About this role
Job SummaryThe Senior Compliance Specialist for the OIEA Enforcement Operations Staff (EOS) leads enforcement programs, provides technical expertise for criminal, civil, and administrative actions. Major duties are coordinating complex compliance cases, providing guidance to agency staff, supporting litigation activities, representing FSIS in legal and public forums, developing strategic solutions to enhance program efficacy, and negotiating settlements that uphold food safety and regulatory compliance.
QualificationsApplicants 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 the time in grade requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. Specialized Experience: You must have at least one year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service performing duties which include: Utilizing meat, poultry, egg, and humane slaughter statutes, regulations, and policies to identify and assess violations warranting enforcement or legal action; Leading teams, providing technical guidance, working with due process and procedural requirements to initiate and execute enforcement or legal action; Experience with regulated and allied food manufacturing, processing, and distribution industries and food safety, animal and food science, hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP), sanitation standard operating procedure (SSOP), sanitation performance standards (SPS), and pathogen reduction regulations to assess violations and implement actions to improve food safety; Conducting investigations, administrative enforcement activities, recall activities, preparing case investigation/administrative enforcement files, assessing and verifying regulatory compliance, and/or documenting statutory and regulatory violations; Gathering facts; analyzing factors, relevant issues, and data; identifying noncompliance, violations, or trends; developing corresponding findings and conclusions; and drafting written decision documents, analytical reports, and/or supporting recommended actions through written analysis; and Communicating with industry officials and their representatives; communicating regulatory/food safety information and/or investigative findings orally to industry and government officials; and drafting written correspondence, reports, and other documents on regulatory, compliance, and enforcement matters. 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.
Major DutiesDetermines if enforcement actions are appropriate, supportable and legally defensible.Provides technical expertise on critical and complex enforcement cases ensuring thorough review and sound analysis.Maintains effective communication and strong working relationship with internal partners and external agencies to support coordinated enforcement efforts.Recommends and prepares case referrals to the USDA Office of the General Counsel (OGC) to initiate appropriate legal action.Provides policy guidance and litigation support to OGC ensuring defensible enforcement outcomes.Prepares written complaints, consent decisions, and provides expert testimony to support legally sound enforcement actions.Communicates laws, regulations and policies governing to meat poultry and egg products inspection and enforcement to ensure consistent understanding and application.Independently manages the evaluation and disposition of criminal, civil, and administrative enforcement cases ensuring timely, legally supportable outcomesCommunicates effectively orally and in writing with Agency personnel, the public, and other internal and external stakeholders.Possesses expert knowledge of FMIA, PPIA, EPIA and regulations, policies and directives that govern enforcement and inspection activities.Possesses expert, comprehensive knowledge of the food processing, manufacturing, and distribution industry including operational practices and regulatory impacts.