United States Department of Agriculture
Risk Management Agency
PLEASE READ ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS UNDER "HOW TO APPLY" BEFORE YOU BEGIN.
The Risk Management Agency (RMA) promotes, supports, and regulates sound risk management solutions to preserve and strengthen the economic stability of America's agricultural producers by providing crop insurance to American producers, developing the premium rate, administering premium and expense subsidy, approving and supporting products, and reinsuring companies.
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: All interested persons may apply. You need not be a current or former Federal employee to apply.
FARM SERVICE AGENCY (FSA) COUNTY EMPLOYEES: Permanent County employees without prior Federal tenure who are selected for a Civil Service position under Public Law 105-277 will be given a career-conditional appointment and must serve a 1-year probationary period.
Please read and follow all the instructions. You must submit a Complete Application Package, which includes all of the following:
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 Thursday, July 03, 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 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 going to be one you 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 Thursday, July 03, 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 the link 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 following:
NOTE: Applications are not screened for required documents 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 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. If you upload your documents using Application Manager, DO NOT FAX the same documents. To verify uploaded documents have been processed, please wait one hour to ensure they have cleared the virus scan. You can verify that your uploaded documents are attached to your application by checking the Details tab of your Application Manager account https://applicationmanager.org for this vacancy announcement. Your documents will display under the Details tab in the Document area.
However, if you are unable to do this, you may fax your assessment questionnaire, resume and/or other required documents directly into Application Manager. Faxed documents will take 2-3 business days to process. To fax documents, you MUST use the special cover page. You may click this link to print a copy of the cover page or print the pre-populated cover page on the upload documents screen of Application Manager. When faxing documents you must follow the procedures outlined below:
Faxed documents submitted with missing or incomplete information WILL NOT be processed. The following will prevent your documents from being processed:
NOTE: If you have documents in your Application Manager account from a previous vacancy announcement they can be opened, copied, saved and then reused as an upload file for this vacancy. Uploading your documents will speed the processing of your application for this vacancy announcement.
If applying online, faxing or hand delivering application materials poses a hardship, please contact the servicing human resources office during core business hours (8:00 am 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 completed information to our office.
This Agency provided 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.
OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: In addition to your Assessment Questionnaire and Online Resume, other documents may be required (i.e., college transcripts, Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50/FSA-50, current annual performance appraisal [within 18 months], DD-214, etc).
WHAT OTHER DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED?
1. If this vacancy announcement has a basic education requirement and/or you are substituting education for specialized experience, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts and/or course slips that list college courses, detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., BIO 101, 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 will 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 applying for 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. Current or former Federal employees must provide the most current Notification of Personnel Action (Form SF-50) that verifies career-conditional/career status, position title, series and grade (do not submit an Award SF-50). FSA County employees must provide the most recent Notification of Personnel Action (Form SF-50-B or FSA-50) that verifies permanent status. Also provide the SF-50 that reflects the highest grade level held on a permanent basis or the full performance level of your current position, whichever is higher. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating.
5. Current Federal employees must submit their most recently completed annual performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) which identifies the employee's official rating of record, signed by the supervisor, or a statement advising why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Do not submit a performance plan. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating.
6. If you are eligible for appointment based on a disability under the Schedule A hiring authority, you must provide a certification of disability. The certification of disability can be documented in one of several ways; by a counselor at either the State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency or the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service of the Department of Veterans Affairs; by a statement or letter on a physician/medical professionals letterhead stationary; or by statements, records or letters from a Federal Government agency that issues or provides disability benefits. The certification must verify the applicant has a severe disability and is therefore eligible under a Schedule A appointment authority, and he or she is able to perform the essential duties of the position. The certification must also describe any needed reasonable accommodation. You can review additional information at: https://www.opm.gov/diability/appempl.asp.
7. If you are eligible for appointment based on Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA), or 30% Disabled Veterans, service in the Peace Corps, Vista, Action Cooperative, or another special authority, submit proof of eligibility.
