Jobs for humanists 12/10
Hi, everyone! I saw that the Communications Analyst position from last week met its application cap early. Hopefully some of you were responsible for that.
Historian • Department of the Navy • December 13, 2021
Since the application window is so short, meaning the position is probbbbbably For Someone, I am mainly sharing this posting so we all remember that this is a job title you can look for.
Education Specialist • National Archives and Records Administration • December 15, 2021
This position is part of the National Archives and Records Administration, Lyndon B. Johnson Library. Under the general supervision of the Deputy Director, develops, implements and oversees plans, policies and procedures for all education programs of the Library and assists with public programs.
The job is in Austin.
You need one year of experience with the following responsibilities:
- Designing and facilitating professional development programs for educators at the K-16 level that includes best practices for integrating primary resources and archival material into classroom instruction.; AND
- Creating educational curriculum that integrates primary resources and archival materials for students at the K-16 level.; AND
- Leading volunteers, interns, or non-paid staff in the performance of presenting educational material.
Gallery Support Specialist • Center for Advanced Study of Visual Arts (National Gallery) • December 17, 2021 or 150 applicants
The main duties of this position seem to be administrative. Anyone on this list meets the minimum qualifications. They also want to know you’ve got the following competencies:
1. Basic knowledge of analytical and evaluative techniques sufficient to analyze and evaluate administrative procedures; updates digital databases used to manage academic programs, publications, and research.
2. Knowledge of and demonstrated skill in the use of personal computers and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access or similar software and familiarity with using automated databases and on-line resources for project coordination and creating special reports; familiarity with scanning techniques; ability to learn how to use internet content management systems; ability to type, edit and print documents; and familiarity with the use of budget software.
3. Ability to learn how to organize priorities and effectively manage time sufficient to perform a variety of analytical, evaluative, administrative and technical tasks within strict deadlines.
4. Knowledge of the Center policies and views on all significant matters affecting the Center.
AND they’d like you to talk about that stuff in a cover letter. Cover letters are unusual, but they’re explicitly asking for one. The questionnaire is not relevant to the application.
Gallery Support Specialist • National Gallery • December 17, 2021
This is another administrative position, but with a different way of explaining the job, and it doesn’t ask for a cover letter, as far as I can see. They break down the position’s duties in a granular way, so you should check that out. The qualifications are
Skill in providing administrative services and support.
Ability to support a museum’s business operations.
And the questionnaire is also helpful on that front.
Writer/Editor • USAID • December 20, 2021
My reading of this posting is that you need to basically be doing this job already - but some of you might be! The position is in the Auditor Support Division of USAID.
Help auditors and other subject matter experts write and revise audit reports and other OIG products by providing comprehensive writing, editing, and design support throughout the content development process.
Revise early draft documents for logic, clarity, and accuracy, and advise subject-matter-expert authors on options for improving overall presentation, organization, and messaging of information.
Participate in key meetings with teams, managers, and senior leaders on report focus, message, and progress. . .
In addition to education (just a BA), they want one year of experience:
1) providing comprehensive writing and editing (substantive and copyediting) support to subject-matter-expert authors of Federal audit reports (or comparable) throughout the content development process; (2) reviewing and revising written products to ensure compliance with writing principles, editorial style guides, formatting and design requirements, and established policies and procedures; (3) providing guidance and technical support for developing charts, diagrams, and other visuals to reinforce and clarify key messages; and (4) developing templates, tools, job aids, and/or training materials to help others efficiently develop effective print and digital communications.
The competencies are writing and communication stuff, but also “Laws, Policies, and Applications.” Here are the questions.
Grant Application Review Specialist • AmeriCorps • December 20, 2021
Public Health AmeriCorps will help vulnerable communities recover from COVID-19 and address broader public health needs. This exciting new partnership builds upon the expertise, best practices, and lessons learned from both existing AmeriCorps and CDC programs to support communities and also provide much-needed surge capacity for state and local public health agencies that continue to bear the burden of caring for a nation in crisis. AmeriCorps members will serve in support of in state, local, Tribal, and territorial public health agencies.
Duties include, but not limited to:
Manages assigned grant competitions and plans and executes application reviews for grant and cooperative agreement, in collaboration with programs staff and in accordance with AmeriCorps policies and procedures, and unit controls. Coordinates with appropriate AmeriCorps program personnel to ensure that the goals for each review are achieved. Works with program staff on identified issues of concern. . . .
And a bunch more besides. You can qualify with doctoral studies/PhD, but should explain how that . . .
has equipped the applicant with administering competitive grant application review processes for grants and cooperative agreements; managing grants; interpreting and applying federal laws and regulation, analyzing and developing policy and procedures; and providing training and technical assistance to applicants and grantees.
