Agriculturist (Permit Policy Specialist/Quantitative Risk Analyst)

Overview

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), through its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) program, is looking for a specialist to help protect U.S. agriculture and natural resources from plant pests and diseases that can cause major economic and environmental harm. Depending on qualifications, the role may be appointed as a Quantitative Risk Analyst or a Regulatory Permit Analyst. The position supports national plant health efforts through risk evaluation, regulatory decisions, permitting, data analysis, program assessment, and operational support.

Location

Fort Collins, Colorado.

Qualifications

Applicants must satisfy all qualification and eligibility rules by the announcement closing date. A degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or another closely related field is required, or a combination of post-secondary education and relevant experience that equals a major of 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours in one of those fields.

For the GS-12 level, candidates must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11. This experience should show the ability to work with agricultural or biological sciences, mathematical statistics, or a related discipline such as plant science, entomology, or plant pathology; apply scientific knowledge in regulatory and compliance programs; interpret and use federal regulations, guidance, and scientific literature for regulatory decisions, risk assessments, and program development; use qualitative and quantitative approaches such as statistical analysis, risk assessment methods, or GIS; create new methods and address unfamiliar scientific problems; and communicate effectively in writing and speaking, including reports, technical presentations, and public-facing explanations of regulatory decisions.

Strong professional knowledge of mathematical statistics is expected, including advanced statistical modeling, quantitative risk assessment, and development of new analytical methods. There is no education substitution available for this grade level.

Transcripts are required because the role needs specific coursework or a degree in a designated field from an accredited school, college, or university. Relevant experience includes paid, unpaid, and volunteer service, including National Service and community-based volunteer work, which may be counted if it builds directly relevant skills.

Key Duties

The listed responsibilities reflect the full-performance level. At lower grades, work will be narrower in scope and handled with less independence.

• Carry out complex studies on pathway trends, operational efficiency, and pest risks tied to the movement of plants, organisms, and commodities.
• Create, refine, and use analytical and statistical approaches to strengthen risk characterization and support science-based management decisions.
• Evaluate and issue approvals for import, interstate movement, and environmental release of regulated items such as plant pests, biological control organisms, Federal Noxious Weeds, and soil.
• Help shape, interpret, and implement policies and program goals for regulated articles.
• Advise on revisions to regulations, quarantines, and procedures based on scientific review and risk analysis.
• Prepare and maintain technical materials such as manual updates, circulars, fact sheets, and web content, while providing clear science-based guidance.
• Represent the agency as a technical expert in meetings, site visits, trade shows, and other stakeholder interactions.

Additional Information

Position start date: June 30, 2026. Position close date: July 7, 2026.

Salary offered: USD 93,468 to USD 129,742 per year.

APHIS is part of USDA’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs and works to support domestic and international markets for U.S. agricultural products while protecting the health of animals and plants. The agency operates in both domestic and global settings and contributes to the protection of American agriculture and natural resources.

APHIS is an emergency response agency. Employees may be asked to take part in rotating temporary duty assignments to support emergency programs at some point during their careers.

Further application details are available through the official announcement.