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NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
Sudent Trainee (Administrative Support-OA)
Dates: 01/09/2013 - 01/23/2013

Job Title: Student Trainee (Administrative Support-OA)

Department: Department of the Interior

Agency: National Park Service

Job Announcement Number: NPS-NCR-ROCR-13-817484DMW

JOB SUMMARY:

Experience your America and build a fulfilling career by joining the National Park Service. Become a part of our mission to unite our past, our cultures and our special places, to establish important connections to the present and build a rich and lasting legacy for future generations. For more information about the National Park Service, visit http://www.nps.gov.

WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:  Student Program Eligibles within the local commuting area (50 mile radius) of the Washington, D.C. Metro Area

Rock Creek Park is truly a gem in our nation’s capital. It offers visitors an opportunity to reflect and soothe their spirits through the beauty of nature. Fresh air, majestic trees, wild animals, and the ebb and flow of Rock Creek emanate the delicate aura of the forest.

Our country’s history abounds within the park. Visitors walk in the footsteps of Native Americans, the Old Stone House attests to a time when Washington, D.C. was a new capital, Peirce Mill reminds us how a new technology aided the economic growth of the nation, and Civil War remnants divulge stories of unrest. Ultimately, the establishment of Rock Creek Park in 1890, “...for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of the United States” served as an inspiration for the creation of future National Parks.

What General Information Do I Need To Know About This Position?

This position is being filled under the Pathways Internship Program which is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with paid work opportunities in agencies to explore Federal careers while still in school.

What are the Eligibility Requirements?

In order to be eligible for an appointment under the Pathways Internship Program:

• You must be a student accepted for enrollment or enrolled in a degree or certificate program on a full- or half-time basis as defined by the institution (certificate program means post-secondary education, in a qualifying educational institution, equivalent to at least one academic year of full-time study that is part of an accredited college-level, technical, trade, vocational, or business school curriculum); and

• Enrollment is with a qualifying educational institution such as a high school or state-approved home school; or accredited technical or vocational school; a 2 or 4 year college or university; a graduate or professional school (e.g., law school, medical school); or a post-secondary home school curriculum; and

• Students must be in good academic standing according to their institution. 

You must continue to meet these eligibility requirements throughout the duration of your appointment under the Pathways Internship Program.

This position is established to provide a meaningful employment opportunity in the Administrative Support occupation.  The employment opportunity may involve: specific administrative task/work assignments and a variety of activities and assignments, and working with technical, administrative and professional staff in support of office programs and activities to gain practical work experience.

This is a temporary appointment not to exceed 1 year. This appointment may be extended until the incumbent's education program requirements have been completed (as long as the incumbent continues to meet the eligibility requirements under the Pathways Internship program), at which time the individual may, at the Agency's discretion, be converted to a term or permanent appointment.  There is no guarantee for conversion.

The hourly salary range for the GS-04 grade level is $14.59 to $18.97.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is mostly sedentary for long periods of time, and requires some walking, crouching, and light lifting.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The work is conducted within an office environment.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Must meet eligibility requirements for Pathways Internship Program
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Svs.
• Relevant experience and/or education (See Qualification and Evaluations).
• Suitable for Federal employment as determined by a background investigation
• You must be a U.S. Citizen and at least 16 years of age
• You must be able to type a minimum of at least 40 words-per-minute

DUTIES:

Types in final format from notes/drafts, correspondence, including letters, spreadsheets, memoranda, and reports checking for proper format.  Uses typewriter and personal computers (this includes printers, copiers, and scanners) to prepare these documents and other standardized documents.  Receives and directs telephone calls and visitors, referring telephone callers and visitors to appropriate staff or office.  Answers routine and non-technical requests for information.  Prepares travel documents.  Assures proper maintenance and operation for a variety of office equipment.  Requisitions office supplies, printing support, and related materials/services.  Establishes, updates and maintains office records.  Distributes and controls incoming and outgoing mail.  Performs data entry for a variety of administrative functional areas.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: Wednesday, January 23, 2013

In order to qualify for this position applicants must have successful completion of 2 academic years of post high school study or an associate's degree.  The required education must lead to a bachelor's degree with specialization in or directly related to the field in which the student trainees will receive training on the job.

There is no specific amount of general or specialized experience required for this position.

Under the Pathways Internship Program applicants/participants must be CURRENTLY enrolled or accepted for enrollment at least half-time as a student at an accredited educational institution in a certificate, degree or diploma program.

Applicants enrolled in GED courses and pursuing a GED diploma meet the definition of participant.

Home school applicants may participate in the Pathways Internship Program as long as he or she is participating in either an accredited home school, or a home school curriculum approved by their State.

