Welcome back to Wine & Government Cheese! This is the fourth installment of our Friday e-mails, and I’m thrilled to have you all along. As always, you can comment below if you have something to contribute - or reply directly to me through regular old e-mail.
Have you applied to any of the positions from earlier e-mails?
Foreign Affairs Officer • Department of State • June 30, 2021
You need expertise in Central America (I can’t imagine you’d be competitive without it) and . . .
IN ADDITION to the basic requirements, this position requires one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
Experience assessing the relevancy and implications of global social, political, economic, geographic, and military issues, developments, and events affecting the formulation and execution of U.S. foreign policy;
Experience performing foreign policy analysis, develop options, and making recommendations; providing advice, guidance, and consultation to officials with regard to the interpretation and application of analyses;
Experience establishing liaison at all levels throughout the foreign policy and intelligence communities to exchange vital information; and
Experience preparing and presenting analyses, soliciting information, defending proposals and negotiating agreements.
. . .
The KSAs and competencies listed must be relative to the specialized experience and correlate to the questions covered in the assessment tool.
Knowledge of Foreign policy / International relations.
Ability to analyze and evaluate information derived from a variety of sources.
Ability to provide advice, guidance and consultation based on results of analyses.
Ability to communicate orally.
Ability to communicate in writing.
Knowledge of monitoring and evaluating foreign assistance programs/projects.
Equal Opportunity Specialist • Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (HUD) • June 30, 2021
If you have relevant research expertise on housing and experience with policy, you should look at the EOS postings at hiring grades, to see if you might be a good fit. I’m only sharing this one here, because it is open to the broadest candidate pool. (You might want to look at the other postings anyway.) This job is not based in DC.
As a/an[sic] EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SPECIALIST, you will:
Conducts systemic housing discrimination complaints, which affect large numbers of minorities and women, or which have been in effect for a substantial period of time, resulting in institutional or flagrant housing discrimination patterns of practices.
Interviews complainants and witnesses to obtain evidence relevant to the allegation of discrimination.
Secures voluntary compliance and/or attempts conciliation with recipients of HUD funds under Title VI, Section 109, Section 504, and Executive Order 11063. If settlement fails, drafts recommendations for further action on charges.
Prepares final investigative reports or a standard compliance review format which includes specifying issues, presenting facts germane to those issues, critically analyzing evidence, and making findings and recommendations.
Gathers and synthesizes facts using information technology to develop statements, findings, and conclusions resulting in position papers which will be disseminated to community-based interest groups, the media, and the general public.
. . .
Qualifications
[GS-12-11]
For the GS-09, you must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes:
- Experience investigating discrimination cases. (Including: party and witness interviews, document review, conducting on-site investigations, and analyzing evidence) OR
- Experience in assisting in the development of a public housing authority 5-year plan or City/County/State consolidated plan. OR
- Experience conducting fact finding for investigations/reviews that assess compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. OR
- EDUCATION: A related master's or equivalent graduate degree or two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related. OR
- A Combination: . . . [their emphasis]
You’ll be evaluated on “Communication, Problem Solving, and Technical Competence” (HUD just loves bold face, I guess). Here’s the questionnaire.
Government Information Specialist • Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor • June 30, 2021
See below for other versions of this posting. I’m 95% sure I saw a job earlier that had this same title but it was for dispensing information - it was basically a training job. These posts are about FOIA (which does sound interesting).
Responsibilities
Duties described below are at the full performance level GS-11. At the GS-9 level the employee will perform similar duties in a developmental capacity and with close supervision leading up to the full performance level.
Apply knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act (FOIA)/Privacy Act (PA), as well as other applicable information access laws, pertinent court cases decided under authority, and organizational policy. Knowledge is applied to analyze records and make evaluations as to what records, portions of records, or information may be released or withheld from the public.
Research, analyze, and evaluate data for response to information requests.
Assemble and review proposed FOIA/PA release packages; review appeals from denials of access to records requested under FOIA/PA and recommend final agency decision on release/non-release of records.
Prepare clear, concise, and defensible written conclusions on FOIA/PA matters for members of the public or media. . . .
Qualifications
Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, in the Federal Service.
FOR the GS-09: One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-7 level in the Federal Service which includes the following examples of specialized experience:
Knowledge of operations management programs, to include the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Privacy Act (PA), and ability to interpret, adapt, analyze, and extrapolate to arrive at a finding or decide on a particular course of action.
