7 USC 7657 - Senior Scientific Research Service

U.S Code last checked for updates: Jan 31, 2025

§ 7657.

Senior Scientific Research Service

(a)

In general

(b)

Members

(1)

In general

(2)

Qualifications

To be eligible for appointment to the Service, an individual shall—

(A)

have conducted outstanding research in the field of agriculture or forestry;

(B)

have earned a doctoral level degree at an institution of higher education (as defined in section 1001 of title 20); and

(C)

meet qualification standards prescribed by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management for appointment to a position at level GS–15 of the General Schedule.

(3)

Number

(4)

Other requirements

(A)

In general

Subject to subparagraph (B) and subsection (d)(2), the Secretary may appoint and employ a member of the Service without regard to—

(i)

the provisions of title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service;

(ii)

the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 35 of title 5 relating to retention preference;

(iii)

the provisions of chapter 43 of title 5 relating to performance appraisal and performance actions;

(iv)

the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5 relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates; and

(v)

the provisions of chapter 75 of title 5 relating to adverse actions.

(B)

Exception

(c)

Performance appraisal system

The Secretary shall develop a performance appraisal system for members of the Service that is designed to—

(1)

provide for the systematic appraisal of the employment performance of the members; and

(2)

encourage excellence in employment performance by the members.

(d)

Compensation

(1)

In general

(2)

Limitations

The rate of pay for a member of the Service shall—

(A)

not be less than the minimum rate payable for a position at level GS–15 of the General Schedule; and

(B)

not be more than the rate payable for a position at level I of the Executive Schedule, unless the rate is approved by the President under section 5377(d)(2) of title 5.

(e)

Retirement contributions

(1)

In general

(2)

Federal retirement system

(A)

In general

(B)

Annual leave

(f)

Involuntary separation

(1)

In general

Subject to paragraph (2) and notwithstanding the provisions of title 5 governing appointment in the competitive service, in the case of an individual who is separated from the Service involuntarily and without cause—

(A)

the Secretary may appoint the individual to a position in the competitive civil service at level GS–15 of the General Schedule; and

(B)

the appointment shall be a career appointment.

(2)

Excepted civil service

In the case of an individual described in paragraph (1) who immediately prior to appointment as a member of the Service was not a career appointee in the civil service or the Senior Executive Service, the appointment of the individual under paragraph (1)—

(A)

shall be to the excepted civil service; and

(B)

may not exceed a period of 2 years.

(Pub. L. 105–185, title VI, § 620, as added Pub. L. 107–171, title VII, § 7219, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 449.)

cite as: 7 USC 7657