Job Listing: Administrative Officer, GS-0341-13

Duty Locations

 1 vacancy - Phoenix, AZ

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
RURAL DEVELOPMENT

PLEASE READ ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS UNDER "HOW TO APPLY" BEFORE YOU BEGIN

USDA Rural Development (RD) is committed to the future of rural communities. Our role is to increase rural residents' economic opportunities and improve their quality of life. Rural Development forges partnerships with rural communities, funding projects that bring housing, community facilities, utilities and other services. We also provide technical assistance and financial backing for rural businesses and cooperatives to create quality jobs in rural areas. Rural Development promotes the President's National Energy Policy and ultimately the nation's energy security by engaging the entrepreneurial spirit of rural America in the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements. Rural Development works with low-income individuals, State, local and Indian tribal governments, as well as private and nonprofit organizations and user-owned cooperatives.

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:  All interested persons may apply.  You need not be a current or former Federal employee to apply.

NOTE: Applicants selected from this vacancy will be given a career-conditional appointment and must serve a 1-year probationary period. After 3 years of service, employees will be eligible for conversion to career status.

Major Duties

This position is located in the Rural Development (RD) Arizona State office.  The Administrative Officer manages the full range of administrative program areas for employees located in the State.  The Administrative Officer as a full participant and resource management advisor to the State Director in planning and conducting the full range of administrative programs for the State.  major programs include budget, management/program analysis, personnel management, contracting/business services, and information technology.  May serve as Acting State Director, during the State Director's absence, with delegating authority to take action on program and administrative matters.

How to Apply

Please read all the instructions before you begin.  You must submit a Complete Application Package, which includes all of the following:

Online Assessment Questionnaire
Online Resume
Other Required Documents if applicable (i.e., college transcripts, Veteran documents, etc).

ONLINE ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE:  Use Application Manager for convenience and quickest processing.  Track your progress to a Complete Application Package using the My Application Packages checklist and status displays in Application Manager.  Your Application Package status must be Complete by Tuesday, July 01, 2008

To begin, choose one of these two options:

Option 1.  If your resume is going to come from the USAJOBS Resume Builder, click the "Apply Online" button below.  Logon to USAJOBS Resume Builder and select the resume you wish to upload for this vacancy announcement.  Click "Apply to this Position Now" to attach your resume.  Your resume will only be attached to the Application Package you complete and submit immediately after you click on the Apply Online button, not to any other Application Packages you may already have created.  Once you have attached your resume, the system will take you to Application Manager to complete the Online Assessment Questionnaire and upload any other supporting documents that may be applicable.  If you do not have an account in Application Manager, you will need to establish an account to submit your Online Assessment Questionnaire.

Option 2.  If your resume is prepared outside of USAJOBS Resume Builder, click this link to begin the process: Online Questionnaire.  The system will automatically take you to Application Manager.  When you have completed the Online Assessment Questionnaire, proceed to "Upload Documents" to upload your resume or additional supporting documentation for this position:  1) Select the document type; 2) Click the "Browse" to locate a file and click "Open" to attach it; 3) Click "Upload" to upload documents for this job announcement.  When the message "Upload Successful" appears, repeat steps 1-3 to upload any other supporting documents.

Whether you have chosen Option 1 or 2, once you have completed the Online Assessment Questionnaire and uploaded your resume and any other supporting documents click "Next" to proceed to Submit My Answers.  Click "Submit My Answers".  Return to the "Main" screen to print your "Confirmation of your Submission to Application Manager powered by USA Staffing".  The Online Assessment Questionnaire must be completed and submitted by 11:59 p.m. EDT on  Tuesday, July 01, 2008.  If you have submitted all your application materials online you have completed the application process.

If you want to "Save" an INCOMPLETE  Assessment Questionnaire, you may return to Application Manager at any time using whichever one of the links you used to begin as described above, or go to http://ApplicationManager.org.

ONLINE RESUME:  Your resume must be submitted Online.  Please make sure your resume contains the basic information required in applying for a Federal job i.e., work experience applicable to this position (include dates [m/d/y] and the total number of hours worked per week for all employment; if the position had multiple duties include percentage of time spent on each duty.  Include series and grade for all Federal employment.  If this information is not included, the experience cannot be credited.  For additional information on what is needed in your resume click here.  (Applying for a Federal Job OF-510.)

