Program Support Assistant

Agricultural Research Service • Fayetteville, AR

8h

About The Position

This position is with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), and its location will be determined upon selection. The Program Support Assistant serves as a personal assistant to the Research Leader and other professional staff, providing secretarial, administrative, and program support so they can focus on the organization’s primary mission.

The role provides administrative support for program planning, including research project coordination, travel documentation, budget coordination and tracking, agreements, purchasing and procurement of supplies and equipment, and human resources administration. It serves as the Unit’s primary administrative business process point of contact and uses online systems to perform a variety of tasks.

The assistant prepares graphics, photos and slides, and creates tables and graphs from statistical data. The role also coordinates the processing of manuscripts and reports for public information, edits material for structure, clarity, and formatting for scientific journals and other media, and develops and implements administrative systems or processes to meet Unit needs. The position may include service on special committees or projects.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Pass required background investigation and/or fingerprint checks and employment verification checks, and be subject to continuous vetting.
• Serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, depending on appointment type, unless previous federal service is creditable.
• Meet applicable time-in-grade requirements for promotion opportunities: 52 weeks at the next lower grade level.
• For GS-06: One year of specialized experience comparable to GS-05, including preparing or reviewing financial documents; using computer programs to prepare and review written documents; and providing information on policies, procedures, or guidelines.
• For GS-07: One year of specialized experience comparable to GS-06, including preparing or tracking financial forms or reports; maintaining detailed office records or files; coordinating all aspects of staff or supervisor travel; and ensuring compliance with regulations for program administrative procedures.
• Type at least 40 words per minute.

Responsibilities

• Provide secretarial, administrative, and program support to the Research Leader and other professional staff.
• Support program planning, including research project coordination, travel documentation, budget coordination and tracking, agreements, purchasing and procurement, and human resources administration.
• Serve as the Unit’s primary administrative business process point of contact.
• Perform tasks using online systems.
• Prepare graphics, photos, and slides, and create tables and graphs based on statistical data.
• Coordinate the processing of manuscripts and reports for public information.
• Edit material for structure, clarity, and formatting for scientific journals and other media.
• Develop and implement systems or administrative processes to meet Unit needs.
• May serve on special committees or special projects.

Benefits

• Federal employees receive access to a comprehensive benefits package for themselves and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed