Supervisory Writer-Editor

Summary This position is located at the ARS, Headquarters, Office of the Associate Administrator, National Programs (ONP) in Beltsville, MD. In this position, you will serve as the Supervisor for the Executive Correspondence group and will provide direction and leadership for the Agency's controlled correspondence system, serve as a focal point within ARS for preparation of briefing papers and correspondence, and oversee the administration and maintenance of the Administrator's files and records. Responsibilities Edit incumbent's own work and the work of staff for conformity with established formats and for accuracy, clarity, and emphasis so that the materials can be readily comprehended by its intended audience. Ensure the appropriate application of Agency, Department and Government policies as well as professional standards of excellence regarding quality and form of correspondence products. Develop, plan, and execute text, outlines, and talking points for high level Department and Agency officials. Research and analyze nationally significant topics and issues and confer with senior managers and program officials to obtain relevant background information. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with Agency executives and program managers, remaining cognizant of areas of vital concern to each group and any areas of potential controversy regarding Agency policies and programs. Oversee inquiries and responses to inquiries received through Federal Agencies and Departments, State and local governments, private institutions, industry, and the general public on the behalf of the Office of National Programs. Oversee and coordinate writing and editorial support to ONP's National Program Leaders and Deputy Administrators, including developing documents such as the National Program Action Plans, reports, strategic plans, and other documents as necessary. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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. Time in grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. GS-13 Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-13 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-12 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience analyzing, expressing, and presenting technical or scientific information in a clear manner to the public; preparing and editing written products such as briefing papers, articles, or correspondence related to scientific research; providing prooing and copy editing for documents prepared by staff writers or editors; and coordinating and managing communication across program areas. 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 This position does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Veterans who are preference eligible or who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after three years or more of continuous active service are eligible for consideration under the Veteran's Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA). Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Employees: Permanent County employees without prior Federal tenure who are selected for a Civil Service position under Public Law 105-277 will be given a career-conditional appointment and must serve a 1-year probationary period. For more information on applying under special hiring authorities such as 30 percent disabled veterans, certain military spouses, Schedule A Disabled, etc., explore the different Hiring Paths on the USAJOBS website. Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) provides current or former temporary or term employees of federal land management agencies opportunity to compete for permanent competitive service positions. Individuals must have more than 24 months of service without a break between appointments of two or more years. Service must be in the competitive service and have been at a successful level of performance or better. Refer to PUBLIC LAW 114-47-AUG. 7, 2015 for more information. This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.