NOTE:  Applications are not screened for required forms before determining minimum qualifications.  It is your responsibility to ensure that all required documents are received in the office by the close of business on or before the closing date of this announcement.  Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, etc.

Alternative Method for Submitting Your Application Materials: You are encouraged to scan and upload your application materials as described using Application Manager; however, if you are unable to do this, you may fax your assessment questionnaire, resume and/or other required documents directly into the electronic system using the official fax cover page. The information contained on the fax cover page must match the information you provided in your Assessment Questionnaire.  The Vacancy ID UK193119, your Name and SSN should be written accurately and neatly.  If the information is inaccurate or incomplete, you may not receive consideration for this position. The fax number is 1-478-757-3144.

If applying online, faxing or hand delivering application materials poses a hardship, please contact the servicing human resources office during core business hours (8:00am to 4:30 pm central time) prior to the closing date.  Requests for hardship will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  Make requests in a timely manner to allow enough time to obtain documents and return the completed information to our office. 

This Agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities (i.e., alternative means of communication such as Braille, large print, audiotape, etc). If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact USDA Target Center at 202-720-2600, voice and TDD. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

In accordance with 39 U.S.C. Section 415, use of postage-paid government agency envelopes to file job applications or application materials is a violation of federal law and regulations. Applications submitted in postage-paid government envelopes will not be accepted.

Required Documents:

OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:  In addition to your Assessment Questionnaire and Online Resume, other documents may be required. 

WHAT OTHER DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED?

1. If this vacancy announcement has a basic education requirement, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts that lists college courses detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., BIO101, MATH 210, etc.). This information should include course title, school name/location, date completed, grade, and number of credits earned.  Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating.  You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. education standards with your resume.  An official college transcript may be required before you can report to duty.

2.  If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, provide a copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal (at least "fully successful" or equivalent), and proof of eligibility, i.e., a RIF separation notice or Certification of Expected Separation, and SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location.  CTAP and ICTAP eligibles will be considered well-qualified if achieving a rating of 80 or above excluding veteran's preference points.

3. If you are claiming Veteran Preference, submit evidence of eligibility, such as DD-214 (Member 4 copy), Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or Standard Form 15, Application for 10-point veteran preference, and the proof requested on the form. 

4. If you are a current or former federal employee please provide the most current Notification of Personnel Action (Form SF-50) that verifies career-conditional/career status, position title, series and grade.  

Assessment Questionnaire

Social Security Number

Required.  Enter your Social Security Number in the space indicated.

Vacancy Identification Number

The Vacancy Identification Number is:  UK193119
This field does not appear on the online application.  You would only need to enter it if using an alternative application method.  See Item 2 under Alternative Methods for Completing FORM C.

 

1. Title of Job

Administrative Officer, GS-0341-13

2. Biographic Data

All biographic information is required except for your telephone number and contact time.

3. E-Mail Address


4. Work Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

5. Employment Availability

6. Citizenship

Are you a citizen of the United States?
7. Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

8. Other Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

9. Languages

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

10. Lowest Grade

Required.  Enter the lowest grade level you will accept, i.e.,13

13
11. Miscellaneous Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

12. Special Knowledge

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

13. Test Location

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

14. Veteran Preference Claim

Required.  Enter your claim for Veterans' Preference.  To receive credit for veterans' preference, you must provide documentation (DD-214 or SF-15 and proof requested).

For items 15, 16, 17 and 18 enter date information in this format:  MM/DD/YYYY

15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service

Please enter your dates of active military service, unless you have claimed derived preference (i.e., widows, spouse, etc.)  Please use this format: (mm/dd/yyyy)

16. Availability Date

You may omit the availability date if you can begin work immediately.  Otherwise, you must provide the date that you will be available for employment.

17. Service Computation Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

18. Other Date Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

19. Job Preference

How did you hear about this vacancy announcement, please choose only one answer. 

1 Advertisement2 Career Fair3 College/University Career Center4 Local Job Service Center5 MANRRS6 Professional Association Conference7 USDA Agency Official8 www.usajobs.opm.gov9 Other Source

If applicable, please indicate the specific conference, career fair, and/or other source.

20. Occupational Specialties

Required. 

001 Administrative Officer
21. Geographic Availability

Required.  Enter at least one geographic availability code.  The location code(s) for this position is:

0320 Phoenix, AZ
22. Transition Assistance Plan

If you are not a displaced federal employee leave Section 22 blank.

Note:  To receive consideration for CTAP or ICTAP, you must submit the necessary supporting documentation.  Refer to the vacancy announcement for additional information and instructions.

23. Job Related Experience

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

24. Personal Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

25. Occupational/Assessment Questions:

Respond to the following questions. Mark only one response for each question. Any experience claimed in response to the following questions MUST be supported by information in your written application. This information must be SPECIFIC, (i.e., duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments). Failure to provide this supporting documentation may result in receipt of a lower or ineligible rating.

1. From the descriptions below, select the response that best describes your level of experience that demonstrates your ability to perform GS-13, Administrative Officer work. (Note: One year of specialized experience is based on a 40-hour workweek. If you have worked less than 40 hours per week, you must prorate your experience.)

A. I possess one or more years of administrative experience equivalent to the GS-12 in the Federal service. Experience that equipped me with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. This includes a knowledge and understanding of administrative management principles, practices, methods and techniques, and skill in integrating management programs with the administration of program activities. Experience planning, managing, executing, evaluating and facilitating the full range of administration programs and operations such as personnel management, budget and contracting management, public relations and supervision. Assignments involve a combination of administrative, personnel and program management.

B. I do not possess the required experience to qualify for this position.

You are to choose one answer to each question from among the alternatives presented. Do not mark more than one answer for each question. Multiple answers will not be counted.

2. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your knowledge of Personnel Procedures and regulations.

A. I have experience managing or performing a major personnel area such as staffing, employee and/or labor relations, employee development or classification.

B. I have experience working in an area of personnel such as a staffing section, developing training programs, attending recruitment sessions, preparing evaluation statements.

C. I have experience in any type of personnel work that provides an understanding of personnel procedures and concepts.

D. I perform technical support in an area of personnel.

E. None of the above.

3. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your ability to gather and analyze Personnel Procedures and regulations.

A. I have experience conducting and analyzing studies for management and presenting various options.

B. I have experience in data collection and analysis such as conducting desk audits, preparing budget estimates, or conducting program evaluations.

C. I have experience collecting and compiling data from available sources, such as compiling expenditure reports, surveying training needs, etc.

D. I have experience collecting data to incorporate into a final report.

E. None of the above.

In the answer box provided, please describe your knowledge and experience of personnel procedures and regulations. Indicate education or experience and dates experience was gained. You are encouraged to include specific accomplishments in your response.

4. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your knowledge of budget formulation process, estimates and control methods.

A. I develop, review, and approve estimates and administrative funds for personnel, travel, equipment, and other administrative expenses.

B. I review, analyze, and edit budget estimates submitted for accuracy and conformance with budgetary policy, laws, and regulations.

C. I assure that obligations incurred and the resulting expenditures of funds are in accordance with laws and regulations.

D. I direct the formulation, execution and justification of a budget for a state-wide organization.

E. None of the above.

5. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your experience conducting fiscal reconciliations and/or corrections.

A. I have provided technical guidance to employees on the preparation of general administrative budget reports and records of accountability for checks and other negotiable forms.

B. I have prepared year-end reconciliation reports.

C. I have conducted fiscal reconciliation and/or correction of discrepancies and resolved unusual situations.

D. I have interpreted and written fiscal and accounting procedures; maintained fiscal and accounting procedures to receive, disburse, review and account for all funds.

E. None of the above.

In the answer box provided, please describe your knowledge and experience of budget formulation, developing budget estimates and conducting fiscal reviews. Indicate education or experience and dates experience was gained. You are encouraged to include specific accomplishments in your response.

6. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your knowledge of contracting, purchasing and procurement activities.

A. I perform one or more administrative support services functions in contracting such as property management, furniture, equipment, or records and communications.

B. I perform administrative services work in small purchases and leasing.

C. I develop and direct the full range of administrative support programs to include contracting, procurement, property, space and leasing for a state-wide organization.

D. I perform administrative support services functions in contracting such as sole source, negotiated acquisition, or sealed bidding.

E. None of the above.

In the answer box provided, please describe your knowledge and experience in procurement or contracting. Indicate education or experience and dates experience was gained. You are encouraged to include specific accomplishments in your response.

7. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your experience performing property, space management and leasing.

