***[PD TEMPLATE FOR INTERDISICPLINARY POSITION, GS-14]{.underline}***

Check the appropriate classification and insert the required
information.

\_\_\_ Economist, GS-0110-14

\_\_\_ Biologist, GS-0401-14

\_\_\_ Microbiologist, GS-0403-14

\_\_\_ Toxicologist, GS-0415-14

\_\_\_ Veterinary Medical Officer, GS-0701-14

\_\_\_ Physical Scientist, GS-1301-14

\_\_\_ Chemist, GS-1320-14

\_\_\_ Food Technologist, GS-1382-14

\_\_\_ Operations Research Analyst, GS-1515-14

# Introduction

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) administers a comprehensive system of inspection laws
to ensure all egg products moving in commerce, and meat and poultry
products moving in interstate and foreign commerce for use as human food
are safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled.

This position exists in the
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. The function of this
office is described in the attachment to the position description (PD).

# Major Duties

The incumbent provides professional leadership and direction for a
broad, coordinated program that focuses on critical mission-related
activities and issues. In this capacity the incumbent plans, implements,
manages, and evaluates all aspects of the program. Specifically, the
incumbent:

Establishes overall goals, objectives, priorities, and operational plans
for the program and continually assess and adjusts them accordingly.

Maintains surveillance of significant developments related to the
assigned program area, prepares analyses of the implications of these
developments and recommends program modifications.

Develops, publicizes, and garners support for the program agenda by
meeting with other FSIS program officials, key executives within FSIS
and USDA, and other interested parties such as key officials of other
Federal agencies, contractors, members of the academic community,
industry representatives, the media, and members of consumer groups.

Functions as the recognized program manager and technical/professional
expert not only within FSIS but within the community of interested
outside parties.

Current assigned program(s)
include:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Coordinates the work of and provides conceptual and
professional/technical leadership and direction to other employees
throughout FSIS who perform work in support of the program. Convenes and
leads periodic internal meetings to facilitate coordination and
integration of all program facets.

Identifies and recommends methods for securing the type and level of
resources necessary to effectively manage the program.

Actively participates in key decision making sessions conducted by FSIS
executives.

Represents and speaks on behalf of FSIS and USDA at professional
meetings and conferences.

The incumbent applies knowledge of and adheres to Agency equal
opportunity and civil rights policies, goals, and objectives in
performing his/her duties and responsibilities. The incumbent promotes
the principle of equal opportunity in written and oral communications
with individuals within and outside of the work unit by avoiding
offensive or discriminatory displays (e.g. posters, pictures), language,
or nonverbal behavior (e.g. hand gestures).

1.  **Knowledge Required by the Position (1-8)**

Mastery of (the professional field in which the position is classified).
This includes mastery of the professional concepts, principles and
practices that enable the incumbent to use experienced judgment, rely
upon knowledge of new developments, and apply experimental theories in
solving problems of a novel or obscure nature or problems not
susceptible to accepted methodology and in making decisions that result
in the development of or significantly change important public policies
or programs.

Thorough knowledge of pertinent public issues. program operations,
goals, and objectives, and in-depth knowledge of management principles
and practices and of governing administrative laws, policies,
regulations and precedents.

Leadership skills necessary to direct, motivate, coordinate and
integrate the work of others; to keep initiatives focused; to assess the
effectiveness of efforts and programs; and to adjust programs and
priorities accordingly.

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
with individuals and groups interested in or affected by the program for
which the incumbent is responsible.

Skill in evaluating the effectiveness of the program managed and
developing strategies for making the necessary improvements.

Ability to anticipate and develop strategies to address issues of
potential sensitivity.

Skill in responding to challenges or criticisms of a professional or
political nature, in logically and persuasively addressing concerns, in
establishing and maintaining professional credibility, and in gaining
the understanding and support of those challenging program policies or
professional opinions.

2.  **Supervisory Controls (2-5)**

The supervisor provides general administrative direction defining the
employee's responsibility in terms of broad program goals and
objectives. The employee independently plans, designs, executes, and
evaluates the overall program and determines the methods and resources
for doing so.

The incumbent's work is assessed only in terms of overall results
achieved and objectives met. The incumbent is held directly accountable
for the effectiveness of the program and his/her decisions and plans are
accepted as technically authoritative.

3.  **Guidelines (3-5)**

Guidelines include professional literature, existing laws and
regulations, textbooks, judicial decisions, and findings of previous
studies. Most of the guidelines are broadly stated and non-specific and
are largely in the form of basic legislation and principles (e.g., ).

Seasoned judgment and ingenuity are required to interpret the intent of
guides, to deviate from them, and to develop guidance addressing
complex, professional/program issues for use by others. For example
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

4.  **Complexity (4-5)**

The nature of the work is such that it involves many different and
unrelated processes and methods. These methods are applied to a broad
range of problems/situations that require a substantial depth of
analysis. For example,
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

Decisions that must be made involve major areas of uncertainty in
approach, methodology, interpretation, and evaluation processes.

Adding to the complexity of the position are continuing changes in the
program, technological developments, and encounters with unknown
phenomena.

The work requires originating new techniques, establishing criteria, or
developing new information. For example,
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

5.  **Scope and Effect (5-5)**

The work involves isolating and defining unknown conditions, resolving
critical problems, or developing new theories. For example, the
incumbent is expected to \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

The employee is recognized as an expert to the experts and his/her work
affects the work of other experts. For example, the incumbent
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

The work directly affects the development of major aspects of
professional or mission-oriented programs, or the well being of a
substantial number of people. For example,

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

6.  **Personal Contacts (6-3)**

Contacts are with key officials and groups within and outside the
Department. Contacts typically take place in moderately unstructured
settings.

Typical contacts are those with attorneys, contractors, representatives
of professional organizations, industry, the news media, or public
action groups.

7.  **Purpose of Contacts (7-3)**

The purpose of contacts is to influence, motivate, interrogate, or
control people or groups. The people contacted may be fearful,
skeptical, uncooperative, or dangerous. For example, the incumbent is
expected to \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

The employee must be skillful in determining the appropriate approach,
in negotiating and persuading others, and in establishing rapport in
order to gain information. For instance, the employee
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

8.  **Physical Demands (8-1)**

The work is basically sedentary.

9.  **Work Environment (9-1)**

The work is performed in an office setting.

**Evaluation Statement**

  ----------------------------------- ------------------ ----------------
  **Factor**                          **Level**          **Points**

  Factor 1, Knowledge Required by the FL 1-8             1550
  Position                                               

  Factor 2, Supervisory Controls      FL 2-5             650

  Factor 3, Guidelines                FL 3-5             650

  Factor 4, Complexity                FL 4-5             325

  Factor 5, Scope and Effect          FL 5-5             325

  Factor 6, Personal Contacts         FL 6-3             60

  Factor 7, Purpose of Contacts       FL 7-3             120

  Factor 8, Physical Demands          FL 8-1             05

  Factor 9, Work Environment          FL 9-1             05

  Total Points                                           3,690

  GS-14 Range                                            3,605-4,050
  ----------------------------------- ------------------ ----------------

Reference: OPM FES standards for selected occupations. Other standards
(e.g., JFS for GS-1300) use narrative format.