Program Support Assistant

Agricultural Research Service • Dawson, GA

8d

About The Position

This position is with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), with the location 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 supports program planning and unit operations, including research project coordination, travel documentation, budget coordination and tracking, agreements, purchasing and procurement, and human resources administration. The assistant is the Unit’s primary administrative business-process point of contact and uses online systems to complete work. The position also supports scientific communications by preparing visual materials, processing manuscripts and reports for public information, and editing material for scientific journals and other media. The assistant may develop administrative systems and processes, and participate in committees or special projects. Applicants must meet the applicable GS-06 or GS-07 specialized-experience qualifications and be able to type 40 words per minute. There is no education requirement. Employment is subject to federal eligibility and screening conditions, including a one-year probationary period.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Must satisfactorily pass applicable background investigation and/or fingerprint checks.
• Must use direct deposit for federal payments.
• Must successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period and receive written certification of continued employment to remain employed after its completion.
• Must be able to type 40 words per minute.
• 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.
• 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.
• Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the announcement closing date.

Responsibilities

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

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized at the hiring official’s discretion.
• Flexible work arrangements may be available subject to agency policy and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

What This Job Offers

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