Librarian • Library of Congress • December 21, 2021
Okay, you can’t just be a humanist, you have to be a science-literate humanist for this librarian position in the “Science Medicine and Agricultural Section.” That’s their wording . . . it feels like some commas are missing, no? The posting breaks down library duties. To qualify, you don’t need an MLIS, but you need equivalent education/experience in graduate education.
The specific qualifications are:
Knowledge of at least one of the following subject areas: Science, Medicine, Biology and/or Agriculture.**
Ability to use integrated library systems, applications, or other information technologies.**
Ability to organize, analyze, and interpret data related to acquiring and/or cataloging library materials.**
Ability to develop and maintain relationships and provide consultation and liaison services.
Knowledge of library acquisitions and/or cataloging rules, practices, and procedures.
Ability to communicate in writing.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
Writer-Editor • Library of Congress • December 21, 2021
Do you think I may some day learn the difference between Writer-Editor and Writer/Editor? Anyway, this job is rather like the OSHA posting below.
The incumbent is a writer and editor who composes speeches, presentations, testimony, and publicly released written materials regarding copyright and the Copyright Office, primarily on behalf of the Register of Copyrights. The incumbent researches and analyzes topics as necessary to develop complete and accurate statements and works closely with Copyright Office senior management and subject-matter experts to gather information and verify facts and policies included in written materials. The incumbent consolidates diverse submissions into a unified written product for the intended audience. The work requires a delicate balance between maintaining accuracy and adjusting the level of writing to the understanding of different audiences.
If you have public-facing work, now might be a good time to mention it. They’re looking for the following skills:
Ability to communicate in writing.**
Ability to edit materials for publication.**
Ability to interact collaboratively with others.
Ability to research, analyze, interpret, and convey information.
Ability to use information technology to perform writing duties.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
And you can demonstrate some of that in your responses to the questionnaire.
Legislative Information Specialist • Congressional Research Service (LOC) • December 28, 2021
The posting requires skills as well as education to qualify. The responsibilities include:
The incumbent identifies points in the congressional proceedings where legislative action has occurred; evaluates the nature and technical meaning of legislative measures; monitors a variety of print and electronic quality control reports; identifies and diagnoses problems occurring in web-based legislative data; and assists in the development of special products and projects for the United States Congress and CRS. The incumbent also researches, identifies, enters, updates, organizes, and maintains data, and performs quality control rotational duties.
They would like you to explain your:
Knowledge of the legislative process**
Ability to interpret legislative information**
Ability to maintain quality control over information**
Ability to attend to detail**
Ability to utilize computer/information technology.
Ability to interact collaboratively with others.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
And they would also like relevant graduate experience. Questions are here.
Writer-Editor • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Labor) • December 29, 2021
The position entails a range of writerly duties for OSHA:
Serves as a writer and editor for materials of various types whose subject matter covers a broad range of policies, programs, and activities of OSHA.
Researches, writes, and edits a variety of informational products, working closely with staff members and subject matter experts within OSHA.
Writes, develops, and edits original content of uncomplicated materials of various types whose subject matter covers the policies, programs, and activities of OSHA. Reviews and edits materials prepared by other authors. Reviews work submitted for quality, consistency, and compliance with established standards of style, format, and content. . .
Technically, you can qualify with a PhD (for GS-11)! Your résumé should show how you PhD is relevant, then - perhaps your research overlapped with labor and safety? They are looking for the following competencies:
(Technical) - Knowledge of the missions and program areas of OSHA directorates, and familiarity of Agency programs and initiatives. Knowledge of the principles, methods, practices and techniques of writing and editing to assist in the development of various publications of informational materials.
(Written Communication) - Knowledge of grammar, writing, editing practices, and style requirements. Skill in applying this knowledge to prepare appropriate materials, including reports and articles, etc., and to proofread content for electronic and printed media.
(Consulting) - Knowledge of OSHA policies, programs, and activities and the importance of presenting them to targeted audiences, including employers, workers, and the general public, to interpret and present information using written products and media.
(Project Management) - Manages multiple tasks and meets deadlines. Organizes and prioritizes assignments based on urgency and other factors.
Check out the questionnaire, too.
Public Affairs Specialist • Federal Railroad Administration (Transportation) • January 10, 2021
Okay, so I’m sharing this for a few reasons, though it’s not a perfect fit. First, because *technically* you can qualify just with a PhD. Second, there’s enough prep time that, if you have relevant experience, you can translate it.
The ideal candidate has proven public affairs experience working for a governmental agency, elected official, corporation, trade or industry association, non-profit, or public relations firm. The incumbent is a motivated self-starter, who uses sound judgment and teamwork, is able to multi-task and under tight deadlines, and a skilled writer who can distill and explain complex information and data for various audiences.
If you think you might have done that kind of thing, and could take on a public-facing role, take a look at the rest of the posting.