USAJOBS - Job Announcement

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BEA is located within the Suitland Federal Center (SFC) in Suitland, MD, just outside of Washington, DC. The SFC is an award-winning, state-of-the-art workplace conveniently located directly off the Suitland Metro stop; free parking and a variety of van pools, carpool's, and bus lines are also available. On-site amenities include a cafeteria, gym, health center, and child development center.

This vacancy is for an Economist position within the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).

The Recent Graduate Program is a one-year program that targets individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs. Successful applicants will be placed in a dynamic, one year career development program. Throughout the program, you will participate in formal training, job assignment and receive a mentor to develop competencies applicable to BEA's mission and needs. This position is at band II (GS-7, equivalent) entry level, and may be converted to a permanent or term appointment upon successful completion of the program.

This position is a Full time; Excepted Service; Pathways Program - Recent Graduates; Appointment is for an initial period of one year. Position may be converted to a permanent or term position.

One year probationary period may be required.

This is a non-bargaining unit position.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill additional similar positions.

The full performance level for this position is the ZP-III ( equivalent to a GS-12).

This position is covered by an Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS). This system replaces the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and grades with career paths and pay bands. This position is an Economist, ZP-0110-II (equivalent to a GS-7).

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Reviewing applications

Open & closing dates

07/06/2017 to 07/13/2017
Salary

$43,057 - $78,703 per year
Pay scale & grade

ZP 07
Location

Few vacancies in the following location:
- Washington DC, DC Few vacancies
Travel Required

Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed

No
Appointment type

Recent Graduates
Work schedule

Full-time - Full Time
Service
Promotion potential

12
Job family (Series)

0110 Economist
Supervisory status

No
Security clearance

Not Required
Announcement number

MASB1973269-JN
Control number

471977300

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The typical assignments for an Economist include, but aren't limited to:

Prepare, revise, and analyze estimates of components of gross domestic product
Analyze economic data and develop estimates of economic statistics
Engage in research projects, recommend improvements to estimates and prepare documentation of estimates
Communicate with a variety of audiences in writing and in person
Develop computer applications to make estimates of economic statistics

Who May Apply

This job is open to…

Recent College Graduates from qualifying institutions within two years of degree or certification (Veterans precluded by their military service obligation, will have up to six years to apply).

Questions? This job is open to 0 group.

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Conditions of Employment

U.S. Citizenship
Resume and/or Supporting Documents (see How to Apply)
You may be required to complete one (1) year probationary period
Relocation costs will not be paid.
Qualifications

All applicants must meet the qualifications by the closing date of the announcement

Qualifications

To be considered eligible as a Recent Graduate you must have completed, within the previous two years:

· A qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree, or certificate from a qualifying educational institution.

· Veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree, due to military service obligation, have as much as six years after degree completion to apply.

Note: Students who have not completed their educational degree requirements may apply and be considered for a Recent Graduate job in the weeks/months prior to the job being filled. These individuals must, however, must meet the above eligibility requirements before they can be appointed as a Recent Graduate under the Pathways Program.

In addition to the qualifications listed above applicants must meet the BASIC REQUIREMENTS for this position.

All applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

A. Bachelor's Degree: Economics, or in any related field that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience-courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Examples of qualifying experience include:

(1) Individual economic research assignments requiring planning, information assembly, analysis and evaluation, conclusions and report preparation;

(2) Supervisory or project coordination assignments involving a staff of professional economists, and requiring the evaluation and interpretation of economic information;

(3) Teaching assignments in a college or university that included both class instruction in economics subjects and one of the following: (a) personal research that produced evidence of results, (b) direction of graduate thesis in economics, or (c) service as a consultant or advisor on technical economics problems.

NOTE: Experience in related fields that did not involve the use and understanding of economic principles and theories may not be used as qualifying experience at the GS-7 grade levels.

In addition to meeting the basic requirements, all applicants must meet one of the following GS-7 qualifications:

A. Superior Academic Achievement, S.A.A., which is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.

1. Class standing- Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business administration, based on completed courses.

2. Grade-point average (G.P.A.)-Applicants must have a grade-point average of:

a. 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 (B or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the 2 final years of the curriculum; or

b. 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 (B+ or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final years of the curriculum.

Grade point averages are to be rounded to one decimal place. For example, 2.95 will round to 3.0 and 2.94 will round to 2.9.

The G.P.A. should be credited in a manner that is most beneficial to the applicant. For example, applicants may list their G.P.A. as recorded on their final transcript, or they may choose to compute their G.P.A. The specific provisions are detailed below.

*G.P.A. as recorded on the final transcript. The final transcript must cover the period being used to determine GPA., i.e., all 4 years or last 2 years.

3. Rank in the upper one-third of your graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision.
4. Membership in a national honor society (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.

If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) was taken on a pass/fail or similar basis, your claim must be based on class standing or membership in an honor society.

OR

B. You have one full year of graduate level study, or a master's or higher degree (see http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-04.asp

OR

C. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you have had at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal Service: Examples of qualifying specialized experience include:

Individual economic research assignments requiring planning, information assembly, analysis and evaluation, conclusions and report preparation; project coordination assignments involving a staff of professional economists, and requiring the evaluation and interpretation of economic information; or teaching assignments in a college or university that included both class instruction in economics subjects and one of the following (1) personal research that produced evidence of results, (2) direction of graduate theses in economics, or (3) service as a consultant or advisor on technical economics problems.

