About this role
Job SummaryThe Supervisory Compliance Specialist oversees the FSIS Enforcement Operations Staff responsible for administering enforcement of food safety laws. Manages staff, plans and assigns work, establishes performance standards, addresses concerns, develops policies, guides legal actions, makes case determinations, collaborates with other agencies, oversees hearings, ensures regulatory compliance, and protects public health through effective enforcement and litigation.
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. Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-14 level) that demonstrates in the following areas: Directing, planning, developing, and implementing criminal, civil, and administrative enforcement and litigation programs covering complex, sensitive, and precedent-setting issues. Interpreting and applying statutes, regulations, legal authorities, sanctions policies, evidentiary standards, and legal precedents in compliance and enforcement actions. Reviewing investigative reports, evaluating case evidence, determining adequacy of documentation, and making enforcement action or sanction recommendations supported by sound analysis. Preparing legal and regulatory documents such as complaints, subpoenas, declarations, settlement agreements, case referrals, and other technical materials required for administrative or judicial proceedings. Representing an agency, program, or other entity in negotiations, settlement conferences, enforcement discussions, and administrative or federal court proceedings. Serving as an expert advisor on enforcement authorities, compliance methodologies, legal processes, and policy interpretation for executives, legal partners, and external agencies. Establishing and maintaining professional liaison relationships with federal, state, and local partners; legal counsel; inspectors general; and regulated industry representatives. Developing policies, procedures, guidance materials, and management controls related to enforcement, litigation, or compliance operations. Overseeing or managing case management systems, ensuring proper documentation, adherence to standards, and timely execution of enforcement and litigation activities. Conducting or overseeing administrative hearings or proceedings associated with violations, grants of inspection, or exemptions from inspection. Providing authoritative recommendations on organizational goals, program improvements, operational changes, resource allocations, and strategic planning for enforcement or compliance programs. Supervising, managing, and directing staff engaged in complex legal, compliance, or enforcement work, including assigning work, evaluating performance, resolving complaints, administering discipline, and identifying training needs. For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: 1801 Series 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 DutiesServes as consultant and authoritative advisor to senior management and program officials.Coordinates surveillance investigation, enforcement actions, administrative hearings, legal proceedings, product disposition, and related activities across FSIS and with OGC, OIG, DOJ, and other agencies.Provides supervision and oversight of EOS functions and staff by planning and assigning work, establishing guidelines, deadlines, and performance standards. Conducts and reviews performance evaluations to ensure consistent performance management.Directs the criminal, civil, and administrative enforcement and litigation programs to enforce Federal Meat, Poultry, Egg Products, and Humane Slaughter statues and related laws and regulations to effectively support and advance organizational goals.Ensures effective communication and representation by engaging collaboratively with USDA leadership, Federal and State agencies, senior executives, government attorneys, Federal and administrative judges, regulated industry, and stakeholders.Ensures case actions, sanctions, and settlements are timely effective, and appropriate for the offenses committed, legally sustainable, and fully aligned with FSIS statutes, regulations, policies, precedent, and public health objectives.Conducts extensive preparation requiring strong understanding of difficult, complex, sensitive, or politically significant issues that impact program operations and FSIS’s public health mission.Makes case disposition decisions and recommends sanction recommendations on behalf of FSIS, and referrals for complaints, indictments, and other legal actions to USDA's Office of the General Counsel, U.S. Attorneys, and other authorities.Serves as an authoritative technical expert on FSIS statutes, regulations, authorities, policies, and programs providing expert guidance to senior leadership, program officials, and partnering agencies.Prepares and executes subpoenas, initiates and supports Federal and administrative litigation, issues warning notices, and carries out a full range of enforcement and legal actions.