A. I have coordinated, executed and evaluated space leasing programs.

B. I have analyzed space requirements, determined space allocations, or designed space layouts.

C. I have approved leasing agreements and ensured leases are in full compliance with pertinent and applicable regulations and procedures.

D. I have served as the representative or lead on collocated space (i.e., coordinated moves, advised and resolved problems, negotiated compromises and developed reimbursable agreements for space and shared equipment).

E. None of the above.

8. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your information technology experience.

A. I have reviewed information technology security plans; determined their adequacy, and requested revisions as necessary.

B. I have developed an information technology security plan for an office/agency.

C. I have identified and reported information technology security breaches.

D. I have managed information technology systems to ensure systems quality, integrity, security, and provided user support.

E. None of the above.

9. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your experience reviewing administrative reports and records to identify problems and develop solutions.

A. I have reviewed and ensured administrative records are current, accurate and in compliance with regulations and procedures.

B. I have planned and conducted on-site reviews of administrative management practices (i.e., position management, staffing and budget changes, training, equipment, etc.) to insure accuracy of records and reports and proper interpretation and application of handbook procedures.

C. I have evaluated resource needs and developed recommendations for efficient/effective utilization of staff.

D. I have recommended training based on needs identified through reviewing reports/records or discussions with management officials.

E. None of the above.

10. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your experience researching, interpreting and applying policies, procedures, directives and regulations.

A. I have researched, interpreted, and applied procurement and contracting policies, procedures, and requirements.

B. I have researched, interpreted, and applied human resources policies, procedures, and regulations.

C. I have researched, interpreted, and applied principles and practices associated with budget and fiscal management operations.

D. All of the above.

E. None of the above.

11. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your ability to provide supervisory leadership.

A. I have experience as a manager or supervisor with a full range of supervisory responsibilities planning, organizing, directing, and controlling a major administrative program.

B. I have experience as a manager or supervisor supervisory a personnel, contracting, or budget office.

C. I have experience as a work leader or designation with responsibility for assigning and/or reviewing work products in an administrative area.

D. I have experience as a lead specialist with responsibility for an administrative program.

E. None of the above.

12. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your ability to provide technical leadership and supervision (INCLUDES PROMOTING EEO/CR).

A. I Assign and review work, evaluates performance and adjusts work assignments among teams.

B. I determine the training needs and train others on administrative program regulations and requirements.

C. Promotes EEO/CR policies/regulations and agency affirmative action goals.

D. All of the above.

E. None of the above.

In the answer box provided, please describe your knowledge and experience providing leadership or supervision to a personnel, budget, procurement, or IT staff. Indicate education or experience and dates experience was gained. You are encouraged to include specific accomplishments in your response.

Please answer YES or NO to questions 19-28. Do not mark more than one answer for each question.

A- Yes
B- No

13. Provides advice and counsel on retirements to ensure accurate and timely retirement calculations.

14. Determines the adequacy of safety and health methods, procedures, or facilities.

15. Manages an IT system within an administrative function to ensure systems quality, integrity, and security.

16. Reviews and ensures administrative records are current, accurate and in compliance with regulations and procedures.

17. Provides consultation on new, complex and detailed administrative programs including policies, objectives and implementation procedures.

18. Reviews applications, conducts interviews, and recommends or hires personnel for an administrative office.

19. Planned, assigned, and evaluated the work of subordinates in an administrative function.

20. Served as Training Officer/Coordinator by planning, developing and conducting training pertaining to new or revised administrative program.

21. Served as benefits coordinator providing advice and counsel on health and life insurance plans.

22. Administers employee relations activities including grievances, disciplinary/adverse actions, and EEO complaints.

Contact Information:
FARM SERVICE AGENCY

Phone: (816)926-6781

TDD: 800-735-2966

Email: exam1@kcc.usda.gov


Or write:
Farm Service Agency
Please do not send mail
Apply On-Line
Thank You, MO 00000

USA


What To Expect Next:

Once your online assessment questionnaire and resume has been received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful.  After a qualification review of your complete application package has been made, you will be notified as to the status of your application.  If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.  

You can track the progress of your application package in Application Manager,  http://ApplicationManager.org. 

After selection, applicants may be required to submit the official college transcript, OF-306 "Declaration for Federal Employment", original social security card, birth certificate, state driver's license or state issued identification card with photograph.  In addition, to be eligible for federal employment, male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify at the time of appointment that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service Law.