Nutritionist

Summary This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service, Field Organization, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Food Surveys Research Group in Beltsville, MD. In this position, you will be responsible for planning, designing, and conducting dietary intake surveys; developing and maintaining large-scale food and nutrient databases; and producing food and nutrition related findings in written and verbal formats. Responsibilities Monitors and assess food consumption and related behavior of the U.S. population by conducting surveys and providing the resulting information for food and nutrition-related programs and public policy decisions. Plans, designs, conducts, and monitors nationwide dietary surveys; analyzes and reports the data received; and participates in many phases of the research project. Coordinates the planning and carrying out of program of survey-related methodology research aimed at improving USDA dietary surveys and food and nutrient databases for dietary surveys including validation of results, data quality and adequacy. Plans and conducts a variety of research studies involving the full scope of the research process through identifying relevant research topic to interpretation of the findings and preparation of final reports. Oversees the work of graduate students; temporary personnel; undergraduate students; Post Docs; and visiting scientists and university personnel. Makes and approves selections for positions and recommends selection of subordinate supervisory jobs; assigns and reviews work; approves and disapproves leave; evaluates performance; identifies training requirements and arranges for training. Participates in workshops of symposia, on task forces or peer review committees convened to evaluate scientific information or the merit of proposals. Provides technical and peer review of speeches, publications, administrative reports, and other communications generated with or outside the Agency pertaining to area of responsibility or expertise. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Basic Requirements Applicants must meet one of the following requirements for all grade levels: Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree in the fields of dietetics, food, nutrition, food service management, institution management, or related science. The educational program must have been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (external link) (ACEND), or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained. Completion of a coordinated undergraduate program, internship, or other clinical component approved by AND (formerly ADA) for dietitians or nutritionists. Professional registration as a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Note: Employees currently assigned to positions in this occupational series as of September 2017 will be considered to have met the basic requirements for the position occupied. AND In addition to meeting the basic education requirement above, all applicants must meet the following minimum qualification requirements as stated below: GS-12 Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-12 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-11 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience planning, designing, and conducting dietary intake surveys; developing and maintaining large-scale food and nutrient databases; compiling large data sets of nutrition research data for use in publications, speeches or presentations; and producing food and nutrition related findings in written and verbal formats. GS-13 Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-13 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-12 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience overseeing the planning, designing, and conducting dietary intake surveys; developing and maintaining large-scale food and nutrient databases; compiling large data sets of nutrition research data for use in publications, speeches or presentations; producing food and nutrition related findings in written and verbal formats; and researching and applying new dietary intake survey methodologies and technologies. 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. Education Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. The final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at the time of job offer. If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.