The position is with the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) Division, which prohibits unfair trade practices in the marketing of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables in interstate or foreign commerce, and the Produce Agency (PAA) which prohibits the unlawful destruction of perishable farm products.
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Analyze case files and make a determination of contract liability and of formal or informal rules of evidence and skill necessary to evaluate the adequacy and/or admissibility of evidence. Interpret, apply, and explain the applicability of laws and regulations, precedents, and practices related to legal actions. Experience conducting legal research of reference sources such as agency manuals, directives, case precedents, court records, and legal publications. Evaluate the applicability of case precedents, draft opinions or findings regarding contract law involving business or legal entities, i.e., corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, etc. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Knowledge of the current truck, rail, and air transportation services, to include the effects of various temperatures and atmospheric variables on perishable commodities. Interpret USDA inspection certificates with an understanding of the inspection findings and the ability to relate the results to complex contractual situations. Provides leadership, technical guidance, and training to others. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.
The duties may include, but are not limited to:
Prepares decision and orders in formal reparation complaints.
Review and analyze formal reparation complaint file, including formal complaint, formal report of investigation, personal reports of investigation, answer, opening statement, and sworn affidavits.
Investigate and becomes thoroughly familiar with subject matter details involved in a case file.
Analyze, interpret, and evaluate the relevance and sufficiency of particular technical evidence which arise in formal reparation cases.
Prepares timely, accurate, and high quality reparation decisions and orders which are reviewed by the Section Head and Office of the General Counsel for subsequent signature of the Judicial Officer.
Identify and recommend cases that establish new precedents.
Review and maintain precedent database to ensure that the decisions and orders contained therein are the current, accurate established precedent cases and are accessible to program employees.
Provide leadership, technical guidance, and training to other Marketing Specialists carrying out assigned projects.
Adhere to Equal Employment and Civil Rights polices, goals, and objectives in performing the duties of this position.