Senior Investigator II (Produce)

This position is being filled under a stream-lined hiring authority, Title 21 of the United States Code (21 US Code 379d-3a) as amended by the 21st Century Cures Act of 2016, section 3072 and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, Section 3624. The candidate selected for this position will serve under a career or career-conditional appointment and be paid under the provisions of this authority. This position is being recruited based on the Title 21 Pay Table 1, Band C (GS-13 equivalent). This position serves as a senior-level field investigator specializing in fresh produce safety. The incumbent plans, conducts, and directs complex inspections and investigations related to the growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of fresh produce in compliance with FDA's Produce Safety Rule (PSR). More than 75% of the work is directly tied to produce-specific inspectional and investigative activities, qualifying it under the 21st Century Cures Act. A. Inspections & Investigations (Primary Function) Plans and independently conducts complex domestic and foreign inspections of produce industry establishments, including re-inspections of non-compliant firms or operations. Evaluates compliance with the Produce Safety Rule (PSR), including agricultural water quality, biological soil amendments, health and hygiene, cleaning/sanitization, and environmental assessments. Independently investigates complaints of injury or death attributable to FDA-regulated products. Serves as lead investigator for team inspections and multi-agency or multi-government investigations. B. Sampling & Evidence Collection Collects environmental and physical product samples, labels, photos, records, and other supporting documentation. Plans the course of investigations, determines when investigations are complete, and identifies required reporting. C. Compliance Analysis & Reporting Evaluates data and documentation gathered during inspections to assess compliance with federal laws and regulations. Prepares final inspection reports, position papers, and written documentation supporting findings and recommendations, in a timely and quality-focused manner. D. Program Planning & Data Management Manages personal workload and inspection schedule according to assignment priorities to meet operational targets and deadline, maintaining quality standards. Maintains and updates produce farm inventory data in agency tracking systems, including inspection history and risk classifications. E. Interagency & Stakeholder Coordination Coordinates and collaborates with federal, state, local, tribal, and foreign regulatory partners for joint inspections and information sharing. Maintains professional relationships with regulated industry, cooperative partners, and internal FDA stakeholders. F. Training, Mentorship & Technical Leadership Serves as a technical resource and mentor to colleagues on produce safety, inspectional techniques, and regulatory policies. Develops and implements formal training programs for agency personnel, industry, and state/local/tribal officials. May serve on national workgroups, committees, or task forces to develop best practices and program guidance.