BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION This position is located in USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) offices at the Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworms [Comisión Panama – Estados Unidos para la Erradicación y Prevención del Gusano Barrenador de Ganado (COPEG)] in Pacora, Panama. The incumbent manages the COPEG Methods and Development department and supervises 24 COPEG employees and will formulate, develop and supervise routine and special tests including the evaluation of new food sources to improve processes, insect quality and reduce costs for mass production of Screwworm.
A copy of the complete position description listing all duties and responsibilities is available on the Human Resources website: https://pa.usembassy.gov/embassy/jobs/
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
NOTE: Although some of the information below has been provided in your application, all applicants must still address each qualification/requirement listed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item, on a separate sheet of paper. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not qualified.
- Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree in biology, entomology, or biological science is required, and at least five (5) years of scientific research experience in Biological Sciences including field and/or laboratory research experience, project design, conducting research, and analyzing data with statistical analysis is required, and two (2) years of supervisory experience is require
Education/Experience: Two years of college or university is required, and at least seven(7) years of scientific research experience in Biological Sciences including field and/orlaboratory research experience, project design, conducting research, and analyzing datawith statistical analysis is required, and two (2) years of supervisory experience isrequired.
- Language: Level III English (Good Working Knowledge) Speaking/Reading/Writing is required; Level IV Spanish (Fluent) Speaking/Reading/Writing is required. (Testing will be conducted to determine the qualifications)
- Job Knowledge: Knowledge on research project design and statistical analysis for conducting routine and special tests is required. Insect cultures or animal rearing experience is required. Knowledge of Insect trapping equipment and techniques is required. Knowledge of research laboratory equipment, chemicals, protocols, and safety, and familiarity with Cryopreservation techniques is required. (Testing may be conducted to determine the qualifications)
- .Computer Skills: Must possess good working skills and knowledge with using computer and office equipment; including the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) (Testing may be conducted to determine the qualifications)
- . Skills and Abilities: Must be capable of doing accurate, qualitative and quantitative work as required by the position. Must possess good analytical skills to be able to create, interpret and explain statistical reports. Strong interpersonal skills for personnel management, team focus, strong presentation skills, a focused attention to detail and accuracy. Able to develop work process improvement. Must possess ability to develop duties within established norms and regulations. Must have a valid Panamanian driver’s license (Type C) and ability to drive 4WD vehicles. Must have a good driving record and at least five years as a licensed driver. Must be able to obtain certification to drive GOV (at least 25 years old, able to pass medical exam and Smith System Driver Training course.) Must be willing to work in confined spaces as well as under tropical field conditions. (Testing may be conducted to determine the qualifications)
HIRING PREFERENCE SELECTION PROCESS
- When qualified, applicants in the following hiring preference categories are extended a hiring preference in the order listed below. Therefore, it is essential that these applicants accurately describe their status on the application. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not eligible for a hiring preference.
HIRING PREFERENCE ORDER:
1) AEFM/USEFM who is a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran*
2) AEFM/USEFM
3) FS on LWOP and CS on LWOP**
* IMPORTANT: Applicants who claim status as a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran must submit a copy of the most recent Member Copy Four (4) of the DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, and, if applicable, a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or other supporting documentation. If claiming conditional eligibility for U.S. Veterans’ preference, applicants must submit proof of conditional eligibility. If the written documentation confirming eligibility is not received in the HR office by the closing date of the vacancy announcement, the U.S. Veterans’ preference will not be considered in the application process. Mission HR’s decision on eligibility for U.S. Veterans’ preference after reviewing all required documentation is final.
** This level of preference applies to all Foreign Service employees on LWOP and Civil Service employees with re-employment rights back to their bureau of employment.
ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA
1. The Mission may consider any of the following when determining successful candidacy nepotism, conflict of interest, budget, and residency status.
2. Current employees of the Mission who have not successfully completed their initial probationary periods are not eligible to apply. Current employees with an Overall Summary Rating of Needs Improvement or Unsatisfactory or MBC score of 100 points or less, on their most recent Employee Performance Report (EPR) are not eligible to apply.
3. Current employees of the Mission hired on a Family Member Appointment (FMA) or a Personal Service Agreement (PSA) are not eligible to apply within the first 90 calendar days of their employment. This does not apply for employees on a PSA (Temp), or those are hired on a When Actually Employed (WAE) or intermittent work schedule.
4. Candidates who are EFMs, USEFMs, AEFMs, or MOHs must have at least one year remaining on their sponsor’s tour of duty to be considered eligible to apply for this position.
HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must submit the following documents to be considered. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not eligible and qualified.
1. Universal Application for Employment (UAE) (Form DS-174), which is available on our website or by contacting Human Resources.2. All applicants who are not citizens of Panama must provide work and residency permits at the time of applying.
3. Any additional documentation (e.g., resumes, essays, certificates, awards, copies of degrees earned) that supports or addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above.
SALARY: FSN-11 $49,569 p.a.
FP-4* $58,186 p.a. *Final grade/step determined by Washington
