USAJOBS - Job Announcement

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The Research Manager leads the Natural Resources and Earth Sciences Section of the Resources, Science and Industry Division in the development of policy research and analysis relevant to congressional needs.Issues include natural resources policy and implications in key areas including institutional, economic, regulatory, and scientific issues related to public lands; fish and wildlife; water resources; forestry, terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems; earth sciences; and natural hazards.

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Reviewing applications

Open & closing dates

10/30/2018 to 12/26/2018
Salary

$134,789 - $164,200 per year
Pay scale & grade

GS 15
Location

1 vacancy in the following location:
- Washington DC, DC 1 vacancy
Telework eligible

No
Relocation expenses reimbursed

No
Appointment type

Permanent - Position
Work schedule

Full-time - Flexitime.
Service

Excepted
Promotion potential

15
Job family (Series)

0101 Social Science
Supervisory status

Yes
Drug test

No
Announcement number

VAR000663
Control number

515271500

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The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

U.S. citizens

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The Research Manager leads the Natural Resources and Earth Sciences Section of the Resources, Science and Industry Division in the development of policy research and analysis relevant to congressional needs. Issues include natural resources policy and implications in key areas including institutional, economic, regulatory, and scientific issues related to public lands; fish and wildlife; water resources; forestry, terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems; earth sciences; and natural hazards.

Duties include:

Ensures that the work results in objective, authoritative analysis with which the Congress can assess the consequences of legislative/policy options;
Proactively establishing relationships with committees of jurisdiction, building long-term relationships with clients, and taking initiative to seek out new congressional contacts for CRS;
Manages congressional requests, concerns, and needs in policy areas within the research management responsibility of the section;
Collaborates with other managers to ensure an integrative approach to the work by fully identifying significant policy problems facing the Congress, developing analytical approaches to address these problems, and applying appropriate resources;
Manages and supervises policy analysts, including communicating performance standards and expectations to staff, observing staff performance, giving feedback, and assessing performance; and
Performs special assignments as directed by the division’s Assistant/Deputy Assistant Director.

Candidates with research and research management experience in issues covered by the Natural Resources and Earth Sciences Section, and who have strong interpersonal skills and are capable of leading a highly motivated and talented research staff committed to providing Congress the highest level of nonpartisan, authoritative, objective policy analysis are encouraged to apply.

CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS has been a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill for more than a century.

CRS is well known for analysis that is timely, authoritative, confidential, objective and nonpartisan. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation's best thinking on public policy issues of interest to its committees and Members.

Manages research, leads staff, and advises the Assistant Director and Deputy Assistant Director. Ensures that research and analysis is conducted in a fully collaborative manner both within and outside the section, reflects the congressional agenda, and is relevant to congressional policy making. Leads, plans, organizes and coordinates research, including major research projects related to sensitive or complex public policies of national or international significance, which are often multidisciplinary in nature, and may include research performed by outside consultants. Ensures that research and analysis undertaken is of the highest quality and meets CRS' standards of objectivity, responsiveness, non-partisanship, balance, timeliness, legislative relevance, authoritativeness, and accessibility. Reviews research to ensure that it complements other Service research and analyses; is accurate, well-organized, and cogent; meets professional and service standards; adheres to CRS policy guidelines; and is responsive to the legislative needs of Members and committees of Congress. Establishes and maintains relationships with Members and committees of Congress.

Contributes to and assists in developing CRS-wide strategic goals and priorities. Communicates those goals and priorities to staff. Oversees the implementation of CRS-wide policies, procedures, standards and guidelines by staff. Effectively communicates management initiatives to staff and ensures that staff are able to acclimate to the changing needs of Congress and the CRS research community. Conveys to senior management information and concerns from staff.

Directly supervises staff members in the Natural Resources and Earth Sciences Section of the Resources, Science and Industry Division. Leads staff toward meeting the Library’s and CRS’s vision, mission, and goals by managing performance, communicating effectively, fostering continuous improvement and innovation, building and maintaining relationships, leveraging diversity and inclusiveness, thinking systematically and inspiring change.

Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

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Conditions of Employment

The Supervisor leads his/her staff toward meeting the Library’s vision, mission, and goals by acting decisively, leveraging diversity and inclusiveness, demonstrating flexibility and resilience, fostering continuous improvement and innovation, and fostering integrity and honesty. To view the Library’s Supervisory Core Competencies click the following link: http://www.loc.gov/hr/employment/uploads/loc_supervisor_core_competencies.pdf.

Qualifications

Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.

Knowledge of natural resources policy**
Ability to manage research**
Ability to review the analysis of others**
Ability to lead and manage staff
Ability to communicate in writing
Ability to convey information orally through briefings, consultations, and other presentations
Knowledge of congressional decision making
Ability to collaborate
Ability to build relationships
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing
Ability to exercise judgment and discretion

Additional information

The Congressional Research Service, within the Library of Congress, is part of the Legislative Branch of the federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service.

Although it is the Library's policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid the minimum step of the grade.

The selected applicant may be required to file a financial disclosure statement with the House of Representatives, U.S. Congress, in accordance with the provisions of Public Law 95-521, Ethics in Government Act of 1978.

This is a supervisory, non-bargaining unit position.

The tour of duty for this position is full-time.

The position description number for this position is 85357.

The incumbent of this position may elect to work a flexitime work schedule.

The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement.

Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation.

Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement.

