The Program Assistant performs a range of unique clerical and technically oriented duties in support of programs to exclude or prevent the spread of specific animal diseases through exportation or importation of live animals, animal byproducts, biological materials, and/or organisms. Provides clerical and program assistance to the Director or supervisor and is also responsible for performing support duties associated with nonstandard import/export functions.

Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Screens callers, furnishing information if possible or directing such callers to proper sources of information and relieves the Service Center Director or supervisor of routine office detail. Answers non-technical inquiries where policy has been established and definite information is available. Greets office visitors, furnishing information on area activities and established rules and procedures governing Veterinary Services programs, when appropriate. Reviews all incoming correspondence to determine the need for response and need for referral to the Service Center Director or supervisor. Frequently researches and prepares response for signature of the Director or supervisor. Prepares instructional or informational material for the supervisor or Director for issuance to field and office personnel. Files all correspondence, VS Memorandums, notices, circulars, regulations, policy statements, and disposes of such records according to current disposition schedules and agency requirements. Makes appointments for the Supervisor, Service Center Director or Acting Service Center Director and keeps them advised of their schedules. Prepares travel schedules and makes reservations for supervisor and personnel.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Subject to one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Successful completion of one-year trial period.
• Testing Designated Position: Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.
• Selectee will be subject to a pre-employment medical statement and/or exam.
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• In accordance with Office of Government Ethics regulations concerning conflict of interest, the incumbent will be required to submit a financial disclosure report within 30 days of their effective date of appointment and annually thereafter.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. FOR THE GS-5 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-4 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: - Producing and filing various routine correspondence, reports, contracts, permits, etc. - Creating, copying, and editing documents with word processing software and printing equipment. - Receiving visitors and phone calls, ascertaining the nature of requests and directing callers to appropriate staff. Independently responding to routine inquiries. - Entering data into spreadsheets and databases such as Excel and Access. Retrieving information for reports and inquiries. - Reviewing correspondence prepared for the staff. Checking for spelling, typographical errors, conformance to formats and procedural requirements; OR 4 years above high school. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-5 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service USDA APHIS MRPBS 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401 US
• Name: MRP Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]