Summary The Dairy Products Marketing Specialist functions as an expert, studying Standardization Branch programs; evaluating information; and developing, writing, and recommending changes dealing with national and international standards, specifications, and quality improvement programs for milk and dairy products. Other responsibilities include performing tasks related to policy analysis, program development, communication strategies, and internal reviews. Responsibilities 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: Conducts studies of the programs relating to domestic standards, specifications, and quality improvement of milk and dairy products. Develops and conducts necessary field tests and other investigations relating to plant practices and facilities, such as manufacturing, packaging, transporting, and storing of dairy products. Serves as a technical expert, providing information to the Grading Branch field office, Federal and State government representatives, and members of the dairy industry industry on program or technological changes. Develops written products that articulate, interpret, and explain highly complex, potentially controversial, and important agency assessments, analyses, policies, programs, and other findings. Performs an array of research-oriented activities to enhance written products, including consulting with program officials, agency business experts, government, and industry technology experts. 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-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: Assisting in developing or revising dairy standards, export certification requirements, technical instructions, or quality management system documents with regular direction and review from higher level specialists. Preparing draft reports, correspondence, or guidance materials on technical dairy subjects, incorporating supervisor feedback to ensure accuracy and consistency. Supporting the interpretation and application of established quality management system procedures by gathering information, drafting updates, or coordinating with senior specialists. OR: PhD or equivalent graduate doctoral degree in Agriculture, Business, Economics, Public Policy or related fields. 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. FOR THE GS-12 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: Developing and revising dairy standards, export certificate requirements, instructions, or quality management system documents with minimal guidance, seeking expert input only for complex or unfamiliar technical issues. Producing written reports, evaluations, or outreach materials that communicate technical information to internal and external stakeholders to support program improvements. Interpreting and applying quality management system policies while identifying routine issues, recommending solutions, and coordinating implementation with technical staff. Note: There is no education substitution 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-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 There is no education requirement. 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. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. If you are selected, you will be placed under a career development plan and may be non-competitively promoted. Promotion is not guaranteed. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.