OR

D. Combination of graduate education and specialized experience described in "B" and "C" above.

Combining Education and Experience: To combine qualifying graduate education and specialized experience, you must convert each to a percentage and then add the two percentages. The total of the two percentages must equal at least 100 percent for you to qualify. To calculate your percentage of education, divide the number of graduate semester hours by 18. (If your education is described in quarter hours, you must convert the quarter hours into semester hours by multiplying the quarter hours by the fraction 2/3.) Next, determine the number of months of qualifying specialized experience you possess and divide that number of months by 12. Add the two percentages.

You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) You may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement. Failure to provide your college transcripts or a list of completed college courses will result in you not receiving consideration for this position, and you will receive an ineligible rating.

Education

To be considered eligible as a Recent Graduate, you must have already obtained a degree within 2 years of the close of this announcement.

Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit:
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Additional information

HOW TO CLAIM VETERANS PREFERENCE (FedsHireVets.gov):

If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF-15 found at http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives at www.archives.gov/veterans.

If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.

If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF-15. If you don't have your Department of Veterans Affairs letter establishing proof of disability, you may request it at http://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ or call 1-800-827-1000.

Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered or exempt from http://www.sss.gov/.

If you are a displaced Federal employee within in the local commuting area of this announcement, you must include ALL the following documents to receive Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan consideration for this vacancy:

1. Proof you are a displaced Federal employee under 5 CFR 330.702, e.g., one of the following: RIF Separation Notice; Notice of Proposed Removal for Declining a Transfer of Function; Agency certification of inability to place after termination of work-related disability compensation; OPM Notice of Termination of Disability Annuity; or certification of a Military Reserve Technician or National Guard Technician special disability retirement annuity.
2. SF-50s (Notification of Personnel Action) sufficient to show all of the following: 1) that you held career/career-conditional competitive status in your position of record; 2) the promotional potential of your position of record; and 3) the duty location of your position of record. NOTE: You may need to submit more than one SF-50.
3. Most Recent Performance Appraisal. This requirement does not apply if you qualify for ICTAP due to injury compensation or disability annuity.

Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan (I/CTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above in accordance with the agency's merit promotion procedures on the rating criteria for this position. For further information about the I/CTAP programs, visit http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal 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#icc.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. The numeric rating you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire. The score is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this position. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. The category assignment is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies required for this position.

Category Rating procedures will be used to rate and rank candidates. The category assignment is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies required for this position. Qualified candidates will be ranked into 3 categories: GOLD, SILVER, and BRONZE.

GOLD – Demonstrates better overall or key knowledge, skills, or abilities for a specific position.
SILVER – Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities which clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position, but does not necessarily meet the definition of best qualified.
BRONZE – Meets the minimum qualifications standards, including any selective placement factors, for a specific position

The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three", but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent, must be listed in the highest quality category.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal 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#icc.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

· Your Résumé (if you submit a personally developed résumé, curriculum vitae, or any other written format, be sure to include a detailed description of your job-related qualifications, beginning/ending dates, and hours worked per week, for each paid and non-paid position you included).

· Completed Assessment Questionnaire

· College Transcripts that reflect the required degree and/or course work. You may submit official, unofficial, or a self-certified list of course titles, grades earned, completion dates, and the number of semester or quarter hours earned.

Other Supporting Documents: (only submit if applicable to you)

· Veterans' Preference and/or VEOA documentation (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4, SF-15, VA letter, etc.)

· CTAP/ICTAP documentation

· Noncompetitive appointment eligibility documentation

If you are unable to upload supporting document(s) online, you can fax them by completing the following:

1. Print out a Fax Cover Page @ http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf and complete the required information. The Vacancy ID is 1973269

2. Fax a Cover Page with each supporting document to 1-478-757-3144 by 11:59 PM (EST) on TAG:Closing Date to receive consideration. Keep a copy of your fax confirmation in the event verification is needed.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Thursday, July 13, 2017 to receive consideration.

* To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

* Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.

* It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account at https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login and click the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account at https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

To complete a hard copy assessment questionnaire and submit it via fax: Do not complete the steps below if you have already applied online to the questionnaire for this position as this will overwrite your prior online responses and may result in you being found ineligible.

To fax supporting documents you are unable to upload, complete this cover page http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf using the following Vacancy ID: 1973269. Fax your documents to 1-478-757-3144.

If you cannot apply online:
1. Click the following link to view and print the assessment questionnaire View Occupational Questionnaire, and
2. Print this 1203FX form to provide your response to the assessment questionnaire http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/OPM1203fx.pdf and
3. Fax the completed 1203FX form along with any supporting documents to 1-478-757-3144. Your 1203FX will serve as a cover page for your fax transmission.

Agency contact information

Washington Services Branch

Phone: (202)606-2575
Email: WASHINGTON@OPM.GOV
Address: COMMERCE Bureau of Economic Analysis
Please do not send mail
Washington, DC 00000

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. Based upon your score, you may be referred to the hiring official. If your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly by that office for a possible interview.

You will receive notice via email or by mail, if no email address was provided by you during the application process, once this process is completed (generally 4-6 weeks).

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.