Applicants must be in good academic standing as described by their institution.

Please submit a legible copy of your school transcripts so that we can verify your coursework. It need not be an official transcript; however, if you are selected, you may be required to submit an official transcript prior to entering on duty.

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

REQUIREMENTS:

Appointment will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation. Under the requirements of the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), all new Federal Employees must pass a background investigation. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.

New employees of the Department of the Interior must identify a financial institution for direct deposit of net pay within 30 days of entrance on duty.

This is not a drug tested position.

Trial period may be required.

Incumbent must be able to type a minimum of at least forty (40) words-per-minute.

Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active.  Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update our system. 

If selected you will be required to provide a letter of acceptance or proof of enrollment before entrance on duty.

 HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

We will review your application, including an online assessment questionnaire, to ensure you meet the job requirements and assess your ability to perform this job.  Your ratings are subject to change if discrepancies exist between your responses and your supporting documents.

All applicants will be rated on the following Skills or Competencies:

• Speaking - Uses correct English grammar to organize and communicate ideas in words that are appropriate to listeners and situations.

• Interpersonal Skills - Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others.  Develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed.  Relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.

• Technical Competence - Knowledge of how to perform one’s job.  Refers to specialized knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience.

• Technology Application - uses computers and computer applications to analyze and communicate information in the appropriate format.  Uses machines, tools, or equipment effectively.

• Writing - Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information in a succinct and organized manner.  Produces written information, which may include technical material that is appropriate for the intended audience. 

If you meet the qualification requirements, based on your score your application your applicant will be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified.  Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans.

• Best Qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position.

•  Well Qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the requirements of the job.

•  Qualified- applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in some, but not all of the requirements of the job.

BENEFITS:

The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package. Explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees at https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_Benefits

Annual and Sick Leave: Most Federal employees earn both annual and sick leave. For additional information visit: http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp

If you use public transportation, part of your transportation costs may be subsidized. Our human resources office can provide additional information on how this program is run and provide you with the appropriate forms.

OTHER INFORMATION:

Veterans Preference:  If you are claiming veterans preference, you must submit proof of eligibility.  See http://help.usajbos.gov/index.php/Veterans_Information

Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible visit http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp#ictap.

Travel, transportation and relocation expenses will not be paid.  Any travel, transportation, or relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the responsibility of the selected employee.

HOW TO APPLY:

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 pm EST on Wednesday, January 23, 2013.

To begin click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register and submit all required documents and complete the assessment questionnaire.

To return to a previously saved or incomplete application you may use the following link: https://applicationmanager.gov/.

We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online, you may FAX your application materials to (478) 757-3144:

1. Complete the official FAX coversheet http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf
2. Use Vacancy ID 817484
3. Print and complete a copy of OPM Form 1203-FX http://www.opm.gov./forms/pdf_fill/OPM1203fx.pdf
4. Document your responses to the assessment questionnaire (click here to View Occupational Questionnaire).
5. FAX your resume, assessment questionnaire (OPM Form 1203-FX) and supporting documents (See Required Documents below) to (478) 757-3144.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

1. Resume showing relevant experience (cover letter optional)
2. Completed Assessment Questionnaire.
3. Veterans' Preference Documentation (DD-214, VA Letter, and SF-15 if claiming 10-point Veterans' Preference; DD-214 if claiming  5 point preference) if applicable
4. ICTAP/CTAP Documentation (see "Transition Assistance Plan" in online questionnaire) if applicable
5. Documentation supporting eligibility for non-competitive appointment (e.g. severely disabled, eligible veterans, etc.), if applicable
6. School transcripts and/or acceptance letter from accredited institution.

NOTE: If you receive an email stating that there was a technical problem uploading your documents, you should fax the applicable documentation to OPM at 478-757-3144.  Be sure to use the fax cover sheet that was linked in the vacancy announcement, include the appropriate Office Code (OV) and VIN (six digit code) so that the fax is processed properly and promptly.  For further questions regarding applying options online or by fax, please contact OPM at ApplicationManagerHelpDesk@opm.gov.

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

Dafina M. Williams
Phone: (202)619-7230
Fax: (202)619-7240
Email: DAFINA_WILLIAMS@NPS.GOV

Agency Information:
NPS National Capital Region
1100 Ohio Drive SW Room 244
Washington, DC
20242

Fax: (202)619-7240

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted. After making a tentative job offer we will conduct a suitability and/or security background investigation.

Contact Information
Name: Dafina M. Williams
Phone Number: 202-619-7230
Email: DAFINA_WILLIAMS@NPS.GOV