Initial appointments, permanent or indefinite, to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. In addition, per Library of Congress Regulation 2010-12, an appointee is subject to a one-year supervisory probationary period, if this is his/her first supervisory/managerial position at the Library.

This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify this agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The certificate of disability may be issued by a State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of an applicant's college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The date of certification must be within one year of the vacancy closing date and must be submitted with your application. For more information view the directive on the Library's Selective Placement Program and/or contact the Library's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Programs at 202-707-6024 (voice or TTY) or email spp@loc.gov. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM.

Are you a veteran? Please indicate the type of Veterans' Preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim. Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. For more information regarding eligibility requirements, please see the Library's Merit Selection Plan, Section X.D. IF REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION IS NOT ATTACHED, VETERANS' PREFERENCE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS.

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.

Review our benefits

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.

The Library of Congress evaluates applicants through an applicant questionnaire and a structured interview. Applicants may also be screened for some jobs through licensing, certification, and/or education requirements, a narrative/application review, and/or a preliminary telephone interview.

The knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that are marked with a double asterisk (**) in the vacancy announcement and the applicant questionnaire are considered the most critical for a position. To be considered for final selection, applicants must demonstrate fully acceptable experience in these designated KSAs in the narrative/application review, preliminary telephone and/or full structured interview.

The various assessment tools listed above are designed to verify or explore applicants' experience, knowledge, and training directly related to the job in order to identify the best qualified applicants for selection.

To preview questions please click here.

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.

Review our benefits

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.

Current or former federal employees must submit their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent).

Disabled applicants claiming Selective Placement eligibility must submit the appropriate supporting documentation described in OTHER INFORMATION above. If this required documentation is not attached, your application will not be considered under the Selective Placement Program.

Veterans claiming Veterans' Preference eligibility must submit the appropriate supporting documentation described in OTHER INFORMATION above. If this required documentation is not attached, Veterans' Preference will not be applied to your application.

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.

Please carefully follow all instructions under the How to Apply tab to ensure you are considered for the position.

You are required to apply online for this announcement. We are unable to accept mailed or emailed documents. You must complete the entire application process, including submission of all documents BEFORE this announcement closes. To do so, complete the following steps.

Step 1: If you do not already have one, create a resume on USAJOBS. Although you must enter your Social Security Number for USAJOBS, this information will not be provided to the Library of Congress.

Step 2: Review the Job Announcement. We recommend you go to the end of the Qualification and Evaluation section of the job announcement to preview the online questions that you will answer in Step 4. You may wish to customize your USAJOBS resume to ensure that it supports your responses to these questions.

Step 3: Click on the "APPLY ONLINE" button to the right of this announcement. Follow USAJOBS' instructions to access your account and submit your resume. You will be redirected to the Hiring Management website to complete the application process. If this is your first time in Hiring Management, you will be asked to answer questions related to your eligibility for Federal employment. You will be able to update this information and save it to our account for future announcements.

Step 4: Once you have completed the eligibility questions, you will be taken directly to the vacancy application questions. Answer all questions honestly and thoroughly.

Step 5: Hiring Management offers three options that will electronically attach your documentation to your online application once you finish answering the questions in the job announcement.

(1) You may select a document that you have already uploaded to USAJOBS for a previous announcement.

(2) You may electronically upload a document directly from your computer to your application. Be certain to review your complete application for confirmation of the document uploaded and click on "Finished" to be returned to USAJOBS.

(3) You may follow the "Faxing Supporting Documentation" instructions within the online application, which will provide the necessary cover sheets for each of your documents so that they will be correctly submitted. The fax number will be available on the cover sheet.

Please note that each cover sheet and corresponding document must be faxed separately. Be certain to review your complete fax transmittal confirmation to ensure that all pages have been received.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have multiple documents of the same kind, e.g. 2 undergraduate transcripts from different schools or 2 SF-50s, etc., be sure that they are all in the same file on your computer or in your USAJOBS profile before uploading them. If you try uploading them individually, only the last one sent will be visible in our system. Likewise, if sending them by fax, be sure and include both of them behind the respective fax cover sheet and send them as one fax. If you send them individually with the same cover sheet, the last one sent will overwrite the first one. Finally, if you upload a document, e.g. your undergraduate transcript, do not also fax that same document (or fax another undergraduate transcript), because whichever one you send last will be the only one that is visible in our system. If you have any questions about this information, please contact the person on this announcement BEFORE the closing date.

Step 6: Click on "Finish" after you have completed your application. Once you have submitted your application, you can check your status online through your Hiring Management or MY USAJOBS account. Your complete online application and any required supplemental documentation (e.g., SF-50, etc.) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of the announcement. It is your responsibility to ensure that all documents are received on time and that the materials are readable. Failure to do so will result in your application being excluded from consideration for this announcement.

If you are experiencing any technical difficulty with the online process, you MUST CONTACT THE POINT OF CONTACT FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE. For all technical issues please contact jobhelp@loc.gov, no later than 4:30pm EST of the Closing Date. REQUESTS FOR EXTENSIONS WILL NOT BE GRANTED.

Agency contact information

Customer Service Center

Phone: 202-707-5620
Fax: 000-000-0000
Email: JobHelp@loc.gov
Address: LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
101 Independence Ave. SE
LM-107
Washington, District of Columbia 20540
United States

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Please review our evaluation process under Evaluation. You may check the status of your application for this position at any time by logging onto the USAJOBS "My USAJOBS" tab and clicking on "My Applications." You will receive final notification via e-mail when the vacancy has been filled.

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