Agronomist
This position is located in the USDA, Office of the Chief Economist, Office of Pest Management Policy (OPMP). OPMP's mission is to: 1) integrate and coordinate the pest management efforts of the Department; 2) provide data and analyses to EPA to better inform pesticide regulatory decisions; and 3) provide a Departmental focal point for farmers, grower organizations, EPA, and State Land Grant institutions regarding pesticide and pest management issues.
Represents OPMP and USDA at events related to weed management and herbicides. Participates in expert panels, makes presentations, leads workshops, and participates as appropriate at national and international meetings.
Serves as an authoritative source and nationally recognized expert in agronomy and the assessment of weed management practices and risk/benefit evaluations for herbicide registration and review.
Serves as an herbicide-focused agronomist and provides scientific and technical guidance based on knowledge about FQPA, FIFRA, and FFDCA and crop production practices, particularly related to weed management practices
Independently identifies developments in science policy issues and/or pesticide regulatory decisions that have implications for agriculture, including implications of international pesticide-related activities.
Writes scientific documents for internal/external purposes on risk assessment, the environment, agronomic management practices, integrated pest control measures, and regulatory impacts of decisions.
Uses a variety of analytical methods and techniques to assess a wide range of scientific, legal, and risk issues related to pest management and pesticides.
Develops and coordinates the sharing of information scientific advice within OPMP and providing coordination/guidance to agronomists across the Department on herbicide and weed management issues as needed.
As a subject matter expert, represents OPMP and USDA on various agronomy-related committees. Provides independent scientific and regulatory advice on weed management and herbicide issues to USDA agencies.
Independently plans and coordinates environmental evaluations and risk assessments involving complex crop production systems, including specialty crops, and large ecological systems.
Provides unifying expertise in interpreting science and advanced risk assessment techniques on high-level multi-disciplinary teams, including identifying novel risk assessment methods for herbicides, as appropriate.
Provides scientific briefings orally or in writing for senior officials. As needed, aids in assessing risks associated with chemical, biological, physical hazards, and other threats to agriculture and the food supply.
Establishes and maintains relationships with agency officials, other government officials, including the Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration, university personnel, industry representatives, grower groups, etc.
Coordinates scientific activities with other major program offices at USDA and EPA.
Serves as a liaison with EPA, USDA staff, and Land Grant and industry scientists involved in risk assessment and decision making related to pest management/pesticides to ensure assessment of technology is characterized correctly.
Presents results of analyses to USDA, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders, and prepares plans to mitigate the biological and economic impacts of proposed pesticide and pest management regulatory decisions.