Plant Variety Examiners assists in providing intellectual property protection to breeders of new varieties of sexually reproduced, tuber propagated, and asexually reproduced plant varieties. They implement the Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA), by examining new applications and grant certificates to protects plant varieties. These duties may include:
- Reviewing applications and determining completeness and thoroughness of the application.
- Advising applicants on technical and scientific aspects of their applications and soliciting necessary data to complete applications.
- Developing updates, and searches plant variety files using an electronic database.
- Studying the applications and conducting literature searches of professional scientific journals for use in determining plant variety novelty.
This Position is Represented in the Following AMS Programs:
Work Environment
Plant Variety Examiners typically work in an office setting. There are no special physical demands required to perform the work.
Minimum Application Requirements
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For GS-07 Level |
For GS-09 Level and Above |
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Applicants must have either: Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level. 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). OR Education: A 4-year course of study in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position or one year of graduate-level education. OR Combination of Education and Experience: Courses equivalent to a major in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position plus appropriate experience. |
Applicants must have either: Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level. 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). OR Education: 2 years of graduate education leading to a master's degree or have a master's or equivalent graduate degree. |
Common Career Paths