Secretary (Office Automation)

Department of War Education Activity • Aguadilla, PR

27d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located at Ramey Unit School in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The school occupies 20 acres in the northwest corner of Puerto Rico. Federal employees in Aguadilla may be entitled to a 2.49% Cost of Living Allowance in addition to base salary; the percentage is subject to change. The position is not covered by a bargaining unit.

The role supports school office operations by preparing and reviewing correspondence and documents, maintaining office records and calendars, assisting staff and visitors, and coordinating substitute teachers. The position is announced at GS-05 and GS-06, with GS-06 as the full-performance target grade. Work at a developmental level may be performed under close supervision if the employee is not selected at the full-performance level.

Employment is subject to applicable federal hiring, citizenship, suitability, and time-in-grade requirements. The position requires a qualified typist who can type 40 words per minute on a five-minute sample with no more than three errors. A typing test may be required. A Tier 1 investigation with Childcare Checks is required because the position involves interaction with children and youth under age 18.

Requirements

• Meet the eligibility requirements of at least one of the employment authority categories listed in the announcement.
• For GS-05, qualify through one year of specialized experience that includes using office automation software to receive or compose routine correspondence, scheduling appointments, and providing customer service to staff or visitors; alternatively, four years of post-high-school education at an accredited business, secretarial, or technical school, junior college, college, or university; or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
• For GS-06, have one year of specialized experience managing office calendars, reviewing correspondence for accuracy, and maintaining office records such as time and attendance, payroll, or leave records. Education cannot substitute for experience at this grade.
• Type 40 words per minute on a five-minute sample with three or fewer errors; a proficiency test may be administered.
• For GS-06 applicants who held a GS position within the last 52 weeks, have 52 weeks of federal service at GS-05 or an equivalent grade.
• For GS-05 applicants who held a GS position within the last 52 weeks, have not been promoted more than two grades during the preceding 52 weeks.
• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Use direct deposit for pay.
• Complete a Tier 1 investigation with Childcare Checks and meet the suitability/fitness determination.
• If applicable, meet Selective Service requirements; male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement.
• A one-year probationary period may be required.
• If using foreign education to qualify, provide documentation that it has been evaluated and determined equivalent to U.S. accredited education, or that full credit has been given for the courses at an accredited U.S. college or university.

Responsibilities

• Review outgoing correspondence for accuracy.
• Prepare memorandums, documents, and forms.
• Compile information for reports.
• Maintain an office calendar and suspense files.
• Receive calls, greet visitors, and direct inquiries.
• Provide information and guidance on school procedures, reports, and requirements.
• Maintain personnel time and attendance records in accordance with DoWEA policies.
• Coordinate and arrange substitute teachers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED