***PD TEMPLATE FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY POSITION, GS-15***

Check the appropriate classification and insert the required
information.

\_\_\_ Economist, GS-0110-15

\_\_\_ Biologist, GS-0401-15

\_\_\_ Microbiologist, GS-0403-15

\_\_\_ Toxicologist, GS-0415-15

\_\_\_ Veterinary Medical Officer, GS-0701-15

\_\_\_ Physical Scientist, GS-1301-15

\_\_\_ Chemist, GS-1320-15

\_\_\_ Food Technologist, GS-1382-15

\_\_\_ Operations Research Analyst, GS-1515-15

# 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. The incumbent is recognized as an expert not only within FSIS
but within the community of interested outside parties and with his/her
professional colleagues.

Current assigned programs
include:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

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

Identifies and secures the type and level of resources necessary to
effectively manage the program.

Actively participates in key decision-making sessions conducted by FSIS
executives and has input into decisions affecting programs outside the
incumbent's purview.

Represents and speaks on behalf of FSIS and USDA at professional
meetings and conferences. Exercises the authority to make program
commitments on behalf of FSIS.

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).

# Factors

1.  Knowledge Required by the Position (1-9)

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.

Outstanding creativity in generating new hypotheses, developing new
concepts, and planning and evaluating long-range, far-reaching programs
and issues.

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, in resolving
conflicting opinions presented by other subject-matter experts, 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.  Guildeines (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 (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 issues for use by others. For example
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

4.  Complexity (4-6)

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 involve largely undefined areas and issues and require
extensive probing and analysis to determine the scope of the problem.
For example, \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

There are continuing changes in the program, technological developments,
and unknown phenomena affecting the employee's work .

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

Assignments are of considerable breadth and intensity, are typically
long-term, involve multiple phases, and require the participation and
support of others. As a program manager the incumbent leads
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

The work requires continuing efforts to establish concepts, theories, or
programs, or to resolve unyielding problems. For example,
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

5.  Scope and Effect (5-6)

The work involves isolating and defining unknown conditions, resolving
critical problems, and/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 involves planning, developing, and carrying out vital programs
which are essential to the mission FSIS and USDA. The work directly
affects the development of major aspects of professional or
mission-oriented programs, and ultimately affects the well being of a
substantial number of people. For example,
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

The incumbent is a recognized expert among principals in the profession
and his/her opinions and expertise are sought out and relied upon
frequently.

6.  Personal Contacts (6-3)

The incumbent has contacts are with individuals and groups, such as
SES-level officials (or the equivalent) within and outside USDA at the
national and international levels.

Officials contacted are sometimes difficult to reach and meetings are
moderately unstructured. The role and authority of each person is
developed during the course of the contact.

Contacts typically include staff members who support Members of
Congress, food safety or scientific representatives of foreign
governments, officials of professional organizations, trade
organizations, or citizens' groups; local representatives of the news
media, State officials involved in food safety or inspection matters;
contractors, and members of interagency work groups (below the level of
the agency head).

7.  Purpose of Contacts (7-4)

The purpose of contacts is to justify, defend, negotiate, and settle
matters involving significant or controversial issues. For instance, the
incumbent is expected to
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

The work usually involves active participation in conferences, meetings,
hearings, or presentations involving problems or issues of considerable
consequence or importance. Illustrative of the issues the incumbents
addresses are \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

The people contacted typically have diverse viewpoints, goals, or
objectives and therefore, the employee is required to achieve a common
understanding among the various parties and a satisfactory solution that
addresses their various objectives and concerns.

8.  Physical Demands (8-1)

The work is basically sedentary.

9.  Work Environment (9-1)

The work is performed in an office setting.

CCPB::S.Matthews::q:\\hrd\\ccpb\\StevenP\\Web Documents\\Professional
GS-15 PD Template.doc rev (3) 10/10/03

**Evaluation Statement**

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

  Factor 1, Knowledge Required by the FL 1-9             1850
  Position                                               

  Factor 2, Supervisory Controls      FL 2-5             650

  Factor 3, Guidelines                FL 3-5             650

  Factor 4, Complexity                FL 4-6             450

  Factor 5, Scope and Effect          FL 5-6             450

  Factor 6, Personal Contacts         FL 6-3             60

  Factor 7, Purpose of Contacts       FL 7-4             220

  Factor 8, Physical Demands          FL 8-1             05

  Factor 9, Work Environment          FL 9-1             05

  Total Points                                           4,340

  GS-15 Range                                            4,055+
  ----------------------------------- ------------------ ----------------

Reference: OPM FES standard for selected occupations (e.g., GS-1300).
Some occupations use narrative format.