tools | Multivariate Statistical Analysis | Molecular & Field Diagnostics |
| Goal | Inform Risk Management Strategy | Detect & Mitigate Pest Threats |
Requirements
To be considered, candidates must meet the specific education or combination of education and experience requirements.
- Education: A degree in biological sciences, agriculture, chemistry, or natural resource management.
- Specialized Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level, which includes performing scientific analysis, preparing technical reports, or supporting laboratory operations.
- Assessment: You must complete the USA Hire competency-based assessment window.
Salary Overview
The position offers a competitive salary range of $74,678 to $101,383 per year. As a federal position, you will benefit from locality pay adjustments based on your specific duty station, and you will be eligible for future career advancement opportunities up to the GS-13 level.
Benefits of Federal Employment
Choosing a career with the USDA means more than just a paycheck. Federal employees enjoy:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous retirement benefits, including the Thrift Savings Plan.
- Work-life balance with competitive leave policies.
- Access to diverse federal training programs and professional development.
Application Tips
Success in the federal hiring process requires attention to detail. Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer; documents exceeding this limit are automatically excluded. When describing your experience, map your accomplishments to the major duties listed in the announcement. Use clear, action-oriented language to demonstrate your proficiency.
The fight against invasive species is constant, and the USDA needs skilled scientists to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you are modeling risk in North Carolina or developing new diagnostic tools in Texas, your work will have a tangible impact on the American economy and environment. Apply today to begin your federal career.
Why This Agriculturalist (Risk Analyst)/Biological Scientist Job Matters
Protect the future of American agriculture. Join the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service as a Risk Analyst or Biological Scientist and lead the defense against invasive species.
Agriculturalist (Risk Analyst)/Biological Scientist Job Overview
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking dedicated professionals to fill critical roles in plant health and risk management. We are hiring for Agriculturalist (Risk Analyst) positions in Raleigh, North Carolina, and a Biological Scientist position in Edinburg, Texas. These roles are pivotal to safeguarding U.S. agriculture, conducting advanced risk assessments, and developing innovative diagnostic methods to prevent the spread of invasive pests.
Requirements for Agriculturalist (Risk Analyst)/Biological Scientist
- Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, or chemistry.
- Combination of education and specialized experience totaling at least 100% of requirements.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level or equivalent.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must complete the online USA Hire competency assessment.
- Professional resume not exceeding two pages.
Preferred Qualifications for Agriculturalist (Risk Analyst)/Biological Scientist
- Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in biological sciences.
- Experience with quantitative risk modeling and spatial analysis.
- Background in diagnostic methods development for plant health programs.
- Strong technical writing and communication skills for scientific reporting.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal government health and life insurance options.
- ✓Competitive retirement plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual programs.
- ✓Career advancement potential up to GS-13 level.
- ✓Telework eligibility.
💡 How to Apply Agriculturalist (Risk Analyst)/Biological Scientist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Agriculturalist (Risk Analyst)/Biological Scientist Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that specifically addresses the required duties and includes supervisor contact information.
- Upload all necessary academic transcripts.
- Submit your application through the online portal by the closing date.
- Complete the required USA Hire assessment upon receipt of the invitation email.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
- Be precise with work dates and hours worked per week.
- Set up automatic email notifications in your USAJOBS profile to track your status.
- Review the online questionnaire before submitting to ensure your resume fully supports your claims.
- Prepare for the USA Hire assessment by using available online practice resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the promotion potential for these positions?
These positions are filled at the GS-11 level but have career ladder potential up to GS-13.
Is the USA Hire assessment mandatory?
Yes, all applicants must complete the USA Hire competency-based assessment to be considered for the vacancy.
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
No, you will be removed from consideration if your resume exceeds the two-page limit.
What if I have a foreign degree?
You must provide an evaluation from a private organization that specializes in interpreting foreign education credentials to prove it is equivalent to a U.S. accredited program.
Is relocation assistance offered?
Relocation benefits may be authorized, but applicants should verify the specific details regarding this vacancy during the selection process.
How do I know if I am selected?
You can monitor your status via your USAJOBS account. The agency typically provides notifications via email throughout the selection process.
Job from Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service
The Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) division of the USDA, specifically APHIS, plays a critical role in global trade and domestic agriculture. The agency is dedicated to protecting the health and care of animals and plants, facilitating the safe movement of agricultural products, and responding to emergency threats to the environment. Employees here work at the forefront of science, providing the data and models needed to make informed regulatory decisions.