This position is located in USDA, Rural Development, Palmer, Alaska. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the Tribal Relations Specialist for the tribal communities and persistent poverty, underserved rural areas within the state. This is not a remote or virtual position. The employee will report directly to one of the offices as listed in the duty location above.

Duties

Provides advice regarding tribal coordination, housing, mortgage lending on tribal lands, business development, tribal community facility development and tribal infrastructure financing to Program Directors, Specialists, Technicians and IC personnel. Actively participates in planning, developing, and implementing programs to fit the needs of Native Americans. Conducts outreach to tribes, tribal organizations and tribal members to understand the needs of respective tribal communities in order to assist them with identifying RD, USDA and other programs that match their needs. Promotes programs and projects to aid in accomplishing State Indian Reservation related development goals, and customer service to socially disadvantaged. Participates in resolving tribal specific issues and barriers related to Rural Development programs and applications and recommends policy and/or process improvements.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National
• Males born 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.
• 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/

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-09 level: Applicants must have (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level or its non-Federal equivalent that demonstrates: Experience working in, with and/or for Tribal governments, tribal entities, and/or tribal organizations; Knowledge of tribes and the history between tribes and the federal government and knowledge of community development issues faced by tribes, tribal organizations including housing, infrastructure and business development. OR master's or equivalent graduate degree OR two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree. Equivalent combination of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. For the GS-11 level: Applicants must have (1) year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level or its non-Federal equivalent that demonstrates: experience delivering programs to Federally Recognized Tribes, tribal non-profit organizations and groups, establishing collaborative relationships with Tribes and tribal organizations, the ability to properly apply Indian law and policy when developing strategies to solve complex program delivery issues; OR Masters or equivalent graduate degree in a related field, OR 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LLB, LLM or J.D., if related OR a combination of education as described and specialized experience. Equivalent combination of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. For the GS 12 level: Applicants must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS- 11; or its non-Federal equivalent that demonstrates: Providing guidance and assistance to the tribal and persistent poverty communities in preparing loan and grant applications. Analyzes the socioeconomic and cultural diversification factors within the state to target education, technical assistance, and financial programs to underserved rural areas, specifically tribal communities and promote flexible solutions using new approaches; experience with federal Indian law, tribal law, and/or tribal treaties. There is no substituting education for specialized experience. There are 3 Selective Placement Factors for this position. Selective Placement Factors (SPF) are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for the position. Applicants who do not meet the SPF are ineligible for further consideration. NOTE: To be considered for this position, you must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the GS-0301 series set forth in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards by the closing date of the announcement. A copy is available at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards 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

For the GS 09/11 level- A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

For the GS 12 level- Qualifications are based upon meeting specialized experience only. Education cannot be used to qualify for this position

Contacts

• Address Rural Development 1400 Independence Ave SW Washington, DC 20250 US
• Name: Chee Vue
• Email: [email protected]