Experience in reviewing complex forms and legal documents for completeness; applying the principles, concepts and methods of legal research and analysis to research information using electronic resources.
Ability in utilizing case processing software to process FOIA/PA request or other legal cases.
You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: A Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.B. or J.D., if related. OR a combination of education and experience. . . .
One could also qualify for GS-11. In any case, you’ll be evaluated on “Attention to Detail, Technical Competence, Customer Service, Written Communication, Oral Communication” - and see the posting for a more detailed look at what they mean by those factors. Here’s the questionnaire.
Government Information Specialist • Federal Railroad Administration (DOT) • July 5, 2021
The responsibilities are less clearly defined than in the above position, but that may be because they are asking for more FOIA expertise off the bat:
[Responsibilities]
The ideal candidate has:
Significant experience in the FOIA, Privacy Act, and issues affecting government FOIA programs.
Significant experience working with program offices to obtain responsive records.
Research, communication (verbal and written), teamwork, and organizational skills.
Experience tracking FOIA-processing statistics and preparing reports for management on a routine basis.
Experience tracking open FOIA issues and preparing agendas for discussion at FOIA staff meetings.
Strong working knowledge of FOIAXpress (or other FOIA tracking system), and other office software (Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Professional).
. . .
Qualifications
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet either the education or specialized experience requirements.
To qualify for the GS-11 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-09 it must include:
Experience performing work processing FOIA requests, including determining exemptions, drafting responses, and providing technical assistance and training to others on FOIA and/or FRA FOIA process.
To qualify for the GS-11 on Education alone, you must have:
3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
The evaluation factors are “Customer Service, Oral Communication, Information Management.” They also have nice little blurbs. Here’s the questionnaire!
Government Information Specialist • Equal Employment Opportunity Commission • July 2, 2021
This position is in L.A.! So if it’s very important you see people wearing something other than Brooks Brothers, you’re in luck.
Duties may include, but are not limited to:
Processes FOIA Request (20-day timeline), which may include requests that are highly public or politically sensitive: Analyze FOIA requests to determine processing applicability.
Coordinates directly with requesters and other federal agencies to facilitate the processing of FOIA requests, determines material to be exempted, and writes final draft correspondence to requesters.
Conducts research, analyzes, evaluates, and determines which records can/cannot be disclosed and which records contain reasonably segregable information which can be redacted and disclosed in accordance to FOIA, PA, and other regulations/policies. . . .
Qualifications
For the GS-9: You must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level), such as:Researching, analyzing, and evaluating data, resulting in clear, concise, and defensible written conclusions on complex FOIA matters for members of the public.Experience assisting with distributing information, preparing specific FOIA guidance, reviewing processes and products for compliance with program requirements, developing and providing training, investigating complaints, incidents, and data breaches.Utilizing case processing software to process FOIA/PA requests.Responding to a variety of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) requests.OR Successful completion of a master's, or equivalent graduate degree, directly related to the position, OR 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, OR LL.B. or J.D., if related.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.
The KSAs are slightly different though overlapping: “Database Administration, Information Assurance, Information Management, Oral and Written Communication, Research.” And take a look at the questionnaire.
Web and Communications Specialist • Office of Congressional Workplace Rights • July 16, 2021
This may be another position where public-facing work could come in handy. A degree won’t do it: you have to demonstrate you have all the qualifications and experience.
The Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR) seeks an individual to serve as an integral part of the organization in the role of the Web and Communications Specialist. This is a new position.
This position serves to develop, implement, support, and maintain OCWR's website (https://www.ocwr.gov/) and related content; assist with the drafting, design, and production of OCWR materials; and administratively support the OCWR Outreach and Education Team.Major Duties/Responsibilities:
Provide continued development and support for the OCWR's website. Prior experience is required.
Oversee the OCWR's website contractor to define scope of work, provide detailed schedules and updated content, and monitor progress.
Ensure 508 compliance is met while implementing features and content.
Troubleshoot and resolve user issues with online training modules within the Learning Management System (LMS).
Assist in the layout, update, and design of reports, e-newsletters, information sheets, and PowerPoints.
Assist with social media tools such as Facebook and Twitter, online websites/blogs/intranets, and video platforms such as Vimeo and YouTube as needed.
Assist in the coordination of special events internal and external to the OCWR (i.e., outreach events, including training and award ceremonies). . . .
Qualifications
Must possess a passion for technology innovation and continuous process improvement.
Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
Must be goal- and deadline-oriented with the ability to be flexible and adapt to evolving priorities, processes, and technologies.