Assessment Questionnaire
Social Security Number
Required. Enter your Social Security Number in the space indicated.
The Vacancy Identification Number is: UK196106
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.
Administrative Support Assistant (OA)
All biographic information is required except for your telephone number and contact time.
Read the following questions and mark Yes to those applicable to you.
Question 1. Are you a current permanent (non-temporary) competitive service Federal employee of the RISK MANAGEMENT AGENCY?
Are you a permanent county employee of the FARM SERVICE AGENCY?
Are you a permanent (non-temporary) competitive service Federal employee of another Federal agency?
If your response to any of the above questions is YES, then answer "YES" to this question. If your response is yes, you must submit the Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50/FSA-50, that reflects permanent status.
Question 2. Are you a former Federal employee with competitive/reinstatement eligibility? (Have you worked for the Federal government in your past under a permanent competitive appointment?)
If your response is YES, then answer "YES" to this question. If your response is yes, you must submit your Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50/FSA-50, from your previous permanent appointment.
Question 3. Are you eligible and applying under special hiring authorities such as: Individuals with Disabilities, former Peace Corps, Vista and Action Cooperative volunteers, Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) or 30% Disabled Veterans?
If your response is YES, then answer "YES" to this question. If your response is yes, you must submit proof of your eligibility with your application (i.e., DD-214).
Question 4. Are you eligible and applying under Pub L. 106-117 Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA)?
If you answer is YES, then answer "Yes" to this question. If your response is yes, you must submit proof of your eligibility with your application (i.e., DD-214).
Question 5. Are you a CURRENT Federal employee serving in a permanent position (non-temporary) at the GS-08 grade level or above with promotion potential to the GS-08 grade level or above?
Are you a FORMER Federal employee who served in a permanent position (non-temporary) at the GS-08 grade level or above or had promotion potential to the GS-08 grade level or above?
If your response to either of the above questions is YES, then answer "YES" to this question. If your response is yes, you must submit your Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50, or other official documentation to support your response.
Question 6. Are you interested in applying utilizing two different recruitment methods: Merit Promotion and Open Competitive?
Open Competitive announcement are open to the general public. ANYONE MAY APPLY.
Merit Promotion announcements are open to current and former permanent Federal employees with competitive status and certain other candidates who are eligible for placement under special hiring authorities.
If you are interested in applying utilizing both recruitment methods, answer YES to this question. If you answer "YES", then you MUST SUBMIT TWO (2) COMPLETE SETS OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION; however, you need only submit one Qualifications and Availability FORM C (OPM-Form 1203-FX).
Required. Enter the 08, the lowest grade level you will accept.
Required. Enter your claim for Veterans' Preference.
For items 15, 16, 17 and 18 enter date information in this format: MM/DD/YYYY
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)
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.
Required. Enter at least one occupational specialty.
Enter 001 as the occupational specialty to apply as a Merit Promotion candidate.
Merit Promotion refers to announcements open to current and former Federal employees, permanent FSA county employees, and certain other candidates eligible for placement under special hiring authorities.
Enter 002 as the occupational specialty to apply as an open competitive candidate.
Enter 001 and 002 in blocks 1 and 2 if you wish to to apply both as a Merit Promotion and Open Competitive candidate. Please remember you must submit two (2) complete sets of supporting documentation if you choose this option. If you submit all your application materials online, you need only submit one set of supporting documents.
Required. Enter at least one geographic availability code. The location code(s) for this position is:
In this section indicate if you are a surplus or displaced Federal employee requesting special priority consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP). Otherwise, 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.
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 resume (OF-612, or other written format). 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, choose the response that best describes the highest level of experience and/or education you have that demonstrates your ability to perform GS-8, Administrative Support Assistant work. SELECT ONLY one LETTER. (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.)
2. From the description below, choose the response that best describes your typing skill. IN ADDITION, TO RECEIVE CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION, YOU MUST SELF-CERTIFY YOUR TYPING SPEED ON YOUR APPLICATION OR RESUME.
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.
3. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your knowledge and experience performing administrative support functions.
4. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your experience performing travel functions.
5. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your knowledge and experience performing records management functions.
6. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your fiscal experience.
7. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your ability to communicate orally.
8. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your ability to communicate in writing.
9. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your experience analyzing administrative operations effectiveness, efficiency and productivity; and making recommendations for improvements.
10. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your experience reviewing administrative reports and records to identify problems and develop solutions.
11. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your experience researching, analyzing and applying records management policies, procedures, and regulations.
12. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your experience in reviewing and analyzing a variety of information to perform segments of records management.
13. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your experience conducting fiscal reconciliations and/or corrections.
Please answer YES or NO to questions 14 thru 29. Do not mark more than one answer for each question. If you are nearing completion of the required education, please answer YES.
A- Yes.14. Have you maintained and processed payroll, time and attendance records?
15. Have you prepared travel vouchers and/or authorizations?
16. Have you proofread letters or other documents for spelling, grammar, punctuation, format and style?
17. Have you provided on-the-job training to new employees or co-workers?
18. Have you volunteered to assist others during heavy workload by assuming additional duties while continuing to perform own work?
19. Have you processed incoming correspondence, forms, records or other documents and screens out items to personally handle and forwards remaining items to appropriate individual?
20. Have you served as technical expert when locating and selecting the appropriate guideline, reference or procedure for application to specific program area (i.e., travel, fiscal, records and administrative management, etc.)?
21. Have you researched, interpreted and applied regulations, procedures and directives issued by department, agency or office and advised subordinates and management of changes or revisions and their effect on office procedures?
22. Have you researched, interpreted and applied travel regulations?
23. Have you researched, interpreted and applied payroll, time and attendance regulations?
24. Have you interpreted and applied guidelines for operation of word processing equipment?
25. Have you provided guidance and assistance to lower level clerical staff on policies and procedures?
26. Have you communicated with travel agency representative to secure travel arrangements?
27. Have you managed the retrieval of retired records in response to internal agency requests?
28. Have you researched, interpreted and applied records management policies and regulations?
29. Have you developed recommendations for changes necessary to bring filing functions into compliance with existing regulations?
Once your online assessment questionnaire and resume has been received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a qualification reivew 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.
Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by Thursday, July 03, 2008. If you have questions about the position requirements, which the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sets, you may review them in greater depth in OPM's Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review on OPM's website.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: At the GS-8 level, you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level in the Federal service. Experience that equipped the applicant 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.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-8 LEVEL: Experience that demonstrates the abilities to independently perform a full range of technical and administrative support functions in an office, comprehensive knowledge of administrative processes and procedures i.e. travel, fiscal, records and admininstrative management.
EDUCATION SUBSTITUTION FOR SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-8 LEVEL: Successful completion of a master's or high level graduate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in business or public administration, industrial management, political science, government, organization and management, psychology, sociology or education.
TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Federal employees applying under merit promotion procedures must meet time-in-grade requirements. To meet time-in-grade requirements, applicants for the GS-8 position must have served at no lower than grade GS-7 during the preceding year under any type of appointment, or have met the requirements at some time previously.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND FINGERPRINT CHECK: Selection and retention in this position is contingent on a successfully adjudicated FBI National Criminal History Check (fingerprint check) and a background investigation. Prior to employment, you may be required to complete an OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment and other paperwork. The information collected on this form is used to determine suitability for Federal employment. You will also be required to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application/resume. You must answer all questions truthfully and completely. A false statement on any part of the declaration or other forms may be grounds for not hiring you or for firing you after you begin work.
Job Details |
Job Location |
Candidate Application |
| Employer: Department Of Agriculture | Address: | Contact: |
| Job Type: Full-time | City: Saint Peters | |
| Experience:Any | State: Missouri | |
| Education: College | Zip Code:63376 | Online: Website Link |
Salary Range: 40,779.00 - 53,012.00 USD per year
Permanent employees are eligible to elect life and health insurance coverage and will be covered by a Retirement System. Employees will earn annual and sick leave. For additional information on benefits click here.
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