Position Summary:
The incumbent serves as Laboratory Director of the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Knipling-Bushland Livestock Insect Research Laboratory (KBLIRL) in Kerrville, Texas. Their mission is to provide the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program and the Screwworm Eradication Program of USDA-APHIS, the U.S. cattle industry, and the public, with research leading to innovative management of invasive ticks, New World Screworm, and blood-feeding flies of veterinary and medical importance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provides the Area Director, Office of National Programs and other officials with advice on highly technical problems in the areas of livestock entomology or insect genetics.
- Provides administrative and financial leadership to the location in partnership with the Administrative Officer, the Area Office, and Administrative and Financial Management (AFM).
- Supports the Agency programs concerning humane care and use of all vertebrate animals. The animal care and use program ensures compliance with all government regulations, standards and policies dealing with animal care and use.
- Participates with the Area Director and national program leaders in developing criteria for budgetary priorities and projections.
- Provides leadership in developing and coordinating research program projections.
- Collaborates with the Office of National Programs and the Area Office in planning, coordinating, and evaluating joint research established to fulfill the need for integrated, multidisciplinary approaches across the Agency strategic plans.
- The incumbent is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating research programs designed to accomplish the organizational mission and research objectives of ARS. Other duties include, but are not limited to:
- Keeps the Area Director fully informed of program and related considerations having a significant bearing on the development of research priorities and projections, budgets, and use of facilities.
- Identifies new problem areas requiring attention and recommends approaches to be taken. Recommends curtailment or termination of unproductive research programs or programs with a completed mission.
- Serves as a representative of the Agency on various policy boards, committees, and advisory groups that develop policy guidance and guidelines within the broad area of genetics/physiology and entomology.
- Provides written scientific and administrative reports as needed.
- Has responsibility for ensuring the quality of all project plan proposals and their preparation for review by OSQR.
- Supervises scientists and other technical/administrative staff.
- Provides leadership, direction, and systematic approaches to identify research needs of stakeholders. Fosters and develops cooperative relationships to address the needs of ARS and the location.
Required Education & Experience:
- Have national or international recognition as an authority and provide leadership in an area of widespread scientific interest and investigation;
- Background Investigation required and Top Secret Clearance required.
- You must upload your responses to the SSTS Professional Recognition Documentation.
- U.S. Citizenship, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the US is required.
- Veterans Preference is applicable in the Senior Science and Technology Service.
- Initial appointments are required to serve a 1-year probationary period