Document design/infographics skill/experience (e.g., Adobe, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva).
Project management experience is desirable but not required.
Knowledge of creating and editing graphic presentations for inclusion in web products.
5-7 years of relevant experience in developing and maintaining websites, is preferred.
Must have knowledge of and experience with various programming languages to include-but not limited to-HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL, and PHP. Must also have knowledge of operating systems such as Linux and Windows.
Ability to both work independently and collaboratively with colleagues on various projects at one time.
This posting does require a cover letter - I assume so people can explain why OCWR should be on TikTok. It also asks for submissions by e-mail????
Research Analyst • Office of Research and Evaluation, AmeriCorps • July 6, 2021
This one sounds neat!
This position is located in the Office of Research and Evaluation, Department of the Chief Executive Officer, in Washington, DC. The Research Analyst supports the implementation of an ambitious research and evaluation agenda capable of comprehensively addressing the Agency's mission, accommodating agency-wide evidence priorities, and illuminating the Agency's most effective policies, programs, and practices.
The incumbent will lead and oversee projects conducted by Office of Research and Evaluation staff as well as projects conducted by independent third parties including through the formal role of a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or through the formal role of a grants Portfolio Manager. . .
[Responsibilities]
Qualifications
Applicants must have one year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to at least the lower range of the NY-03 pay band, which would be at or equivalent to, the GS-11 level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is that which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.
Specialized experience includes:
Independently designing, conducting or overseeing research or program evaluation studies pertaining to education, employment, or disaster response;
Utilizing evidence-based grant making methodologies; and
Managing the financial and human resources needed to implement social science research.
Preferred qualifications:
Ph.D. in the social sciences from an accredited university.
Research experience that includes analyzing quantitative data through various statistical methods and analyzing qualitative data through various analytical methods.
Writing research reports clearly and coherently so that scientific findings are accessible to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Your KSAs are “Communication, Evaluation Capacity Building, Research and Evaluation.” And here’s the self-assessment so you know how to shape the resumé.
Assistant Professor of Reading and Professional Communication • US Air Force Academy • July 18, 2021
Not sure whether to post this one - I assume most readers of this list know the military academies hire professors, including in the liberal arts (they’re pretty big on training officers in the liberal arts, as you probably know!). I also think most people are looking to transition out of academia. But perhaps not everyone fits that bill. So, here is one such posting:
Responsibilities
To perform faculty duties in the Academic Success Center (ASC). Will teach undergraduate courses and provide supplemental instruction which may include the following areas: Reading Enhancement Program, English for Academic Purposes, technical communication, and other ASC courses and programs. Will support the mission of the Communication Strategies Center; provide assistance with Writing Center, Public Speaking Lab operations, future communication initiatives and other Academic Success Center programs; offer EI consultations to cadets and faculty, both individually and in group sessions which may occur during evening hours; promote professional activities in area of specialization; and participate in course and curriculum development and assessment. Serves as an Academic Advisor to undeclared cadets. Must be qualified, and may be assigned, to teach undergraduate courses in other academic disciplines, as directed.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: An earned Doctoral degree (must be completed by employment by application deadline in Communication, Composition & Rhetoric, Reading & Literacy, English with concentration in ESL or related field.
ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES:
Communication, Composition & Rhetoric, Reading & Literacy, English with concentration in ESL
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: An ideal candidate will have demonstrated evidence of teaching excellence at the college level for at least 3 years, full time.
Experience working with ESL, international students, or experience working in international settings.
Experience teaching academic literacy, technical writing, public speaking, and digital editing.
Experience working in writing centers, public speaking labs, and academic support centers.
Demonstrated record of building cooperation and collaboration across students and faculty.
Evidence of recent publications and presentations in professional venues that demonstrate an ongoing scholarly and/or creative agenda.
Note that this is a bit more like a standard academic application than it is a USAJOBS application - they want a CV and a cover letter.
It is highly desired that your cover letter and/or curriculum vitae address the following areas, as appropriate:
Teaching Accomplishments: Include teaching experience and teaching awards.
Professional Accomplishments: Include research, consultations, publications, and awards.
Service Accomplishments: Include memberships, leadership roles, nature of service and contribution in collegial and/or professional organizations, societies, etc.
Diversity Statement: Include teaching, life experience and/or research interests that contribute to a climate that values and promotes diversity in all its forms.
It might be a good idea to contact the HR reps listed to get a better sense of how to adapt your existing job market materials to this application. And also, like, read the whole ad. You should always do that, but just making sure.
If there’s a lot of interest in these positions, I may post them more regularly. Let me know!
Management and Program Analyst • Office for Civil Rights (DOE) • July 15, 2021 or after 100 applications
This position is listed at GS-9 and GS-11; the usual education qualifications apply. I’m just going to list the info for GS-9 for now.
As a Management and Program Analyst, GS-0343-09/11, you will be responsible for:
GS-9
• Assists the CRDC Team Leader and CRDC staff in performing records management to include electronic records management responsive to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
• Provides logistical assistance to the CRDC Team Leader and CRDC staff.
• Participates in relevant discussions, meetings, and conferences, as needed, in order to provide meaningful programmatic support.
• Assists in entering CRDC non-case related work products into the Activity Management System (AMS), a web-based document tracking system, storage and retrieval system (or its equivalent). Responsibilities include, entering the provision of technical assistance into AMS.
. . .
Specialized Experience for the GS-09
One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-07 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments:1. Experience improving program effectiveness/organizational productivity.
2. Experience using software, and related computer equipment.
3. Experience with evaluating and recommending ways to improve work operations in a program setting.
. . .
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
The quality of your experience will be measured by the extent to which you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). You do not need to provide separate narrative responses to these KSAs, as they will be measured by your responses to the occupational questionnaire. . .1. Knowledge [of?] using software, and related computer equipment.
2. Knowledge of the pertinent rules and guidelines, applicable to the Civil Rights Data Collection program in question.
3. Knowledge of issues, program goals, and objectives, work processes, and administrative operations of the organization.
4. Knowledge of the application of analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to issues or studies concerning the efficiency/effectiveness of program operations or substantive administrative support functions and organization structures.
Environmental Protection Specialist • EPA • July 7, 2021
Some area-specific knowledge is a good idea for this one. The job’s in Philly! It’s also open at GS-9 and GS-11.
Responsibilities
At the entry level of this position, you will:
- Perform various cost documentation activities in support of remedial and removal settlement negotiations with potentially responsible parties (PRPs);
- Assist in identifying issues with cost documentation which may pose risks in litigation and develops recommendations to team members;
- Support the litigation process by assisting in the preparation of responses to interrogatories, preparation of affidavits, and/or submission of depositions related to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) cost claims;
. . .
You will spend less than 25% of your work time on contracts, grants/cooperative agreements, and/or interagency agreements.
Qualifications
You do not need a degree to qualify for this position.
We are looking for at least one year of specialized experience related to this position as described below:
To qualify for the GS-09 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-07 level defined as reviewing and/or assessing the completeness, accuracy and/or adequacy of information and documentation used in support of enforcement actions and related activities - OR master's or equivalent graduate degree; or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.B. or J.D., if related; degree in an academic discipline related to this position - OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
[GS-11 qualifications]
Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: 1) Knowledge of EPA rules, regulations, policies and/or procedures associated with investigation, enforcement and/or litigation activities at Superfund sites; 2) Knowledge of cost documentation activities associated with Superfund sites; 3) Skill in oral communication; 4) Skill in written communication; 5) Skill in using data gathering and analysis techniques to collect and review enforcement information on environmental activities; 6) Skill in collaboration; 7) Skill in the quality review of documentation; and 8) Knowledge of contract management.
The questionnaire is right over here.
Public Affairs Specialist • FEMA • July 1, 2021 or 100 applications
This is a temporary job (2 years) which requires a lot of travel. It’s also based in Philly.
In this position, you will serves as the External Affairs Officer with the External Affairs Cadre Branch. Typical assignments include:
Developing communication strategies.
Defining objectives, overall operating procedures and exercises.
Coordinating with Regional Director and Office of External Affairs to implement goals.
Communicating principals and protocols associated with elected on-line media practices and stakeholder organizations.
. . .
Qualifications
The qualification requirements listed below must be met within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.
One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (IT-03) in the Federal Service. This experience may have been gained in the federal government, a state or local government, a non-profit organization, the private sector, or as a volunteer; however, your resume must clearly describe at least one year of specialized experience. Specialized experience for this position includes:
Developing and implementing communication goals and objectives.
Monitoring and analyzing media data and reports to identify trends.
Serving as a spokesperson with media representatives, staffers, or agency stakeholders.
Advising and delegating tasks to subordinate staff.
Okay, see you on Monday for Extra Cheese! It will be something other than job postings.